Hiking is by far a favorite activity of ours, so when we made our way to South Point we decided to hoof the 2.5 miles one way to Green Sands Beach. We were so happy with that choice! The journey was as spectacular as the destination. As we began our hike, the wind picked up true to its reputation. Here we began to see wind-blown trees bent and growing with the wind in what is called a Krummholz effect.
The next couple of hours were spent wandering delightfully along deep-rutted, winding 4wd roads surrounded by dry plains that backed up in surreal contrast to the blue of the ocean. A word to wise travelers: although this trail is full of otherworldly beauty, if you choose to hike it you will be in lots of dry heat and no facilities of any kind for at least 1.5 hours each way, so plan accordingly.
The real treat for most people is the chance to see a green sand beach. Since there are only four in the world, take the opportunity to see this one if you are on the island. The reason for the green color in the sand is the mineral olivine, know as "Hawaiian Diamond." The beach was formed as a cinder cone collapsed and eroded, releasing the olivine and rock to be battered and formed by the current into the olive green sand we see today.
Even though it might be tempting to take some home in an old prescription bottle you snuck into your husband's backpack (hypothetically, of course), the locals have handmade signs reminding you of the fact that this is not a renewable resource and asking for you to leave the sand for other generations to enjoy. Don't worry, if you swim in the powerful surf you will come home with plenty of green sand in the lining of your bathing suit!
The walk back with the wind at your back is a refreshing change and took us a little over half the time to get there. Walking through golden grass with the clouds rolling in, I couldn't help but thank God for the incredible beauty and diversity He created.
Sources for this blog post: Big Island Revealed and Wikipedia
No comments:
Post a Comment