The great outdoors

A view of Hualalai from the water
Hualalai from the water.
A sailboat enters Kawaihae Harbor
A sailboat returns to harbor.

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Great Outdoors.’ See more responses here.

In Hawaii, people spend a great deal of time outdoors. It’s common for people to have an outdoor kitchen, sometimes their only kitchen, sometimes a second one where a barbecue is the featured cooking apparatus. Carports often feature chairs and tables with cars parked elsewhere. The lanai, or deck, is as well-used as any room in the house.

Outdoor activities are popular here, too. Many involve the ocean and its inviting water: swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and of course surfing. Plenty of people go fishing and hunting, longtime sources of food for the table.

  • Palm tree on the coast in Hawaii
    Palm trees on the coast.
  • The Powerline trail in Hawaii passes through trees
    A trail through the woods.
  • Hilina Pali Trail view in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
    A view from the Hilina Pali Trail.
  • A Flow over Holei Pali in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
    View of an old flow over Holei Pali.

For me, experiencing the great outdoors primarily involves hiking and snorkeling. Hiking isn’t especially popular here, especially along the coast where it can get quite hot. I get strange looks when I hike the length of popular beaches togged out in hiking gear, including shoes, hat, and fanny pack loaded with water. For most, the beach is a place for stretching out and broiling in the sun, not actively working up a sweat.

  • A Hawaii Amakihi perched on the end of a branch
    Hawaii Amakihi
  • A great frigatebird flies low over some trees
    Great Frigatebird
  • A gold dust day gecko on yellow bamboo
    A gecko on yellow bamboo.
  • An Ashy grey lady beetle on a Plumeria tree
    An ashy grey lady beetle on Plumeria.

The vast majority of photos on this blog are taken in the great outdoors. These photos are a small selection of things I’ve seen while out and about, from sweeping views to birds and bugs.

A view of Kohala Coast from Koai'a Tree Sanctuary
A view of the south Kohala Coast from Koai’a Tree Sanctuary
View of Mauna Kea from Pu'u Wa'awa'a bench
A view of Mauna Kea from Pu’u Wa’awa’a.

21 thoughts on “The great outdoors”

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  3. Ju-Lyn's avatarJu-Lyn

    Stunning scenery, Graham! Great Outdoors indeed!
    And I love your little critter captures – my favourite is the grey ladybug. I did not realise they come in this hue.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Kirstin's avatarKirstin

    So gorgeous! As much as I love the 4 seasons and the PNW, there is a part of me that wouldn’t mind an area that I could have an outdoor kitchen and be outside more.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Graham's avatarGraham Post author

      I’m outdoors for a good portion of the day, every day, and I enjoy that a lot. We don’t get the long summer evenings of the PNW, but nor do we get the afternoon darkness of those winters. I always liked the different seasons there, but I admit, I do enjoy wearing shorts year round!

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  6. kzmcb's avatarkzmcb

    It looks fabulous. I can see why you spend so much time outdoors and what a healthy lifestyle for people. It’s heartening that that hasn’t been altered by the technological advancements and changes, or at least not eradicated.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Graham's avatarGraham Post author

      I feel very fortunate that almost every day I can get outdoors for exercise. I’m not sure the outdoor barbecues are the healthiest lifestyle, but they sure smell good!

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    1. Graham's avatarGraham Post author

      Thanks. The frigatebirds have a history of sneaking up on me so I was happy to spot this one early. It was unusually low, staying out of the headwinds.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Terri Webster Schrandt's avatarTerri Webster Schrandt

    The Big Island is a gem for the great outdoors, for sure, Graham! So many habitats and climate zones to explore. Snorkeling sounds perfect! My days of broiling on the beaches are over, I’ll take a good hike any day! Gorgeous images to boot! We ordered coffee from the Kau Coffee Mill and I think of the Maunas as we enjoy the coffee that is so unique to the area enhanced by the volcanic soil. Hoping for cooler weather here and keeping fingers crossed for an uneventful fire season in the west! I just opened my weather app and it shows over 100 all week and 113 here on Tuesday–egads! Guess the great outdoors will have to wait a few days ;/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Graham's avatarGraham Post author

      I do like to hike too. I was out today on a fairly hot day and some locals went by looking at me like I’d lost my mind! I wouldn’t be out in the temperatures you’re getting though. I remember when 90+ was very unusual in western Washington. I don’t think it ever got to 100.

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