Island Fever

 

Rock fever is described as the feeling that mainlanders get when they spend too much time in Hawaii. Quite often this term used as another excuse by many to dismiss a life on the islands. So what about “island fever”?

Island Fever is looking out the window to imagine Hawaii’s steep velvety green mountains greeting you as the sun and clouds cast dancing shadows across their faces. Constantly thinking about the hidden turquoise pools lining the miles of sand and lava rock drenched coastline where sea turtles outnumber swimmers.

The anxiety builds daily about the long-awaited day of escape and when it will finally come. So many times I wonder if another move is really going to change all the feelings and stress that surround me here in this stagnant place, but for some reason, I feel that this time will be different. I really need a change, a chance to live again. Like so many other human beings, I too have become lost in a world of mundane existence. I repeat a daily schedule with only slight variations, offering very slight moments of excitement and happiness.

I scour blogs and books about a life in Hawaii and they all warn of the magic wearing off quickly as the reality of work and stress set in. I still have that reality and stress here, but during my cherished moments of down time, there is really nothing “natural” to do. In Central Florida there is no reminder of humility. The awe that is felt when looking upon a towering majestic mountain, or searching the horizon of a never-ending sea as the orange sun melts into the water. Orlando really has little to offer in the “awe” department and the only thing larger than the egos are the measly buildings that we jokingly call sky scrapers.

Most people only live on a small space of Earth venturing small distances to work and home over and over again. Settling on an island where this same measure of space includes such diverse landscapes and climates as does Hawaii, would surely offer the soul more delight than malaise. The time is growing ever closer and the dream is becoming more of a reality with each passing day. Moves are being made in the present to pave the way to the islands, for a better life.

Misconceptions of Paradise

Where is the wettest place on Earth?  It’s not Bangladesh. 

There is a lush, velvety green, rain drenched mountain that receives over 400 inches of rain, for over 335 days per year and is actually located in the United States.

Not only does this state boast  the world’s highest rain totals, it also has eleven of the world’s fourteen climates. There are deserts with cactus, snow-covered mountains, temperate forests with towering bamboo and redwood trees, vast grasslands, meadows, rain forests, deep canyons and valleys, lava fields, coral reefs and of course the quintessential beaches synonymous with Hawaii.

Most people are not aware of the remarkable climate diversity in Hawaii. An island visit is frequently dismissed by misconceptions relating to a media created stereotype of Hawaii’s always tropical weather.  When in reality, there is literally a climate for almost any type of traveler and many can be seen quickly and easily all in one day.

In addition to its unique diversity, the Hawaiian Island chain offers many of the world’s “one and only” experiences. For those drawn to the red dirt and canyons of the west, there is breathtaking Waimea canyon located on the island of Kauai.  Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, this canyon is quite remarkable with its layers of red, burnt orange and copper sediments, towering waterfalls and dramatic narrow gorges.    

On Maui, hikers enjoy a taste of the North Pacific while strolling through a fern draped temperate forest, with towering redwoods and sequoias.  Also found on the same island is the world’s third largest tree that can be found in Banyan Tree Park. 

Also on Maui, desert lovers can find the almost lifeless, barren volcanic sands of Haleakala.  Stretching out for miles in every direction this red cinder desert protects a species of plant that exists only here, known as the Silver Sword.

On the island of Molokai, the world’s largest sea cliffs jut 3,000 feet straight up from the deep blue sea. Just off of these magnificent cliffs raises the Okala spire that has a species of palm tree that, again, only exists among these incredible islands.

On the Big Island sleeps a snow-capped giant, known as Mauna Kea.  This huge dormant volcano is the world’s tallest mountain when measured from its base at the bottom of the Pacific to its peak.  This colossal rock provides the unique experience of starting the day off trekking through snow drifts at 13,000 feet, to descending down to the ocean for a warm dip and sunset at just a few feet. 

These incredible islands are home to some of the world’s oldest and newest land, with a little bit of everything in between. Living or visiting these astonishing and beautiful lands will surely change the cliché of Hawaii’s and its climate.

Clear Kayak

Imagine for a moment gliding through the gentle clear lagoons on a crystal clear kayak, allowing you to see the depth of tropical fish, sand and coral below you. 

 

Clear Blue Hawaii has created such a kayak, where the entire body is made out of pure, clear and super strong polycarbonate, like that used for jet canopies. 

 

This transparent kayak is absolutely perfect for clear bodies of water ranging from the ocean’s many clear lagoons and shallows to those spring fed rivers and lakes found sprinkled generously around the south eastern states.

In addition the kayaks measurements make it quite sturdy and secure in the water, and its lightweight material makes it easy to carry and handle even for one person. 

Clear Blue Hawaii’s MOLOKINI has been described as a hybrid canoe slash kayak and is truly the perfect blend of form, function and complete genius that makes it easy for you to find your own destinationZEN.