Foodprints

Sunset at Anaemhoomalu Bay, Waikoloa, Hawaii

We decided to go to big Island of Hawaii during the winter break. What could be better than to escape the teeth chattering cold and bask in glorious sunshine and warmth of the big island. I haven’t been to a place where nature has done so much favor. From the rainforests to the tallest mountain in the world (Mauna Loa, most of it is under water though), serene beaches to the fire spitting volcanos, beautiful marine life, awe inspiring waterfalls and gorgeous sunset and sunrises. Wherever your eyes go its pure beauty. Its an amazing place filled with natural wonders and friendly people.

Pacific Coastline near Punaluu Beach, Hawaii

Our trip was a leisure one, with a young kid in the tow, we didn’t wanted to have an action packed early morning to late night outings. We stayed near Kailua bay in Kona. As our family is an early riser, our day always started with a walk to the nearest beach to watch beautiful sunrise followed by a simple breakfast. We then head out to visit one amazing sight each day, which needed at least an hour or more of a drive along the beautiful pacific coastline. One of the most unforgettable experience was visiting the Halema'uma'u crater of the Kilauea volcano. This spectacular most active volcano in the Hawaii islands is active since January 3, 1983. Do you know, November 1986 through December 2009, Kilauea has added 475 acres of new land in the Hawaii's real estate? Pretty awe-inspiring, isn’t it? We visited the volcano in the morning but decided to come back later in the evening to see the glow of the volcano in the dark. And let me tell you it did not disappoint. That amazing glow of Kilauea visible from Jagger museum was out of this world and something I’ll never forget for the rest of my life. To feel humbled by the nature’s force and surrender to its beauty which is exhilarating and haunting at the same time was an unique experience. We wanted to see the lava flowing into the ocean but were disappointed that at that particular time it wasn’t happening.

Glow of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii Volcanos National Park

Kilauea Volcano from Jagger museum overlooking Halemaumau crater, Hawaii Volcanos National Park

Another unforgettable experience was snorkeling. We went to visit Captain Cook’s monument in Kealakekua bay by the most difficult route to reach there i.e. hike. It was ok while going to the bay, but killed us when we hiked back to our car after snorkeling. It was a 3.8 mile (easy right, that's what we thought too) round trip hike with an elevation gain of 1300’ in the full sun. It is a hard hike is an understatement if you are not carrying enough water and sunscreen. But once you are there this marine sanctuary doesn’t disappoint you. Clear water filled with stunning coral formation, tropical fish and sea turtles was a reward that made every effort to reach there worthwhile. Easiest way to reach there is by booking one of the snorkeling tours or alternatively try visiting another beach like Kahalu’u Beach which is not as great but till awesome.

A surfer at Maniniowali beach, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

It was my first ever trip where I tried to shoot landscapes, and reality soon dawned on me. I don’t know much about landscape photography and my pathetic attempts to read the directions to shoot sunrises (and sunsets) proved hilarious. I woke up my whole family at 5 am to go to a local beach to see the sunrise. As we reached there after a 30 mins. drive, we found the beach closed but still accessible by a walkway. We hiked 4 miles to that beach and when we reached there, sun was already high up . And I also discovered that beach was facing west and no sunrise was to be found facing the ocean. My husband still teases me about it to no end. But we live to tell such tales…

Crashing waves at Maniniowali beach, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Cows grazing in the field, on the way to Papakolea (green sand beach), Hawaii