Pioneer Around Town Aug 10

Clayton family finds beauty amid nature’s worst

After planning a family trip to the Hawaiian Islands months before, we frankly had to laugh at our obstacles upon arrival.

Our first island to visit, Kauai, had historic floods. Then the Kilauea volcano erupted in May, sending an ash cloud 30,000 feet high.

drives still afforded massive waterfall views. And we found a breathtaking look at Hanalei Bay from the St. Regis lobby.

Boating through waterfalls into secretive caves along the Na Pali coastline brought thoughts of hidden pirate coves. A few times, entire ships disappeared into a cliff before coming out of the rocks on the other end.

We also enjoyed snorkeling in pristine turquoise waters, with schools of colorful fish and huge sea turtles taking a break in the reef. Spinner dolphins careened out of the waves in groups of five or more and spun in the air with what seemed like pure delight. We left with magic in our hearts.

Arriving next on the big island of Hawaii, we were surrounded by volcanic haze known as “vog.” It was thick enough that we could not make out the beautiful mountainous terrain.

This year, though, is certainly the year to see Kilauea. It was raining the day we went up, cooling the top layer of the eightmile river of lava. At first, it seemed like a solid black river. Looking closely, we could see the earth seething and moving the crust of the river downstream.

We moved further up the mountain to see the spewing lava at Fissure 8. Its gaping red mouth could be seen from miles away.

Jennifer Gladding Butticci and her children