Pele makes herself known on Hawaii's Big Island

We've had a few close calls over the years with bombings, shootings, and volcanic eruptions near or just after our visit. Last week we visited the Big Island of Hawai'i. We explored the Halema'uma'u crater at the Kilauea caldera in Volcanoes National Park, stood by the steam vents on a cold night, and swam in the Ahalanui warm pond heated by volcanic energy. We drove around the island and took in the sites. It was astonishing to see how the lava would swallow up the land. As far as the eye could see, there would black blobs of rock and then suddenly the black hardened ooze would stop and turn to flourishing green grass.  At the crater you could see bubbling pools of red and smoke pluming out of the hole taking shape into what appeared to be a fire demon, perhaps the lava goddess Pele?

​Chris, enamored with Hawaii was inquiring from various people about cost of living and land here. A hitchhiker we picked up in Kona told us about a plot of land his friend bought for $8000 and told us about the costs to clear the land. He said a livable dwelling with plumbing and a tin roof would cost another $8000 for labor and materials.  We met another woman who had been at the trauma conference I was presenting at who had a plot of land in Hilo for part of the year. We stayed at the Hamakua Cabana Guesthouse and slept in hammocks at a place run by an Ohio native now making a living off of hikers in Hilo. 

​Chris' dreams were hampered this week when the reality of what Hawaiian life really entails. We have been reading about the park closers due to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunami fears.  

​Mother nature is beautiful, but fierce. We wish all our Hawaiian friends the best. Mahalo for all your gifts and lessons.