Send Your Lava and Sand Back to Hawaii ASAP!

The first time I visited Hawaii, I wanted to take a piece of it home with me.  Actually I wanted to take a lot of it home, in the form of lava rocks, sand, coral etc. Little did I know, it is a common belief that if you take ANYTHING from the land or ocean in Hawaii, it can result in a lifetime of bad luck. Fortunately I found out before it was too late and returned my keepsakes to where they came from before I went home.

On my way to New York this week, I was reminded about this after reading an article in the Alaska Airlines Magazine.  Thankfully, there is now a company that can help you take care of business.  If you have any lava rocks that you need to return, you can send them via mail to Rainbow Moon in Volcano, HI.  Here's the address:

Rainbow Moon
Attn: Lava Rock Return
P.O. Box 699
Volcano HI 96785

Rainbow encourages you to get a tracking number at USPS so you can be sure your rocks make it to their final destination.  No one likes bad luck, so head to the post office asap and send back your Hawaiian lava rocks immediately!

Everyone Likes Lava

Iceland is not the only place that you can witness a lava eruption. The breakout of lava at Kalapana on the Big Island over the last week has caused a surge in visitors looking to get some snapshots to add to their vacation album.  While seeing lava flow in all it's glory is amazing, its not something that we can control.  One day, the lava may be flowing for all to see; the next day, not so much. 

Since last week the parking area at the end of Highway 130 has seen large crowds - all hoping to see the volcano in all its glory, but unfortunately Madame Pele has her own agenda.

Officials had to close a portion of the access road after lava crawled over the pavement. But for many, this has brought frustration as it can be hard to see the lava from a few hundred yards away.  While it may sound tempting to get close to the lava, a reminder that its HOT!  And those who trespass risk more then a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. 

If you are in the area why not call the Lava Viewing Hotline prior to your visit to check on conditions?  The number is (808) 961-8093. By calling in advance you can check to see whether it's worth the long drive to witness a lava eruption, or not, as the case may be.  During my visit to the Big Island, I was lucky enough to see lava flowing into the ocean, but was never close enough to witness the amazing red glow.  If you really want a birds-eye view, why not head out in a helicopter or charted boat?  Talk about an amazing experience.

Travel Channel This Weekend - Big Island

I don't usually write about the Big Island, not because I don't like it but because I have so much to share about O'ahu that I just haven't been able to get to it! However, I did just hear that the Big Island will be featured as part of Samantha Brown's Great Weekends. The show is airing on Saturday evening at 7pm, and as part of her trip she explores rivers of molten lava, blesses a newly built outrigger canoe and feasts her senses at the only authentic luau on a black-sand beach. She will also be checking out the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival so this show is well worth the watch.

This show should be great for those looking to learn more about what the Big Island has to offer, both locals and tourists alike. For more information on Samantha Brown and her adventures visit their website.

Friday Hawaii Trivia - The Big Island

It's Aloha Friday - again. Every week when I write a post on a Friday I really can't get over how quickly the week has passed me by. I think it's true that as you get older the days end faster. I better be careful - I may blink and be 50 if I am not careful - ugh!

Friday is now my regular day to post some interesting Hawaii trivia - and today its all about the Big Island, otherwise known as the island of Hawaii. Check your knowledge with this quick Q&A:


Questions
1. How old is the Big Island estimated to be?
2. How many days per year does it rain in Hilo?
3. How many coffee farms are in Kailua-Kona?
4. What is considered the world's most active volcano?
5. What is Hawaii's highest free-fall waterfall?


Answers
1. It is the youngest in the Hawaiian Island chain at only about one million years old.
2. Approximately 278 days per year.
3. About 650.
4. Kiluea.
5. Waipio's Hiilawe Falls, with a drop of more than 1,000 feet.