Big Island: Snow, Lava, and Sand (4/09)

In April 2009, my parents came to Hawaii for a visit. We made a trip to the Big Island. And I took my Garmin along.

We went up to the summit of Mauna Kea, which was amazing. The tour company, Mauna Kea Summit Adventures, picked us up in Kona and drove us up to the Vistors Center, where they gave us parkas, gloves, and a warm dinner. Then it was up to the top to watch the sunset among the snow and observatories.

Finally we went down the mountain slightly (to warmer temperatures thankfully) for stargazing and hot drinks. The guides pointed out the visible constellations and looking through the telescopes was super cool. They showed us Saturn - you could actually see its rings!

For fun, I tracked our route to the top of Mauna Kea with my GPS watch. If you zoom in, you can see the observatories at the summit.

http://connect.garmin.com/player/3845780
1. In the map image on the Garmin site, select the "Hybrid" box
2. Press the "Play" button

Sat, 4/11/09
Start: Lanihau Center, Kailua-Kona
Roads: Queen Kaahumanu Hwy - Waikoloa Rd - Hawaii Belt Rd - Saddle Rd - Mauna Kea Access Rd
2:30 / 76.4 miles / 15,600' elevation gain / 31 mph

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We also drove out past Kalapana, where the lava was flowing into the ocean. We took flashlights and binoculars and followed the path in the dark. From the viewing area, you could see a faint red glow. And once in a while you could even see lava shooting into the air as it hit the water.

http://connect.garmin.com/player/3880015
1. In the map image on the Garmin site, select the "Hybrid" box
2. Press the "Play" button

Mon, 4/13/09
Start: End of Hwy 130
Trails: Changes daily
0:18 / 0.5 miles (one-way)

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And of course, Brad and I had to find a trail to run on. From Wawaloli Beach Park, there is a trail along the coast. The trail goes north to an old lighthouse (demolished shortly after we were there) and extends south of the beach park to a surf spot (Pine Trees). The trail consists of sections of sand, dirt road, and some lava.

http://connect.garmin.com/player/3845695
1. In the map image on the Garmin site, select the "Hybrid" box
2. Press the "Play" button

Sat, 4/11/09
Start: Wawaloli Beach Park
Trails: North to lighthouse & back - south to Pine Trees & back
1:21 / 6.8 miles / 11:57 avg