Fleeing inclement weather in their particular regions of the world, tourists flock to the Hawaiian Islands in winter, hoping for a relaxing, sun-drenched vacation.
Upon arriving in paradise their inhibitions are casually left by the wayside... tossed aside, if you will... as they welcome the laid-back ambiance, the casual living, as they nod knowingly at each other and their new surroundings. A cozy arrangement for everyone.
At Honaunau, an isolated section of South Kona, some women witnessed the re-creation of the historic site along with a revival of the ancient hula, accompanied by the rhythms of a gourd drum and traditional chanting.
It was the essence of Aloha they had all come to Hawaii to experience.
A melodramatic episode for a few was a bus tour to Kilauea Volcano to visit the realm of Madame Pele.
Hikers using the boardwalk at Devestation Trail were met with the pungent odor of hydrogen sulphide and a landscape which had the visage of a dead world. The boardwalk was erected over crusted lava and led them across the interminably jejune land. The only signs of past life were the skeletons of a few scorched, dwarf-like trees.
It was indeed a strange place, the microcosm of once lush terrain.