therebychance

December 23, 1996

These are the remnants of a mamane tree shot near the tree line in the arid environment of Mauna Kea.  The mamane tree used to be plentiful but has been in decline from the impact of human activities which in turn has led to the critical endangerment of the palila Hawaiian honeycreeper.

Taken from Mauna Kea in the late afternoon.  The Big Island hadn't experienced snow in the previous five years, so it was something of a treat to see Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa capped in snow.

This was taken facing the Southwest Rift.  You can just make out Crater Rim Drive running into the side of the caldera.

I was on the rim of the crater at Kilauea Caldera when the sun broke through the clouds, fog, and steam rising after a heavy rain just before dawn.

Taken while hiking between the Sulfur Bank and Steaming Bluff.  Rain has a singular effect of evoking childhood memories of the Big Island for me.

Photo of a rain front moving across Kilauea Volcano just after dawn.  Most of the landscape was still in dark shadow.

Sun striking Pu'u Pua'i just behind Byron Ledge in Kilauea Caldera. 

Taken against the backdrop of Mauna Loa as the sun was just coming up. 

Taken on the narrow road leading into Waipio Valley.

Waimea (Kamuela) is one of my favorite places on the Big Island.  Here the sun momentarily broke through rain clouds in front of a cinder cone. 

Most mosses in Hawaii are indigenous.  This was taken in a stream in Waimea. 

The unusually dusty air that day made for a glorious sunset, but my eyes were on the grass in front of me.

When the rain caught the rays of the setting sun, it looked as though Waikoloa was ablaze.

One way to watch clouds in the late afternoon is on the sand at Pololu Beach.

Moss and lichens must thrive in Waimea.  I noticed them everywhere, especially on old wooden structures. 

This was taken on Mauna Kea near the enclosure with the silversword plants.

Taken on the Chain of Craters Road on Kilauea Volcano.  The first time I saw this I must have been about seven years old.  Every time I go back it seems that more and more of the lava crust has been crushed, broken, or removed, mostly the result of people wanting to have their photos taken or taking mementos of their trip to Hawaii.

A little more respect for Pele, please, and remember there have been many anecdotes of people encountering misfortune after taking home one of her rocks.  Just ask the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park how many packages they have received asking that the contents be returned to their rightful owner.  

Even on a grey and rainy day, the water looked amazingly blue.  Like most of the Hamakua Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, the land is exposed directly to the open sea.  Swim at your own risk.