Capturing the Moment

  It is a real treat when the weather conditions allow us to get into kayaks and paddle around this old shipwreck. The typical weather here in Hawaii has vanished, replaced by a staunch wind from the south. This makes our usual places to play a bit choppy and difficult. But, if you know where to look, it can open up some unusual spots that we don't usually get a chance to explore. One of these is shipwreck beach, off the north side of Lana'i. Located in the north shore of the island means that shipwreck beach is exposed to the large north swells, and the funneling trade winds through the Pailolo Channel, between Maui and Molokai. It is these forces that sent the YOGN-42 up onto the shallow reef here in the first place. The YOGN-42 is a concrete gasoline barge built for the Navy in 1943. It was intentionally grounded after World War II as a cost-effective method to dispose of the vessel. This barge is often mistakenly referred to as a Liberty Ship, but it is actually a fuel tank...

  Our group, deep inside a lava tube, looking up at a skylight in the ceiling. Today we visited ancient royal lands, that require special access to get through the gates. When the last of the Hawaiian royal family died, she owned about 12% of the lands throughout the islands. These lands passed into a trust with the goal of educating future Hawaiians in perpetuity. There is one local operator, Hawaii Forest and Trails, that has access to take hiking groups onto this land. It is called the Hidden Craters Hike, and is one of the best hikes you can do in Hawaii. Our day started with a van pickup at Honokohau Harbor, just north of Kona town. A 35 minute drive, strait up the side of Hualalai Volcano, brought us to the start of our hike at 5,000ft. It was a beautiful, clear morning. Everyone got their hiking poles, and some snacks, as we geared up for the four mile loop trail. The trail heads past giant volcanic fissures and craters, and even descends into a lava tube at one point. One o...