The faint outline of the uninhabited island of Kaho’olawe can just be seen on the horizon below the setting sun.
Sunset over Kaho‘olawe
Category Archives: Parks
Mauna Ulu
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Burlywood.’ (See more responses here.) It’s a color I’d never heard of before, apparently a shade of khaki. I’ve gone for some photos of Mauna Ulu, a crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Mauna Ulu eruption took place between 1969 and 1974 and transformed the landscape of the park. A good guide to the eruption can be found here. These days, it’s a quiet area and plants have gained a foothold in the main crater, though the slopes are still mostly barren. And it’s those slopes, seen from the air, that have a pronounced khaki, or burlywood color.
For more information about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, go to nps.gov/havo/.
Better Days: Spencer Beach Park building
This building at Spencer Beach Park is typical of how structures were built here in days gone by. A post and pier foundation raised it off the ground, keeping it relatively free from ground crawling bugs and improving air circulation around and into the building. Single board walls and single pane windows were the norm – not much need for insulation here. And it’s all topped by a corrugated iron roof.
This one has fallen into disrepair however, though it’s possible it’s still used for storage of some kind. Time, or a big storm, are likely to end even that option.
Name that tree
Evidence that the time-honored tradition of carving names into tree trunks is still as popular as ever.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Ohia
Ohia trees growing in lava 
Ohia trees growing in lava 
Ohia roots growing in a lava tube 
Aerial toots
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Geometric–explore various angles.’ I’ve focused more on the ‘various angles’ than the geometric.
Ohia trees (Metrosideros polymorpha) are endemic to Hawaii and the flower of these trees is the official flower of the Big Island. Depending on growing conditions, ohias can vary from ground hugging shrubs to 50 foot trees. They grow at sea level and at elevations up to 8,000 feet. They’re probably most noted for two things. One is their brilliant display of flowers. The other is that they’re usually the first plants to recolonize lava flows.
They grow in lava is because their roots reach down into lava tubes and tap into the moisture available there. But ohia can also put out aerial roots to gather moisture. They’re very flexible in this way.
Buds form 
Stamens emerging 
An ohia flower
The puffball flowers are actually clusters of flowers. Each flower is made up of a bunch of stamens (the male part of the flower) and a single pistil (the female part) which is thicker and longer than the stamens. When the flowers have been pollinated, the stamens fall away until only the pistil remains. This too will disappear as the calyx, where the seeds are found, develops. Eventually, the calyx will dry out and release the tiny mature seeds, to be dispersed by the winds, and hopefully grow into new ohia trees.
The stamens fall off… 
… until only the pistils remain. 
The calyx dries out… 
… Ready to release seed 
Different stages of ohia flowers can be seen on a tree at the same time
Also posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Tree bark
The ragged bark of a tree at Kalōpā State Recreation Area. I’m not sure what kind of tree this is, but the forest it stands in is on the wet side of the island at around 2,000 foot elevation.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Spencer Beach Park
Lately, I’ve been enjoying Spencer Beach Park, near Kawaihae. It’s a sheltered spot for getting in the water, it’s a great place to picnic, and the sandy beach is backed by shade trees. What’s not to like?
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Kahili ginger in the trees
Kahili ginger flowers are invasive, but add a splash of color to the predominant greenery of Kalōpā Forest Reserve.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Graham's Island 