Floating in the Pacific Ocean below a sky of glittering stars, I watch in amazement as several majestic creatures move below me, navigating the turquoise waters off the Kona coast on the Big Island in Hawaiʻi.
Illuminated by a light attached to a double hull canoe known as a wa’a kaulua, I’m on a nighttime manta snorkel. Considered sacred in Hawaiʻian culture, the vessel has certainly brought me good luck this evening. In total, I see 11 manta rays along with a pod of whistling dolphins.
Sitting at the northern apex of the Polynesian Triangle, approximately 2,500 miles south-west of the of the US mainland, Hawai’i is made up of eight major islands (along with 100 smaller spots). The climate ranges from tropical rainforests to high volcanic peaks covered with snow.
Located close to the equator, temperatures are warm throughout the year and even during the rainy season (November to March) it’s still a good option for a winter sun break.
Exploring Big Island
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One of the starting points on Big Island (also known as the island of Hawaiʻi) is the town of Hilo, which is home to the international airport. It’s filled with art galleries, unique shops and restaurants. While not native to Hawaiʻi, rows of Banyan trees have become a prominent feature of the landscape.
Everywhere we go, we are given the warmest “Aloha”. The popular greeting has many meanings attached to it, including love, affection and peace.
Big Island is made up of five different volcanoes, three of which are dormant. The volcanic activity on the island has produced blank sand beaches, the most famous being Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach on the south-eastern Kaʻū coast, often visited by green sea turtles.
During a swim in the rocky, shallow waters, I find several of the protected creatures living amongst a diverse marine world.
Seeing stars
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A few days later, I find myself almost 14,000 feet above sea level on the summit of Mauna Kea, the state’s highest peak.
Fighting off altitude sickness as I travel up the mountain as…
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