Day 6: Going Green

This morning we drove to Ka Lae, meaning “the point” which is the southernmost part of the island as well as the southernmost point of the United States. The vegetation and grassland, which was home to many grazing cattle, reminded us of Oklahoma- with the ocean in the distance of course. 

This is the Pakini Nui Wind Farm. The cows don’t seem to mind. 

At south point, the world just seems to literally drop off into the ocean! 

Mauna Loa in the distance. 

We then hiked out to Papakolea, the Green Sand Beach. The terrain was grassy and at times like a desert. So different from the lush interior of the island. And lots of wind!!

You can see the beach below. What makes the sand appear green is a large deposit a semi-precious gem called olivine mixed with black sand. We decided not to hike down to the actual beach- the footing looked a bit tricky- plus there were a bunch of loud tourists at the bottom. So we instead opted to each our picnic lunch in a secluded spot overlooking the bay. 

Ashton spots his shirt purchased last night at the Mauna Kea visitor’s center. If you know, you know! Ha! 

Ranch land surrounds the Mauna Kea summit drive. Before proper fencing was put in place cows got cold at night and would lie down on the asphalt roadway to warm up. They could not easily be seen in the dark and often foggy conditions on the summit road. Hence the “inside joke” and warning to all. The cows on the shirt glow in the dark!! Zach actually heard the story from one of the rangers first, found out that the shirts glow in the dark, and then bolted into the gift shop saying, “Sick! Ashton and I both need these shirts, especially Ashton since he loves cows!” 

(“Sick” is the new slang word for “awesome”.) 

After six miles of hiking, we came back home to relax for the afternoon. Derek and Zach grilled two flavors of Hawaiian chicken sausage: jalapeño & mango and bacon & pineapple—- both yummy.

We are now digesting and relaxing as a gentle rain is falling, waves are crashing, and the sun is setting. 

You can see the rain into the ocean in front of the setting sun slanting to the left in the pics below.