Vacationing in Hawai’i appears like such a straight line to amazing leisure, yet the roads can be so twisty. Such is the steep learning curve while living on or visiting these islands. Big Island Hawai’i is volcano-forming mountainous lands that require thoughtful driving. True leisure for leisure’s sake, the healthy respite for rejuvenating your life, yes, and then following as nature recites. Simply listen. We strive to live here in service to the aina (land).

We visited this same campground, and now a changed woman arrives and she is me. I can see familiar Big Island Hawai’i hallmarks at Whittington Park—an easygoing camp space where families, especially large groups, enjoy these ancient grounds bookshelved by two fishponds, a land to read and decode. Last time we attempted to be here overnight, I got spooked. That was in June 2015. And in March 2022, I can now flow in a better groove with these island cultures.