Completely surrounded by lush green mountains on three sides and a vast ocean behind me, standing in the valley of the Big Island truly separated me from the busy, outside world. It’s unclear how far back the valleys went and you can walk for hours and miles along the coastline ascending and descending the switchbacks of the rolling mountains. Locations like this on other islands may be filled with houses and development, but seeing the natural, untouched landscape was truly a treat and glimpse back into the past.
Eleven miles of hiking alongside the Na Pali Coast on Kauai takes you far outside of civilization and leaves your wi-fi signal behind with it. Weaving in and out of the mountains on the coast takes hours and you eventually arrive at a nearly deserted beach that preserves the tranquility of the lifestyle pre-civilization. You shower off in a waterfall, sleep in the sand, or hang your hammock from a tree, relishing in the rest you earned after the arduous hike.
Find balance. Walking through the black sand of Waipio, disconnected from wifi signals and surrounded by a simpler approach to living, a calming effect washed over me. Here, life was about the waves, sunshine, and waterfall around the corner. This valley is protected to preserve the more traditional way of life. One day I'll explore what lies in the neighboring valley. Until then, I'll enjoy the memory of this view, black sand beneath my feet, and bright blue waters washing up over the beach.
