We flew across the country and across time zones. Park2Go, Newark Airport, San Francisco Airport, Airport Marriott, San Francisco Airport, Kona Airport, Avis Rent-a-Car, St. Augustine's Vicarage. The trip had taken two days, and as we began the drive up the western coast of Kona, we were drawn in by the beauty and the strangeness of the landscape. On this side of "the Big Island," the earth is formed of old lava flows, black with low, tan grassy plants. Mountains rise to the east and north, not the least of which is Mauna Kea, nearly 14,000 feet when measured from the sea. The ancient Hawaiians thought of the top of Mauna Kea as heaven. Our experience of Hawaii so far leads us to believe they were right.
The people and the Vicar of St. Augustine's Church welcomed us to their spacious vicarage, complete with mango and avocado trees, breezy lanai, and comfortable bedrooms. Vicar Tom Buechele pointed out the best beaches and the best sushi restaurant. We were not surprised by the graciousness and generosity of their welcome, but we were surprised at 3 am the first night when a frenzy of rustling bushes and snorting announced the arrival of macadamia nut-scavenging wild pigs!
Today, Tuesday, we hiked to the black sand beach at the base of Pololu Valley; the trip to the base was easy, climbing back up a bit more strenuous -- a mile and a half with a 400 foot elevation. The black sand is silky and fine, the shoreline edged with wave-smoothed volcanic rock. The beauty of the place is stunning; watching the crashing surf mesmerizing.
We are looking forward to exploring more of the 'aina (land) and hearing the mo'olelo, the ancient stories of the people.
Aloha nui loa
Cathy
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