Snapshots of the Big Island

Hawai‘i County, Hawai‘i
November 19-23, 2007

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Lava flow near the Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater of the Kīlauea volcano as seen from a helicopter. The volcano was not very active (comparatively speaking) during my week on the island.

Near Kukuihaele

A coastal waterfall as viewed from a helicopter.

Mauna Kea - The Highpoint of Hawai‘i

Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawai‘i
November 20, 2007

My first state highpoint was an actual mountain summit. However, I have to put an asterisk next to it since I did not do any climbing and by choice I decided not to venture the last two hundred yards or so to the top. Mauna Kea on the island of Hawai‘i is the highest natural elevation in the state of Hawai‘i at 13,796 feet above mean sea level. Unlike most other state highpoints, you can actually view mean sea level below you and can start your journey at tide level at the sea’s edge. I started my journey on a beach near Kailua Kona and then drove to the tour operator that would take us to the top of Mauna Kea.