Life, like travel, needs both the thrill of adventure and the peace of stillness — Hawaii had a way of showing me both.
Into the Heart of the Big Island
I have a large bucket list of places I’d like to travel to. Over the years, I’ve slowly checked some of these off, only to add them back again because I’d love to return someday. Hawaii is one of those places.
Many travelers hop between islands, but we decided to stay put and fully explore the Big Island, officially known as the Island of Hawai‘i. All the other Hawaiian islands could fit inside it — which meant there was plenty to discover!
We went with two other couples, and it couldn’t have been more fun. The first four days were spent inland, just minutes from the Kilauea volcano, at an Airbnb tucked deep in the rainforest. It rained much of the time, but we didn’t mind — it was lush, vibrant, and alive.
“Coming from North Dakota, I recognized some of the plants — but the same ones we keep as houseplants towered above us in the wild.”
Mountains, Rain, and a Little Bit of Snow
We landed at Kona International Airport, packed six people (and all our luggage) into a rental, and made the drive across the island to Hilo. Along the way, we passed through the island on Saddle Road, which cuts between two incredible volcanoes — Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Both mountains are awe-inspiring in their own right: Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth by mass and volume, while Mauna Kea, slightly taller, often holds snow at its summit. Snow in Hawaii — something I never thought I’d see! In fact, the Big Island has 8 of the 13 climate zones found in the world!
The Journey to the Green Sand Beach
The Big Island feels different from the Hawaii most people imagine. There are fewer crowds, fewer luxury resorts, and more rugged beauty — black sand beaches, lava rock coastlines, and even a green sand beach, one of only four in the world.
Naturally, Papakōlea Beach was high on my list. To reach it, we drove to the end of a dirt road and hiked 2.75 miles across uneven terrain. It reminded me of walking through a North Dakota pasture — windy, rough, and unpredictable. There was even a little rain from time to time. But when we finally reached the cove, the rain stopped and sunlight broke through, revealing a stretch of shimmering green sand made from volcanic olivine.
Exploring with the Shaka Guide
One of the best decisions we made was downloading the Shaka Guide, a self-guided audio tour narrated by a local. Between stops, Hawaiian music played through the speakers as the guide shared insider tips, legends, and hidden gems. It made the island come alive in a whole new way. We did a couple of these self-guided tours, one for the north side shoreline and one for the southern shoreline.
There was so much to see and do that we may have been guilty of trying to do too much in one day — including staying out late to see active lava at Kīlauea. By the time we got there, it was raining and we were exhausted, so we opted for a closer (but less spectacular) view. It was still amazing, but it reminded me that some experiences deserve more time — and more patience.
From Adventure to Relaxation
After four days of exploring, we headed to the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the leeward side of the island for some much-needed rest. On the way, we toured Kona Brewery, learning about the island’s beer-making process and tasting varieties that never leave Hawaii. (Fun fact: the Kona beer you drink on the mainland is brewed by Anheuser-Busch)
The resort was paradise — turquoise water lapping against black lava rock, a calm lagoon instead of a traditional beach, and frequent visits from sea turtles. My wife loves turtles, and swimming alongside them was a highlight I’ll never forget.
One afternoon, we visited a nearby public beach to swim. As I waded barefoot through the lava rock, I misstepped and sliced my foot open — not terribly, but enough to learn a valuable lesson:
Always wear water shoes on Big Island beaches!
Lava rock is sharp and unforgiving.
Lessons from the Island
This trip was one of the best vacations I’ve ever taken — not for its perfection, but for its balance of adventure and stillness. We explored, laughed, connected, and remembered the importance of slowing down.
In travel, as in life, balance is everything. You can’t go, go, go all the time — but you shouldn’t stay still either.
Hawaii dazzled my eyes with beauty, but it was the gratitude, perspective, and connection that filled my heart — leaving it far from empty.
🌱 Reflection Questions
- How do you find balance between adventure and rest — both in travel and daily life?
- How has travel shaped the way you see home or everyday life?
- Do you tend to plan every detail or leave space for spontaneity when you travel?
🚶 Next Steps
- Pack with Purpose: If you’re heading to a volcanic island, bring sturdy shoes and a flexible attitude.
- Plan Less, Experience More: Leave room for unplanned moments — they often become the best stories.
- Practice Balance: Apply the “Hawaii rhythm” to life at home — a mix of movement and rest, intention and flow.
Leave a Reply