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June 7-8, 2025 Marti Eicholz Today is a fresh start and we are invited to embrace the beauty of what lies before us. The Odyssey berthed in Hilo, Hawaii. Five volcanoes formed the Island of Hawaii and Hilo lies on lava flows from two of the five. Hilo is on the island of Hawaii, the largest in the Hawaiian Archipelago, 4,060 square miles, with a variety of physical features: peaks that become snowcapped in winter, pasture lands, sugarcane fields, active volcanoes, and rain-swept valleys. A tropical mini continent in the Pacific Ocean, 2,500 miles from the mainland with a valuable marine environment, geological diversity, and cultural richness. Peaceful Hilo, the second largest city on the Big Island of Hawaii with a population of 43,000, overlooks the crescent-shaped Hilo Bay and provides scenic views of two volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Hilo is close to Kilauea, an active volcano, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which give opportunities to witness volcanic activity and explore unique landscapes. Its location and proximity to a lush rainforest make it wet, experiencing two hundred inches of rain a year, and make it green. Lush rainforest and numerous waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls surround the area. Hilo, with its natural beauty, rural setting, friendly, welcoming people accompanied by a keen sense of local identity, has a laid-back, small-town feel, contributing to its unique charm. Historic Hilo features centuries-old wooden storefronts, plantation-era buildings, glimpsing into the past. Near the cruise port, you can explore Lili’uokalani Gardens, a twenty-four-acre park, built to honor the first Japanese immigrants who worked on sugar plantations. Waihonu Pond, a central feature of this beautiful Japanese landscaping, offers a peaceful escape with vibrant flowers and bridges. Stroll through the vibrant and charming downtown Hilo and visit cultural sites like: Lyman Museum, a natural history and cultural museum that tells the story of the islands, their people, and their culture. It houses exhibits, a mineral and gem collection, and the adjacent Mission House, the oldest surviving wood-framed building on the island. And the Pacific Tsunami Museum, dedicated to the history of tsunamis and their impact on Hawaii’s history and culture. It serves as a living memorial to those who have died in past tsunami catastrophes. And the Mokupapapa Discovery Center interprets the natural science, culture, and traditional voyaging of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, featuring interactive exhibits, a large 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium, highlighting marine life, and educational displays with interpretive panels. Downtown Hilo not only provides insights into the area’s history and culture, but it also features art galleries, eclectic shops, restaurants, and the famous, lively Hilo Farmers Market for browsing pleasure. It’s Saturday, the Hilo Farmers Market is alive. Two hundred farmers and artists are gathered to sell a wide array of local produce, crafts, gift items, and tropical flowers in a festive outdoor atmosphere, recalling back to old “plantation” days. There are plenty of sights and destinations to be found in and around Hilo. Visit the Imiloa Astronomy Center. The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is a good place to learn about Hawaiian culture and astronomy, building a bridge between science and culture through the stars and the mountain of Mauna kea. ‘Imiloa, a time of exploration, wonder, and imagination. Five miles north of Hilo, you will find The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, a forty-acre rainforest nature preserve, and botanical garden located in Onomea Valley, offering over 2,000 species of tropical plants, bird aviary, and orchid garden. It's a unique, diverse, and lush ecosystem with over a mile of trails with varying terrain and views, a five-hundred-foot boardwalk, leading to lower garden trails, waterfalls, streams, and the ocean. A few miles north of Hilo is Akaka Falls State Park where after a short hike, you are rewarded with a view of the famous 422-foot-tall Akaka Falls. Kaumana Caves Park is a twenty-five-mile-long lava tube, created by a lava flow from Mauna Loa in 1881. The Rainbow Falls, within Hilo, flow over a lava-cave that is home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon. Hilo is where you can enjoy coffee, tea, chocolate, vanilla, and other farm tour/tasting experiences. For example: Experience a delicious vanilla inspired luncheon and walking tour through a vineyard with vanilla vines. Learn about the rich history of vanilla cultivation processing while enjoying homemade vanilla samplings. Coconut Island, with a historical connection to ancient temples, is a small island in Hilo Bay, just off Lili’uokalani Gardens, connected to the mainland by a footbridge. An island with two sandy beaches, sheltered by the Hilo pier, creating calm waters and a rock tower for jumping into the bay, was once the site of an ancient healing temple. This tiny historic gem is true to its name, punctuated with many mature coconut palms. A great spot for swimming and picnicking. The Hamakua Coast is an incredible scenic forty-mile stretch of land, connecting Hilo to Waipio Valley. Spectacular waterfalls and incredible canyons lined by lush rainforest invites, “Let’s stop here!” Wailoa River State Recreation Area: Take a pleasure walk through this quiet, informal landscaped park set around Wailoa River featuring games and boat fishing. The Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo, a unique attraction, is where you can visit a variety of rainforest animals and endangered animals, such as spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State bird), and over eighty other animal species. Richardson Ocean Park is a place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and watching turtles in the calm waters of this black sand beach. Onekahakaha Beach Park is a small, shallow beach with tide pools and inlets, perfect for spotting marine life. Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long major event in Hilo, the world-famous hula competition, attracting hula dancers from around the world, celebrating ancient and modern hula. Hilo means "twist" in Hawaiian. It’s deeper meaning in Hawaiian culture refers to navigation, braiding, and the new moon. During early times, Hilo was a busy farming and fishing area. Now Hilo supports a thriving export industry which includes orchids, papaya, anthuriums, macadamia nuts, and cattle. Hilo, with its deepwater harbor, protected by breakwater from the Wailoa River flowing through, provides berths for a large fishing fleet. Before The Odyssey sets sail, let me share a bit of trivia: Why are streetlights yellow in Hilo? Long wavelength “yellow” lamps improve your night vision by reducing glare. Also, it helps to eliminate seabird light attraction. Has lava ever reached Hilo? With the 1984 eruption of Mauna Loa, lava descended to the doorstep of Hilo’s population center. It’s June 8, 2025, our itinerary says “This is the last day in the Hawaiian Islands. The next six days we are at sea.” June 8th is also Worlds Ocean Day 2025, “Wonder, sustaining what sustains us,” celebrating the wonder that the ocean inspires in us. The Odyssey is our home, cruising the ocean with all its beauty, its mystery, and realizing the vital role it plays in our lives. It reminds us of our deep connection with the sea and call for its protection. |
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June 9, 2025 Marti Eicholz As we wait our departure from Hilo, Hawaii, fully aware life is to be savored. We share some fun facts about the islands and laugh. Did you know, “You can legally mail a coconut to someone?” “You won’t see a billboard. Billboards are banned, preserving the islands natural beauty.” “The food “Spam” is incredibly popular.” “The "hang loose" or "shaka" symbol, symbolizing a relaxed, easygoing attitude, originated in Hawaii.” “Hawaii is touted as the birthplace of surfing.” “Hawaii has the longest life expectancy in the US.” “There are only twelve letters in the Hawaiian language, five vowels and seven consonants,” “Hawaii is the only state with two official languages, English and Hawaiian.” “Where else do they lay flowers on you while you are alive?” The Odyssey is ready for our crossing the Pacific Ocean toward the west coast of mainland US. A crisp ocean breeze, a cup of my favorite brew, and the sound of the waves…that’s my idea of a day at sea. Six days at sea gives me time to reflect on our eight days visiting the Hawaiian Islands, as Mark Twain once said, “The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.” I cannot agree more. The Hawaiian Islands are the visible peaks of a vast underwater mountain chain, created by volcanic activity over millions of years ago. This archipelago is home to the tallest underwater mountain. Mauna Kea, when measured seafloor to summit, stands 33,500 feet — making it taller than Mount Everest at 29.029 feet. A chain of islands hidden beneath the ocean surface tells the story of shifting tectonic plates and a powerful stationary hot spot, a breathtaking reminder of the dynamic forces, shaping our planet. Rand McNally says, “Hawaii is paradise born of fire.” Our days in the Hawaiian Island were breathtaking moments, but fleeting. I cherish each fleeting moment from the first Aloha that said “Hello”, the Aloha with a hug saying, “I love you,” the Aloha giving appreciation, “Thank you,” the Aloha saying, “Goodbye, Until We Meet Again,” to each striking natural wonder, historic site, unique cultural experience, and must-visit destination. Aloha is the word used to say all those things, but it means much more. Aloha is a way of life, a deep-seated philosophy embedded in Hawaiian culture, guiding interactions, shaping communities, respecting the land, and emphasizing a positive outlook on life. Aloha, the coordination of heart and mind, fosters connectivity and peace. In 1986 the state of Hawaii enacted the Aloha Spirit law, not a strict legal code with penalties, but a state mandate, requiring state officials and judges to treat the public with Aloha, and a guiding principle for all, underscoring kindness, harmony, and respect in interactions, regardless of background or differences. During early times, this working philosophy of native Hawaiians was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii. To me, Aloha is the essence of love, peace, compassion, respect and living in harmony with others and the environment in mercy, sympathy, grace, and kindness. This spirit is a deeply ingrained way of life in Hawaii, making Hawaii not a state of mind, but a state of grace. So, what are the core beliefs of the Aloha Spirit? The Aloha Spirit encourages individuals to treat others with love and kindness, warmth, compassion, and generosity. The Aloha Spirit fosters a sense of togetherness in harmony and unity within the community. The Spirit of Aloha extends to respecting the natural world with an emphasis on living in harmony with the land and sea. It is believed individuals embodying Aloha radiate a positive energy that uplifts and inspires others. One does not need to live in Hawaii, or even be Hawaiian, to embrace the Spirit of Aloha. How does one live the aloha spirit? Be kind, mindful of your interactions with others and choose kindness. Demonstrate kindness and practice patience to all beings, especially in challenging situations. Show your gratitude for the beauty around you and the people in your life. Connect with nature, finding joy in nature, its beauty and abundance. Foster strong relationships with family, friends, and community members. Give help and support to others without expectation. Be open to learning, growing and willing to embrace humility, treating everyone with respect. Practice mindfulness and meditation to cultivate inner peace. I continue to reflect on our journey through islands of beauty and wisdom of Hawaiian culture, breathtaking moments, fleeting moments, and moments to cherish. I revere the memories of those fleeting moments, reminding me to embrace life with an open heart. For me, the magic of Hawaii comes from trade winds blowing, the rush of the sea, the twinkling stars above, and Aloha all around. Each sunrise brings a gentle glow of hope. With awaken gratitude, I embrace the Aloha Spirit, encompassing a life full of love and peace. |
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