The Big Island of Hawaii is home to almost all of earth’s climates. I’ve not been able to find the absolute answer and scale used to scientifically count the number of climates, but I’ve been told that Hawaii has every micro-climate except for extreme cold and extreme heat. Luckily, we don’t need to be scientist to appreciate the contrasts of all the environments of Hawaii.
I’ll kick of the new series of Hawaii in contrasts with fire and ice. We get the fire from the active lava flow of Kilauea Volcano and the ice from the snow capped summit of Mauna Kea.
Fire at the active lava flow at Waikupanaha near Kalapana
Ice at the snow capped cinder cones at near 14,000 feet above sea level on Mauna Kea
Sheila Beal
11 comments
Okay, seriously?! These are the most gorgeous Big Island photos I’ve ever seen…
This is a fantastic idea for a series, since each island has so many micro-climates. In particular, a simple drive around the Big Island feels like several separate vacations — jungle, ocean, mountains….the face of the Moon…and more.
You’ve inspired me to push for returning there — for Thanksgiving!
Nice new look to your website.
Of course there is only one true Fire and Ice image from Hawaii 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous! 🙂
@ Melanie – you are right – all the micro-climates are mind boggling and you see them all within miles of each other. Enjoy that Thanksgiving trip to the Big Island. I would say take us with you, but travels with four just wouldn’t fit your theme. 😉
@ Bryan – actually, what’s funny is that when I think of the one true Fire and Ice, I think of two basketball players from my alma mater, NC State University. Chris Corchiani and Rodney Monroe were Fire and Ice on the basketball court. Sigh, those were the days when Duke was a nobody and the biggest rivalry in the state was NC State and UNC-Ch.
@ Sharon – mahalo!
Duke still is a nobody 🙂
@ Bryan – hehe, I agree. 🙂 Do you follow a NC team?
Michigan native. MI State and U of M. But, after living over here for so long it’s not as important to me as it used to be. Except for the Red Wings. Great owner who cares about the community. I do have the NC connection with the Lumbee’s seeing that I am one.
@ Bryan – We may be distant cousins. I’m part Cherokee. 🙂
Red Wings look strong again this year. I’m a Carolina Hurricanes fan, of course. There aren’t many sports playoffs as exciting as the NHL playoffs.
I was glad to see Carolina beat NJ. The Red Wings have been so dominant every year even with new players. I’m sure you know the history of the Lumbee. They were originally grouped in with the Cherokee by the early settlers. But, the Lumbee were always their own tribe that was actually quite large so, they broke away in the 50’s I believe. Long story 🙂
Cuz
Amazing pics. Makes me wish I were visiting the Big Island.
Thanks, ALS. I know you’re headed to Oahu soon. Do you have time for a day trip to the Big Island?