Series
Recharge your beauty while surrendering yourself to nature. A beauty trip made possible in Hawaii.
Cherish the time you spend with your family. A way to spend precious time that can only be done in Hawaii."
Enjoy both work and leisure time, travel while working. New Hawaii
For example, Diamond Head, a small hill visible from Waikiki Beach, is a huge crater formed about 400,000 years ago. Mauna Kea, a mountain on the Big Island of Hawaii, is 4,205m tall, higher than Mount Fuji. Needless to say, Hawaii is a great natural spot where you can experience not only the ocean, but also the mountains, flora and fauna that were born in ancient times.
Sunshine, the blue of the sea, the clear air, the green of the mountains and plants, the starry sky... Experiencing nature with your whole body brings true healing to the mind and body. The first style we propose, "Nature Retreat," is a trip where you make the most of your time in Hawaii to receive healing from nature. It is not a quick healing experience in the midst of a busy everyday life, but a trip where you can fully enjoy nature in the extraordinary time of Hawaii, and you will be able to fully reset your mind and body.
The journey begins in a national park with a mystical landscape
Big Island Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The trip begins on the Big Island, the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. First, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can feel the energy of nature with your whole body.
This place, which can be said to be the symbol of the Big Island, is Hawaii's only World Heritage Site and is famous as a power spot. The overwhelmingly large Mauna Loa Mountain has an active volcano (crater) called Kilauea Volcano, and its crater, Halemaumau, is the site of the legend of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes (※1), and shows a beautiful and alluring appearance. These magnificent sights vividly represent the flow of time that has continued since ancient times, and give you an indescribable impression.
After landing at Kona Airport and admiring the majestic mountains from afar, rent a car and head into the great outdoors. This national park is also popular as a southern driving course from Kona to Hilo, and since the large-scale eruption in 2018, the appearance of the area around the crater has changed (※2), so we recommend heading to the observation deck called "Steaming Vent Observatory."
It's only a short walk from the nearest parking lot, but to enjoy the spectacular views, it's best to take a slight detour along the trail.
The observation deck is located in the middle of the trail, about 1.5 km long. After getting off the car, trek slowly, feeling the powerful workings and energy of nature. The highlight here is the fantastical scenery of steam rising from the grassland, which seems like the earth's breath. This is moisture underground that has been heated by the geothermal heat of the volcano and turned into steam, and is also called "Pele's breath."
By walking slowly in this extraordinary environment, synchronizing your breathing and heartbeat with the movement of the earth, you may be able to get a renewed sense of being alive and feel the energy hidden within you.
*1 Lava is thought to be the incarnation of Pele.
*2 The photos shown here were taken before 2018. The eruption has subsided, but it is not possible to see volcanic activity on the surface. Some areas are closed or off-limits, so we recommend checking the official website for the latest information.
Feel the healing power of the stars in the sky. Go to the place closest to the starry sky on Earth.
Mauna Kea, Big Island of Hawaii
Also on the Big Island of Hawaii, another must-see is the "Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour." Tours to Mauna Kea, which means "white mountain" in Hawaiian, start from the town of Kona. Since it is generally prohibited to reach the summit by rental car, it is essential to join a tour. It is reassuring to have a guide who can tell you the best locations to see the beautiful starry sky.
Mauna Kea is a beautiful mountain that is miraculously covered in snow for a short period of winter, and is home to the rare alpine plant, silver sword grass. The Subaru Telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan is installed here, making it famous as one of the world's leading astronomical observation sites.
Above all, the magnificent sunset and the beautiful starry sky seen from the summit are breathtaking. Feel the roundness of the earth as the divine sunset bathes your entire body, and as night falls, stars billions of light years away, meteors, and numerous constellations with stories... a night sky that stirs your imagination and curiosity about the universe spreads out before you. The mystical stargazing that can only be experienced in Hawaii's clear air gives you a strange feeling of being "enveloped" rather than standing in the 360-degree sky.
Once you feel in your body that you are part of the universe, take a deep breath and clear your mind. Small worries will no longer matter.
Please note that the temperature drops significantly near the summit, so be sure to take care of your health and dress warmly.
In search of sunlight, the sky that envelops the earth, and magnificent scenery
Haleakala National Park, Maui
Not only on the Big Island, but on each island in Hawaii, there are many magnificent natural spots. Next, we head to Haleakala National Park, where the legend of the demigod Maui (※3), from whom the island of Maui was named, remains. Haleakala, which is revered as a sacred place by Hawaiians, means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian, and is a place where you can truly enjoy the presence of the sun and the magnificent scenery.
About 90 minutes by car from Kahului Airport on the road heading east, the majestic Mount Haleakala, the highest peak on Maui (3055m above sea level), comes into view. On a clear morning, take in the fresh air and enjoy trekking deep into the forest. Being active in the morning seems to improve blood circulation.
When you come across the warm and divine orange sunrise rising from the sea of clouds near the summit, you will feel a thrill in your heart and a power overflowing from deep within. The park also has waterfalls, rivers, and lush tropical areas, so if you are confident in your stamina, you will want to take as much time as you can to enjoy a stroll.
*3 There is a legend that the demigod Maui trapped the sun here to lengthen the days.
Note: To watch the sunrise (from 3:00 am to 7:00 am), you must make a reservation 60 days in advance. You must present your reservation receipt and passport when entering the park.
Refresh yourself with the negative ions created by nature in Manoa Valley
Manoa Falls, Oahu
There are also must-see spots on Oahu, the island with the most Japanese visitors. The popular Manoa Falls Trail, about 1.3 km one way, is a popular trail course close to Waikiki where native Hawaiian plants are protected and cultivated, and is a spot where you can enjoy hiking while experiencing the great outdoors.
Immediately from the entrance, you will be greeted by the powerful and dynamic jungle, and unlike simply enjoying the scenery, the experience of walking through nature on foot is exactly what the theme of this trip is all about. As you walk through the beautiful greenery, rugged rocks, and muddy ground, a scene not found in everyday life in the city, you will hear the sound of flowing water.
After about 30 minutes of walking, you will arrive at Manoa Falls, the biggest attraction of this course. The 60m-long, powerful yet cool water cascading down from the cliff will soothe your trekking fatigue and purify your soul. The refreshing forest air and clear water will bring your trip to a refreshing end.
In addition to driving to enjoy the spectacular views, you can also go trekking to get your body moving and feel the pleasant fatigue of nature. The different expressions that each island and area shows are an experience that only those who have visited can understand, and it will be remembered by the five senses.
A nature retreat in Hawaii. A true healing story that is fully experienced with all five senses, and will remain deep in your body as a happy time in Hawaii for some time to come.
Photo courtesy of Pixta
SAYAKA MIYANO
After working for a publishing company, a production company, and a company that runs a comprehensive cosmetics and beauty website, she became a freelance editor, writer, and web director. In addition to beauty and fashion, she edits and writes about a wide range of genres, including her favorite food, travel, music, and movie entertainment. Her books include "Science Girls Have It All" (Trans World Japan).
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
