Hawai'i has a special place in my heart.  Not only was it my 50th and FINAL state to visit, it was a place that my Mom had always wanted to visit.  She passed away at the young age of 58 from complications brought on by breast cancer.  When I visited the state for the first time, I couldn't help but to feel her presence as if she was seeing the state through my eyes.

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The Hawaiian Islands were formed by millennia of volcanic activity, which helped to form and shape the islands.  There are still 6 active volcanoes throughout the islands, two of which have seen recent eruptions (Kilauea and Mauna Loa, both located on The Big Island and within the boundaries of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park).  Kilauea is the youngest volcano in Hawai'i, and the most active.  Episode 51 began July 15, 2026, just a few days after we left the islands.  The term "episode" refers to the number of fountaining events or lava flow during the volcanic cycle of an eruption. This particular cycle for Kilauea began in December 2024, and has seen 51 "episodes" of lava fountaining and flow as part of the overall eruption of Kilauea.  These types of eruptions have been occurring within the world's most active volcano since 1983, with the longest eruption cycle from 1983 to 2018.  

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During my first trip to Hawai'i, I visited 3 of the islands: The Big Island of Hawai'i, Maui, and Oahu (although my time in Oahu was very limited).  As part of this "three-island tour", I had the time to spend exploring Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (on the Big Island) and Haleakala National Park (on Maui).  These two parks were originally established as one park, Hawai'i National Park, in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson.  They were officially separated in 1961 and renamed Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (on The Big Island of Hawai'i and Haleakala National Park (on Maui).

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The following photographic journey takes you through these two parks, as well as other parts of each island, where I showcase their unique landscapes and wildlife.

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