Mauna Kea - Big Island Hawaii

A friend from Korea wanted to see the beautiful stars a top Mauna Kea, so we made it a point to visit.

From Volcanoes National Park, it took about two hours to reach the visitor's center at Mauna Kea.

Although you may want to drive past the visitor's center, you have to acclimate there to avoid altitude sickness.  We spent about an hour at the visitor's center and met a hillarious older couple from New Jersey that kept us entertained.  We also shopped a little inside of the visitor's center, where they sell souvenirs, as well as hot chocolate and miso soup. 

We treaded to the top of Mauna Kea with our 4-wheel drive vehicle.  The view was INCREDIBLE, as always.  I also saw some snow.

At the summit, we saw the most amazing view and had a chance to take in the breathtaking scenery - literally.  My poor friend's lips turned blue because it was hard to breathe at the summit, while the cold had taken over our bodies.

I could barely stand outside, although I managed to take a ton of pictures (which ended up being blurry).  People must have thought we were crazy, jumping and running around for our silly photos, but it was fun.

By 7:00 p.m. we had to go back down to the visitor's center, where they provided telescopes for viewing the stars and planets. 

Before leaving, I decided to buy a t-shirt which I thought was purple, but turned out to be gray.  At night, they use some sort of red lighting, which throws things off a bit. 

I walked b

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park - Big Island, Hawaii

I never get tired of visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.  I'm constantly amused and always fascinated by the things that I am able to see at the park. 

On Friday, I stopped by Jaggar Musuem to see Kilauea Crater.

Kilauea Crater is active, which you may notice because of the rising steam. 

Around sunset, the view is said to be more spectacular because of the red glow from inside the crater.

We drove by and saw the red glow from afar, but it would have been 100% better if we could have stopped by Kilauea Crater during sunset since the museum would have still been open.

On Saturday, we took a drive down the Chain of Craters Road.  It is a long drive without a nearby bathroom, gas station, or place to eat, so make sure you bring some snacks and use the bathroom beforehand.

Be careful on the road though.  If it wasn't for car insurance, we may have had to pay extra money to fix the tar-stained SUV we rented. 

Construction workers are constantly working on paving the road.  If it rains, your car might get accidentally stained with tar from the road.  It may look like mud, but you'll get a nasty surprise when you realize it doesn't wipe off. 

After you reach the end of Chain of Craters Road, park and walk down the road where you can observe some mesmerizing views.

As you can see, the lava took over the road.  I'm not sure when it occurred, but these days you can climb over the hardened lava rocks.

It's safe!

Hawai'i Voclanoes National Park is a place you shouldn't miss if you visit the Big Island! 

Laniakea Beach - Hawaii

Last weekend, I went on a fun photo walk to the North Shore. One of the places we stopped at is Laniakea Beach, known for its turtles.

Imagine snorkeling here and having an opportunity to be up-close with turtles.  Of course, you do have to keep your distance, but it is an incredible experience. 

Although most people respect marine life, there are some people who may not always understand the concept.  I saw a lady "accidentally" run into a turtle because she got far too close. From what I could see, it looked like she had been chasing it.  Although turtles are friendly creatures, they can bite if threatened.  It's also illegal to harrass turtles.  They are beautiful creatures, but one's you don't want to mess with.  If you visit Laniakea Beach, just remember to enjoy yourself, but be safe and treat the turtles with respect.

If you see a crowd, most likely there's a turtle around.  Many of the turtles enjoy relaxing on the sand, while you can also spot several swimming in the ocean, if you are fortunate enough to be wearing your polarized sunglasses.

If you see a turtle resting, you'll notice a sign with the turtles name on it and a rope around the area to keep people from getting too close.  Everyone seems to light up once a turtle hits the sand.  It's pretty interesting to observe, especially because of how happy and excited people become once they see one. 

As far as I remember, this turtle's name is "Whoolie Bully."  We waited for quite sometime before W.B. landed on the shore to rest.   I'm glad I was able to capture this memorable photo.  It's one of my favorite. 

I would love to spend more time here, just to snorkel or relax on the beach.  It's a beautiful beach and a place you will not want to miss.

National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific - Punchbowl, Hawaii

Today, I attended a ceremoy at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific at Punchbowl, commemorating the fallen US service members, past and present, who endured the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

It was my first time at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific and I wouldn't have chosen a better day than Memorial Day to spend my time, attending such a meaningful event.

I had a chance to not only see Senator Daniel Inouye and Mayor Mufi Hanneman speak, but I also met a number of war veterans, including a purple heart recipient.  The speeches I heard today were also touching and would quickly soften the hardest of hearts.  As I was snapping a man's photo, he commented, "Wow, this is some really heavy stuff."  I agreed with him.

I can't say that I didn't shed a tear when Mufi Hanneman read a poem about the pain a mother of a soldier endures, as her son pays the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

I asked to take his photo and he was extremely gracious.  I said "Thank you.  Thank you so much!" and he responded, "Thank you!"

When I had first entered the cemetary, I noticed US flags and flowers everywhere. The boy scouts placed flags and flower leis at each grave, while the girl scouts also did the same at the State Veteran's Cemetary. When a flower shortage was announced recently, many throughout Hawaii also purchased leis and helped string flowers together to place leis on the graves of each fallen service member, so that there would be enough.  It was touching to hear and a beautiful sight to see.

During the event, wreaths are also layed.

Before the commemoration ceremony ended, the Hickam Air Force Honor Guard did the 21-Rifle Salute.   Afterward, the thundering sound of four Hawaii Air National Guard F-15s came from behind, shooting through the sky, as on-lookers gazed upward to view the Missing Man Formation.

 
There was singing from the Pearl City High School Choir, the Honolulu Boy Choir, while the Royal Hawaiian Band also played during the event. 

Once the colors were retired, the ceremony came to an end.   Group photos began among many of the foreign military and dignitaries who were present.  Senator Daniel Inouye and Mayor Mufi Hanneman both took photos for photographers and/or attendees wanting a picture.

I wish I did my hair and dressed a little nicer because I had no idea I would be asked to be in a photo or two! Instead, I am now in two photos wearing shorts and a T-shirt with crazy wind blown hair. I'm just a random girl, holding a camera, standing next to a Laotion military man, so I hope these photos never resurface because I look terrible.

There were also a number of news stations filming the event and interviewing veterans.  If only I had a television hooked up, I could watch the news. 

After seeing the ceremony today, I strongly feel that more people should support the Memorial Day events throughout the islands. If there's anything to be learned, a service member should always be welcomed home. The scars will never heal for some, but by attending a Memorial Day event, I am sure it will truly mean a lot to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It's the least we can do to show our support, especially on Memorial Day.

A Grueling Hike up Koko Head - Hawaii

Hike #1 of 10 for my 101 in 1001 list...

After leaving the photowalk on the North Shore, I tackled the grueling hike up Koko Head afterward.  At around 4:30 p.m., I hiked and did not return until nearly two hours later. 

My friend mentioned that it can take up to half an hour or up to two hours, depending on your physical fitness level.  Honestly, I am not that out of shape, but this hike made me realize I am.  I will have to continue hiking this and other trails to build my endurance. 

I still have no idea how people can run up and down Koko Head and to hear that someone actually made it in 15 minutes - running - is unbelievable.  I struggled immensely as I hiked the steep, old rail road path in the hot sun.  I'm still amazed that children were hiking Koko Head too!  My mouth dropped, as I saw a 5 year old at the summit, as well as several other young chidren. As I was hiking, I remember thinking to myself, "I don't think this hike would be suitable for children," as I reluctantly climbed one section of the path.  I guess I was wrong.

There is one section of the path that is above ground.  I'm skinny, so if I was to fall, I could slip right between the rail road tracks and hit the ground below!  That's what I thought as I carefully hiked the area. I'm also scared of heights, so I had to use all four of my limbs to hike this particular section of the path, knowing that I would have a better chance of not falling if I held on to the rail road tracks as I climbed.  How in the world does anyone run Koko Head, especially on this path!?  I still haven't figured it out, but I'm completely amazed by it.  (For those of you who feel you will not be able to make it past the part of the hike I mentioned, there is an alternate path).

You wouldn't want to fall through these cracks ...

Thankfully, after passing the difficult part of the path, the rest of the train tracks were on the ground.  But the climb becomes steeper as you head towards the summit.  As you hike towards the top of Koko Head, you'll notice more and more hikers hanging out on the side of the path, taking breaks to catch their breath. 

After hitting the summit, however, it's the most exhilirating feeling in the world! Sit down, relax, and take in the view.  The wind feels incredible. It's nice and cool.  It's the perfect place to reward yourself after a tough hike.

The view is unbelievably incredible and worth every step to the top.  Not only will you get a glimpse into Koko Head Crater, but there's a 360 view of the surrounding area to include Hanauma Bay, Makapu'u, and more.

After taking the time to relax a top Koko Head, we finally hiked down the trail, which I thought was ten times easier!  However, I was getting a little nervous as a friend kept on slipping on the path behind me.  I didn't want him to get hurt, especially because it would be a terrifying fall.  But luckily, we made it down rather quickly and safely, although not as fast as the older woman running down the path! 

It was such a relief to have finished the hike.  My legs felt like jello as they wobbled after the hike, while I could tell I was extremely dehyrated from hiking in the sun.  In fact, I felt like hurling, as I asked the lady at the gas station if she had re-hydration packets for me to pour into my gatorade.  She instead offered a free Krispy Creme donut because she thought that something sweet would make me feel better since no rehydration packets were available.  Isn't that so sweet?

My advice to you is to make sure you are hydrated before you hike and to bring a lot of water with you a long the way! Learn from my experience or you'll truly suffer the consequences up until the next day. And let me tell you, it is one of the worst feelings ever to have a pounding headache, chills, and nausea as you try your best to rest, while waking up periodically with blurry vision.  You'll want to sleep endlessly and will wake up with an unrelentless headache until the next day.  Trust me.  Drink a lot of water!

The hike to Koko Head was a lot of fun and totally worth it.  The view was beautiful.  In fact, it was so beautiful that I want to make a copy of the aerial photos I took a top Koko Head to put into a picture frame or to hang on the wall as a memory.  I had an incredible time and I plan to return again.  It will test my endurance and push me to my limits.  Maybe one day, I'll be able to hike a little faster too.  An accomplishment I look forward to ... From what I hear, the more you hike Koko Head, the easier it gets!  Eventually, you may want to run it!

If you plan to hike Koko Head, bring a camera too!  It will be an incredible hike, so have fun and enjoy the moment.