Category Archives: Scenes

The view north from Pu’u Wa’awa’a

The view from a bench of the hike up Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a.

Another post on the WordPress photo challenge theme of ‘serene.’

The hike up Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a is a steady climb, but there are several benches along the way for a quiet break. This bench looks north, toward the South Kohala coastline and North Kohala hills.

The trail isn’t crowded at any time of day, but in the early morning, it’s positively serene.

For more information about Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a and its trails, go to puuwaawaa.org.

Mauna Kea pu’us

Signs of old volcanic activity on Mauna Kea.

Another post on the WordPress photo challenge theme of ‘serene.’

To me this Mauna Kea scene, of an empty landscape in early evening light backed by pillow-like clouds, is quite serene. But is it really? Those fluffy clouds could contain the kind of turbulence that throws airplanes around, and the pu’us are evidence of volcanic eruptions in the past. Still, it does look serene.

Statues at the Painted Church at Honaunau

Statues in the garden below the Painted Church at Honaunau.

Another post on the WordPress photo challenge theme of ‘serene.’

I’m not a religious person, but I’ve always enjoyed visiting churches. The interiors are usually calm and quiet, and the graveyards and grounds outside have their own serenity. These statues can be found in the garden below the Painted Church at Honaunau.

For more information about the Painted Church at Honaunau, go to thepaintedchurchhawaii.org/.

Upolu sunset

Sunset from Upolu Point on the Big Island of Hawaii

Another post on the WordPress photo challenge theme of ‘serene.’

Hawaii’s weather is largely influenced by the northeast trade winds and some places on the Big Island are renowned for being windy. North Kohala is one of those places. Strong winds can blow for days on end and, off the coast, the ocean is often a flurry of whitecaps and spray.

But when the wind relents, the ocean calms and can produce a serene scene such as this sunset below Upolu Airport.

Onomea waterfalls

The Onomea Waterfalls at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden north of Hilo

This week’s WordPress photo challenge theme is ‘serene,’ and I thought I’d use that as my prompt for the next few posts.

First up are the Onomea Waterfalls at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden north of Hilo. Here, the falls are full with winter rains. In the summer the flow is less. It’s a beautiful, calm setting and, while it’s a popular spot with visitors to the garden, an early arrival should ensure maximum serenity.

For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.