Getting Ready to Go

I first visited the Hawaiian Islands about 25 years ago. The plane landed on Maui (at that time, you deplaned outdoors). I remember standing, waiting to get off the plane. The minute they opened the door, the air came rushing in. It smelled like flowers! Coming down the stairs off the plane, breathed Hawaiian air for the first time. It was fresh and fragrant with the scent of flowers. There was a soft breeze. It was unlike any air I had ever breathed before. I knew I was in a different place. It was the beginning of my love affair with these islands.


Since that first time, I have been back a handful of times. I have been to Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island called Hawaii. There are big resorts, but my favorite place has always been Hana, on the "quiet" side of Maui. Every time we go to Maui I talk my husband into making the four hour drive to Hana, on the narrow, twisting "Road to Hana". A few years ago we stayed in Hana, in a lovely cottage by the sea. I never wanted to leave.


This time we are returning to the Big Island. The last time we were there we didn't do much exploring, and stayed close to the beach. This time we are going to explore the summit, the volcano, and do some stargazing at the astronomy center. Last time we were there I got up in the middle of the night and went outside to look at the stars. I actually gasped! The sky was incredible! Alight with what looked like millions of stars. It's why there are many, many, large telescopes and astronomy stations on the island. It's a magical place!