Natures Sandbox

In this episode - Natures Sandbox . . .

"Greensand? It looks dirty brown from up here.”

We were standing atop the towering cliff at Green Sand Beach, the wind whipping, with a glaring sun overhead, looking straight down to the beach.

Our vacations center around wedding anniversaries. This adventure was our 28th (Oct. 2016). We visited the Island of Hawaii with our friends Merrill and James Marker, called the "Big Island," and what an appropriate name it is.

"According to our map, this island is near twice as big as all other Hawaiian Islands combined.”

"This is amazing. Did you know one can travel through ten of the world's 14 different climate zones on Hawaii ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra.”

Says here, "A result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa."

"Are you guys up for a hike to the green sand beach?" According to Google Maps, it's about a three-hour drive, located at the southern tip of the Big Island just west of South Point.”

It was day four of our Hawaiian adventure. During our drive to the southern tip of the Island, Merrill was reading from our travel guide. Each morning Lori and Merrill would scour the vacation packet we received from the timeshare hosts at Paniolo Greens in Waikoloa. We wanted to see another of Mother Natures' wonders.

Green Sand Beach is named Papakolea. The green sand gets its color from tiny olivine crystals (commonly known as Peridot) created from eruptions to a dormant volcano. Nestled in Mahana Bay, this is truly a unique place and one of only two green sand beaches globally. The green sand beach itself is within what was once a cinder cone. Three sides of the cone are still present, with the ocean coming in from what would have been the eastern edge.

Once you reach the primitive parking, area you have two options; ride in an open truck bed with a group of tourists, or make the six-mile round-trip hike on your own. No signs, really just cryptic instructions on a map. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. I suggest packing a lunch.

The hike is relatively easy; it's a walk along the coastline. Magnificent aqua blue waters with waves crashing 15-20 feet in the air against jet black lava rocks, covered with emerald green mosses and outlined in the golden-brown grass. A majestic contrast of color and sound.

Don't be fooled; this is not a Disney-approved safety site. Scrambling down the cliff bank, there are no stairs or safety rails. It's simply a worn dirt path with footprint size indentations just wide enough for two people at one time—what a wondrous adventure, playing in Natures Sandbox.

When you visit the "BIG" Island, it's an absolute must, Aloha . . . and - Happy New Year!

Yes, it is 2022! What plans do you have for the new year? Today's podcast is a tickler; there's a BIG world just waiting to be explored.

Don't drop your guard when you travel. Get smart. Get vaccinated, get your booster, wear a mask, and avoid large crowds. Let's step into 2022 together with hope and expectation for a better year.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening; I'll see you in the next episode.

(Updated 12/31/2021)

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