America's Best Idea

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

As I stepped off the plane in Hawaii in February 2011, the warm breeze gently caressed my face, and the unmistakable scent of plumeria hung in the air. It was a fragrance that had the power to instantly transport me back in time, to my childhood and all the cherished memories of this paradise. More than a decade had passed since my last visit to these islands, and as I inhaled that sweet, floral aroma, I knew I was about to embark on a journey filled with nostalgia and new experiences.

Over the years, my life had been consumed by work, our business, and additional jobs, leaving me with little time for leisure. But for this winter break, I made a different choice – I decided to leave work behind and book a flight to the island of Oahu to be with my parents. This trip held a special significance, knowing that my father's time was limited due to his battle with cancer. It wasn't just a holiday; it became a profound lesson in family and life.

We soaked up the sun on the beach, dined at our favorite spots, and spent time with our Canadian friends. I even convinced my dad to take a break from Waikiki Beach for a day to visit Pearl Harbor, a place I hadn't explored with my parents due to an old sisterly dispute that had now transformed into a humorous memory we cherish.

The urge to explore another island came over me, and my mom was up for the adventure (my dad not so much, he was content). We decided on the Big Island to experience Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Our first stop was the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center. With my severe nut allergies, I knew I could safely enjoy Macadamia nuts, one of the very few nuts I could consume, apart from almonds. Among the flavors, milk chocolate-covered macadamias were my top choice, closely followed by Maui garlic & onion. They added a sweet, tropical snack during our tour.

Hawai'i Volcanoes marked my ninth National Park visit and displayed landscapes I had never witnessed before. The Thurston Lava Tube, an underground tunnel shaped by ancient lava flows, felt like stepping into another world. Our guide shared tales of Pele, the volcano goddess, and her rivalry with her sister, Nāmaka. It felt as if the very ground beneath us held stories of creation and destruction. A few days later, Pele's fiery temperament erupted, and lava flowed down the mountainsides. Regrettably, we had missed witnessing it, but someday, I would love to have the chance to experience this breathtaking phenomenon.

The steam vents were mesmerizing, releasing steam from the Earth's depths. The sensation of warm, moist air against our skin was both mysterious and fascinating, reminding us of the powerful forces working beneath the surface.

As we left the park, we made a stop at the Volcano's Lava Rock Cafe. This charming cafe offered a nice lunch break, with its cozy ambiance and a menu filled with local flavors. We couldn't resist trying some of their Hawaiian specialties.

Our tour also led us to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, where the dark sand met the turquoise ocean, a sight I had also never seen before, and Wailuku River Rainbow Falls. These falls cascade down 80 ft over a lava cave, and on sunny mornings, rainbows can be seen in the mist thrown up by the waterfall.

This island embodied the true spirit of Hawaii, from its unique landscapes to its rich cultural history. However, the genuine essence of our journey lay in ohana, the Hawaiian concept of family. I felt grateful to be there with my mom and dad, continuing their annual tradition. Hawaii taught us the value of taking time off and cherishing moments with loved ones.

Growing up in Hawaii, we've witnessed the transformation of our familiar places. Some of our favorite spots still exist, with an updated look, while others exist only in our memory. The vibrant tropical flowers, the stunning sunsets, and the timeless Hawaiian music will always be the same, bringing us back to those cherished moments. But I sensed that change in our world was approaching. I wanted to make the most of every moment to create lasting memories before it was too late.

In the end, this journey to Hawaii was not just a vacation; it held a deeper meaning. This trip reminded us that life is short, and we should embrace every moment with loved ones without making excuses, much like how we embraced the changes in Hawaii and learned to create precious memories while we can.

Next time I return to this magical place, I would love to hike to the summit of Mauna Kea (the highest point in Hawaii) with Tim. After all our adventures, this one would hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of ohana, creating an even deeper connection to this island.