4 minute read
Menehunes, Malasadas, and More on Hawaii’s Big Island
Blood Red Hawaiian Sunset ©Joeann Fossland
enehunes, alasadas, and ore on Hawaii’s Big IslandM
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By Joeann Fossland
As I stepped off the plane at the Kona Airport, the humid, flowerscented air enveloped me and melted all my tension. Every year since 1993, my husband Bub and I have visited the Island of Hawaii, often called The Big Island.
Volcanos created this island. The 14,000-foot tall Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanos spewed lava that is deposited from the heights down to the sea. Visitors are often shocked to see black lava instead of white sand beaches and palm trees.
One year, my young granddaughter traveled with us. As we headed through the lava fields to our resort, in her tiny voice she asked, ”When are we getting to Hawaii, Grandma?”
An Ethnic Mosaic
Hawaii is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in the world. Over three hundred years ago, Asians, Europeans, and Polynesians began moving to Hawaii, joining the natives and Menehune who were already here.
I’ve never seen a Menehune, but legend describes them as little people (six inches to two feet) that are superb craftspeople who live in the forests and labor at night.
On my Hawaii visits, I feel as if I’ve slipped down a rabbit hole into a magical, mystical existence steeped in the mythology of gods, goddesses, and legends.
Big Island Fun
The stunning lava flow scenery in the west contrasts with the green rainforests in the
east. In the same day, I’ve swum in the ocean at a black-sand beach, thrown snowballs at the top of the Mauna Kea Volcano, and sipped a Mai Tai watching hula dancers.
Beyond beach and sea activities, like surfing, swimming, and snorkeling, I have hiked, ridden horseback, and considered zip-lining. Helicopter rides to see the erupting volcano, sunset cruises to see whales, and snorkeling with the manta rays are tempting splurges. Thankfully, budgetminded options are plentiful as well.
Gorgeous Flowers, Huge Turtles and Humpback Whales
One of my favorite places to visit is the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden on 40 acres just north of Hilo. I’ve spent hours hiking the trails while reading the little signs that identify the 2000 species of flora and fauna.
On many beaches, there are an abundance of Hawaii’s protected sea turtles called Honu. I’ve learned to look but not touch.
From November until April, humpback whales enjoy these warm waters. We always look for the blows and breeches just offshore as we drive up the northwest side of the island towards Hawi.
Volcanoes National Park
The Volcanoes National Park is home of the active Kīlauea Volcano as well as the legendary home of Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess. After the 2018 eruption, many areas of the park, including the Jagger Museum, closed.
We’ve enjoyed driving the Crater Rim Road and Chain of Craters Road through the park down towards the sea. Scenic overlooks and trailheads populate this route. Trails lead to crater rims, calderas, devastation areas, and sulphur banks. The Thurston Lava Tube Trail is a mile and a half round trip passing through an area of lush rainforest before entering the 500-year-old lava tube.
Photos from left: Ribs, MaiTai, Seafood ©Joeann Fossland
At the Ranger Station, the detailed map provided shows the open roads. Before going, check here for current volcanic activity.
The Volcano House Restaurant
The Volcano House Restaurant overlooks the Kīlauea caldera and the billowing Halema’uma’u Crater. The length of the dining room features tall windows offering a front-row view of the volcano’s steam or spewing lava. Seated in safely inside, you’ll feast on exquisitely prepared meals of freshly caught fish or grass-fed organic beef.
Speaking of food
Malasadas are Hawaii’s yummy version of a doughnut. We always stop at Tex Drive In for balls of fried dough that are golden brown on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and filled with chocolate or mango or some other luscious filling. Eat while warm!
The variety of foods in Hawaii offers something for every taste. The Seafood Bar and Grill in Kawaihae is a favorite with locals. We went on a Tuesday night for Prime Rib and found their Happy Hour Mai Tai to be the tastiest and cheapest on the island.
Enjoy the Aloha Vibes
It is easy to rush from place to place to try to see everything. Don’t do that! Set aside a few days to just soak in the beauty, listen to the birds, watch the waves, and enjoy the sunshine.
