by Aria Kerebs

Hilo Hawai’i is the most wonderful place for adventuring. While different sources will give you a different figure, whether it be eight, 10/14, or some other number, it is generally agreed that the big island of Hawai’i has a considerable array of distinct climatic zones. Because of this, as you move around the island, the scenery (and the activities you can undertake) tend to vary. On the wet, tropical Hilo side of the island, you can swim at the beautiful lava rock beaches or dive into the freshwaters of the various waterfalls. The drier Kona side offers the lovely white sand of Hāpuna Beach.

Further inland on the big island is the Volcano National Park. During the recent Kīlauea eruption, I was extremely fortunate to be able to visit the national park at night and witness it. It was one of the most incredible and breathtaking things I have ever seen, and it will certainly be one of the things I remember for the rest of my life.

Volcano National Park also offers a host of stunning hikes including the Kīlauea Iki trail which ventures around the crater rim and through the caldera.

The vast variety of outdoor adventuring available within the big island of Hawai’i has been so exciting to me, and it has definitely solidified to me that coming here on exchange was the best decision I could’ve made!