What a spectacular time I had camping at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Thursday night. I was prepared for typical blowing rain and was surprised by sunshine and a peaceful calm.
While in the park I racked up a few more miles on my terribly worn hiking boots and realized I have often underestimated the beauty of this park. Highlights included driving out to the Hilina Pali overlook first thing in the morning before the vog settled along the coast. I could see all the way to Na`alehu. For dinner, I fired up my pocket rocket stove and just as I finished eating pasta I heard the honk, honk of geese. Sure enough, I looked up just in time to see a flock of rare nene flying overhead. These unique birds are thought to be descendants of Canadian Geese, and this species is endemic to Hawaii, only on two islands, I think. Once the sun set, I was treated to a view of lava lighting up a towering steam plume and the walls of Halemaumau Crater. Still feeling the stoke, I returned to my campsite at Kulanaokuaiki Campground only to be greeted by an unbelievable sky- the Milky Way had so many stars it appeared as a long cloud, stretching across the sky.
Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea set the back drop for this vista of Kilauea Crater.
Three nene browse the area near Devastation Trail for Ohelu Berries.
A view of the park's back country from the end of Hilina Pali Road.
2 comments:
Wow, what a fantastic description. I also saw nene (for the first time!) far out on the pali. I was above the sunken cocoanut trees, when two flew in and landed so close I could hear their soft 'honks'.
BTW, love this pali photo, too! Just like I remember it!
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