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Big Island 2011: Mauna Kea

May 14th

Posted by Jeff Keller in Big Island Trip 2011

In addition to the cruise to Kealakekua Bay, I also took a guided tour to the summit of Mauna Kea. We had some delays due to poor weather at the summit — hail, ice, and snow was falling. But eventually we made it to the top (13,800 feet) where we stood among the numerous observatories that have been built there over the years. Not only did we have views across the Big Island — we could see Haleakala on Maui, as well. After that we did some star gazing back down at 9200 feet (though I don’t have any photos of that).

: Grass and cinder cones on the way up the mountain

: Love the rules, especially about the invisible cows

: Silver sword

: The road was closed for a while due to snow and ice. Yes, in Hawaii!

: Clouds flow through the “saddle” between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa

: A nice, iron oxide-filled cinder cone

: Going up the summit — and snow!

: The road was closed for several days prior due to heavy snow. I guess most of it melted.

: Looking back down at the road to the visitor center (which sits at 9200 ft)

: Yours truly at the summit. I’m cold and a little lightheaded from the altitude, but the view was worth it.

: Two of the *many* observatories on the mountain

: I just had to touch it to make sure it was real

: More observatories

: Sunset

Big Island 2011: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

May 14th

Posted by Jeff Keller in Big Island Trip 2011

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One of the days during my trip was spent taking the long drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I explored Kilauea — which has no lava flowing at the moment — and also took a guided hike of a rainforest on the slopes of Mauna Loa.

: Black sand beach

: Yet another sea turtle, this time on the black sand beach

: An active spot in Kilauea’s crater

: A closer look

: Looking down the Chain of Craters road toward the ocean

: Almost looks like a selective color shot

: I love all the patterns and textures in lava

: It’s amazing that anything grows in this environment

: So much for this road…

: This area looks even more stark in black & white

: You can hike across this crater if you have a few hours

: Nice photo in the rainforest

: A type of pheasant

: Bird nest

: Cool leaves

: Nettle that doesn’t sting

: Nice texture

: I like the contrast between the tree and the sky

: A very cool tree

: This is a flower on a very rare hibiscus tree

Big Island 2011: Kealakekua Bay

May 13th

Posted by Jeff Keller in Big Island Trip 2011

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One of the mornings on my trip I took a catamaran ride to lovely Kealakekua Bay, which is a 45 minute “sail” from Keauhou Bay (south of Kona). The water was crystal clear and I saw some pretty cool fish!

: My ride, the Fair Wind II. I have no idea what happened to the Fair Wind I.

: Trolling for fish on the way

: There are very few beaches on the Big Island — plenty of lava though

: Besides taking a boat like I did, the only other way to get to the bay is rent a kayak and paddle a *long* way. I’m glad I chose the former.

: Captain Cook monument

: I think this is a black triggerfish

: The first of many yellow tangs in this gallery

: This is, by far, the most prominent fish at Kealakekua Bay

: Pencil urchin

: I think that’s another kind of triggerfish on the left

: There’s some really neat coral here

: No idea what this is, but very cool

: Clear water + lots of coral + lots of fish = snorkel heaven

: Moray eel!

: Honu, AKA sea turtle!

Big Island 2011: Four Seasons Hualalai

May 13th

Posted by Jeff Keller in Big Island Trip 2011

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I just got back from a week on the Big Island of Hawaii. I splurged a bit (okay, a lot) and stayed at the Four Seasons Hualalai, which is easily one of the best resorts I’ve ever been to. Service was amazing, the property was beautiful, and even the food was good. And my room! I got upgraded from a regular oceanview room to a $2300/night suite!

Unfortunately, the weather left something to be desired. It was wet for the first few days and pretty much overcast for the others. Those breaks of sunshine were welcomed, though.

Here’s the first set of trip photos, which I took around the Four Seasons resort: