I’m not sure why volcanoes fascinate me so much. Maybe
because of all the mystery and god myths that tend to accompany their massive
power. Or maybe because the lava flows are as beautiful as they are deadly. In
a previous blog, I wrote about my amazing experience of walking on an active
volcano off the coast of New Zealand. My Hawaii trip was a bit different but
just as fascinating. Pele, volcano goddess to the Hawaiian people, still shows
off her power and mystery today.
For hubby and I, a Hawaii trip has a dual purpose. To visit
relatives and take much-needed vacations. The numerous beaches that overlook
beautiful aqua blue water are great places to simply sit and write or just let
your imagination run wild. Banyan trees look like something from another world.
Sea turtles will occasionally swim with humans. And of course, the volcanoes
that created the islands themselves are something to behold.
We flew into Honolulu and, after visiting various relatives
and playing at Waikiki beach, hopped a plane to Hilo on the Big Island, home of
Kilauea and the goddess Pele. This desolate volcanic area is surrounded by lush
greenery with hiking trails available to the public. Unfortunately, Kilauea’s
lava flow was in such a dangerous cliff area that it was closed to visitors at
the time, so we didn’t get to see it. But the dried up lava beds from the 1982
eruption were readily available and we took full advantage of them.
The black lava seems to go on for miles and the massive
caldera only adds to the otherworldly feel of the place. Funny thing is, every
once in a while we would see plants or shrubs growing out of the desolation.
Color in an otherwise black landscape. Life from death. An amazing sight. Hubby
and I walked around this place for quite a while and my mind whirred with
ideas.
I have fond memories of our swim with the turtles, walks
around the great banyan trees, frolicks on the beaches, the native dances, and
the tasty food, but I’m looking forward to our next Hawaii trip and a chance to
see the actual lava flow with it’s beautiful and deadly orange and yellow
colors. To feel the heat from that which keeps Earth herself in flux and full of
life. To experience for myself the power and grace of Pele. For now, I have
lots of photos of the previous trip and plan to use them as inspiration for
future novels.
Happy Reading!
Banyan tree in Hilo, Hawaii. Can't you just imagine this thing on some alien world?
I think this one speaks for itself. :)
Caldera behind me.
One of several plants growing out of the desolation.