Following up on our previous post about Ocean Safety, we thought we’d share some pictures of what the Queen’s Bath looks like when 25 ft waves hit the coastline.
The power of the ocean can be mesmerizing, and some people feel the urge to experience that energy by getting close to it, despite the obvious (in this case) danger.
The Queen's Bath on a day with small waves, but about the maximum safe size (click for big picture)
The following pictures (the 2nd set of three) were taken about 20 yards behind the large photo shown above. The photographer stood at the tree line, ready to grab onto a tree. The man in the first set of photos was eventually knocked over. Fortunately the jagged lava rocks charged a minimal fee of only a few ounces of blood to keep him put on the rocks. Note the Queen’s Bath isn’t even discernible anymore, completely over-run by water.
Mesmorized
Frozen
Lucky this Time
The man in these pictures stood about 5 yards from the treeline, relying on the photographer to tell him when to make a run for it.
October marks the beginning of Hawaii’s ‘Winter’ season, accompanied by large swells that affect the Island’s northern shores. Two days ago the season’s first big swell arrived with waves reaching 18ft. Unfortunately the big surf was likely responsible for at least 3 of 4 drownings in two days on Kauai.
The most dangerous swells are usually in the 6-10 ft range because the ocean doesn’t look that mean. People arrive at the beach, see 4 ft waves, and enter the water. Eventually the 10 ft set arrives and many are caught in a very dangerous situation.
One tourist drowned after entering Hanakapia beach, the deadliest beach in Hawaii, located 2 miles into the Kalalau trail. Despite the ominous sign and big waves the tourist decided to enter the water. The day before, two women were swept off the rocks at the Queen’s Bath.
Hanakapiai Beach's Morbid Warning Sign
Were these people uniformed, irresponsible, unlucky, or lacking in judgment? The man who drowned at Hanakapia reportedly looked to be in excellent physical condition, possibly a world class swimmer? He obviously thought he could handle anything the ocean could throw at him that day. The two ladies at the Queen’s bath, one accompanied by her husband, were surely not thrill seekers. Instead, the ocean did something that they didn’t think was possible - it produced a wave that was impossibly big.
Therein lies the problem - thinking that one has an understanding of the ocean, a handle on the rules of nature that the ocean surely must observe. One doesn’t. And when the ocean gives you any hints - wet rocks that should be dry, big waves rolling over the horizon, a surf report that calls for changing conditions (swell coming or subsiding), use that information and remember that you’re entering a perilous foreign environment.
When people think of Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, most envision a fiery lava spewing lake of glowing magma. That was the scene during a 1959 eruption when lava filled Kilauea Iki Crater. Although being the world’s most active volcano, those types of spectacular eruptions are quiet rare. In fact, most visitors to Volcanoes National Park don’t see any lava, with the lava flowing underground and exiting into the ocean in remote areas. Still, once expectations are put in check, anybody with at least some interest in Geology will love the Park. It’s a vast and interesting area with much to explore. The whole area exudes energy, with many gas vents hinting at the turmoil underfoot.
This video was captured by a lucky visitor to the park in September.
With Kilauea very active at the moment, there’s a good chance of some interesting “events”, as the USGS calls them. For up to date information, visit the US Geological Survey’s Kilauea Site.
Remember, if you’re going to visit the Volcano do yourself a favor and rent a place in either the Puna region or Volcano Village. Driving down from Kona to spend some time in the company of Pele is impractical and silly. If you enjoy hiking there are many options, and you’ll want to plan in advance.
