We flew to Hawai'i on July 24 to nab the final peak of the Coleman 50 States/50 Days Challenge. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano near the center of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Though the mountain is nearly as tall as Mt Rainier, it has a well-groomed road nearly to the top to service the many astronomical observatories on the mountain. From the observatory parking lot the summit is quick 100 yard scramble through loose scree.
The rental car companies generally dissuade use of their cars to reach Mauna Kea, and with good reason. Loaded down with five people, our 2WD car struggled mightily to make it up the steep roads through ever-thinning air. Any transition from sea level to 14,000 feet is going to be a struggle (I could certainly feel it and had to fight for breath at the top). The car did no better. At one point three of us (Zach, Jordan and I) got out to lighten the load. I thought we'd end up hiking to the top! Fortunately, the road leveled out half mile or so and we were able to drive the rest of the way to the observatory parking lot..
Zach was surprised to find his brothers Matt and Jon waiting at the summit, and his Mom and Dad waiting back in the parking lot when we came back down. With a tiny bit of logistical support from me, Zach's Dad had arranged for the whole family to meet Zach in Hawai'i to celebrate his accomplishment. This would be the first time his whole family would be together in the dozen years since his parents divorced. Zach's Dad rented rooms at the condo resort where Zach, Jordan and I were staying, and we spent the whole week in Hawai'i with Zach's family. We even met up with one of Zach's cousins who lives in Hilo. (Man, he knows people everywhere!)
Hawai'i sights: Mauna Kea, lava flowing after dusk near Hilo, a luau at the Royal Kona Resort, the Painted Church, the Place of Refuge NHP, a Kona coffee plantation, a wonderful ukulele shop, snorkeling with sea turtles, and fruity drinks at beach-side cantinas.
Review for Kenichi Pacific Restaurant
Zach's Dad took us all out for a wonderful sushi dinner at one of best restaurants on the Kona side of the island. If you get to the island, check out Kenichi Pacific. For our party of nine, we asked the server to simply bring us several platters of assorted sushi of the chef's choice. We were delighted with beautiful, creative presentation and high quality for both cooked and raw options, and the quantity of food was perfect for our table. The owner/chef even came out for a pleasant visit. The restaurant is a bit out of the way in a little shopping mall a bit south of town, but it is well worth a visit.
Photos: Hawaii 2008
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