I first met Uncle Ted about three years ago at Kalani Oceanside retreat while visiting the Big Island of Hawai'i. Upon our first meeting what stood out the most was his southern accent, sense of humor and avuncular mannerism so I began calling him Uncle Ted. At that time I was only visiting the island for 10 days as a guest, but like everyone else here, I fell in love with Kalani so much so that I sold all my belongings and moved back a year later. Currently, both Uncle Ted and I serve in the kitchen department. Uncle Ted is the Executive Chef and I am the assistant shift lead aka a sous chef.
On our recent adventure Uncle Ted and I decided to go camping to Volcano National Park with two volunteers from the kitchen named Lucie and Jonathan. Volcano National Park is the home of Kilauea, the most active Volcano on the Hawaiian islands.
Once entering the gatehouse of the Park we proceeded to take a scenic drive on Hilina Pali Road. On our drive i noticed Ōhi'a and Koa tree's and miles and miles of hardened pahoehoe lava flows. We eventually arrived to Kulana'okuaiki, a designated campground that seemed rather crowded, so we decided to go to the more scenic spot at Hilina Pali Overlook located at the end of the road.
When arriving to Hilina Pali Overlook we began setting up our tents. Uncle Ted and Jonathan set up camp next to each other in a open unshaded area. Personally I enjoy sleeping in so i chose to set my tent up behind an avocado tree.
My tent
The tree provided shade from the morning sun and a breath-taking view of the Pacific Ocean. I could see all the way down to South Point, which is said to be the southern most part of the United States.
After setting up our tents the sun set quickly and darkness fell upon us. In the far north corner we could see the glow of Kilauea volcano and above us was a sky full of stars. I gazed up at the beauty nature provided us.
Milky Way & Kilauea Volcano Glow
We sat on the picnic table in the dark and enjoyed the food we had packed earlier. Jonathan pulled out his guitar and both Uncle Ted and Jonathan sang blues.
It was as perfect of a night as one could hope for but then again every night in Hawaii is a memorable one.
We talked about everything and anything from mediation to fear, injustice and love. Uncle Ted kept the conversation lite and provided much of the entertainment with his timeless sense of humor. Jon serenaded us and Lucie added the delicate grace of a woman's presence that kept us all grounded. We ate, drank, sang and talked the night away.
The following morning was a gorgeous one. The clouds were huge and fluffy.
Sunrise at Hilina Pali Overlook
Uncle Ted was already awake and had made us a fresh pot of coffee on his portable stove top. It's was an unexpected surprise. He saw my eyes light up and said in his southern accent, "Boy, I don't fuck around! Now this is some luxurious camping. Fuck if you catch me doing a nine mile hike. I'm not lugging all that shit on my back." I laughed.
The rest of the crew trickled in from their tents. Jonathan busted out his guitar and played some breakfast tunes and acquired a new fan.
Jons newest fan
A preying mantis got up on his guitar and started jamming out with him. It was surreal. Jonathan gets all the girls. Let's just hope she doesn't bit his head off 😉.
As we sat around sipping on coffee, Uncle Ted recommended we take a five minute walk and enjoy our coffee at a more scenic point. He lead the way and we followed without question.
Everyone following Uncle Ted
Both John and I stopped along the way to capture the breathtaking view.
Jon and I stopping to take a quick photo.
The coffee was delicious and the view was breathtakingly beautiful.
Lucie enjoying the view and her cup of coffee
Uncle Ted sat next to me and said, "Now look at this view! I know people who have millions of dollars but they can't find the time to get away from their work to enjoy something like this. They would kill to be doing this right now ma boy!"
I smiled and pondered on the statement Uncle Ted had just made and felt gratitude for my life and the people I've been fortunate enough to share it with.
Once all the coffee was consumed and the view ingrained in our consciousness we decided to visit Kilauea. If you look closely you can see the vog coming out of the crater.
Vog coming out of Kilauea Volcano
Later that morning we explored the less popular areas of Volcano National Park and Uncle Ted acted as our tour guide teaching us about the Park’s natural history, geology, and ancient legends.
Uncle Ted giving Jon a geology lesson.
It was loads of fun to see the many different lava flow formations and to actually learn about them from a knowledgable person.
Lucie exploring the lava flow
Later that morning we took a beautiful 19 mile drive on the Chain of Craters road. In the distance I noticed a down pour of rain that made for an epic photo so I pulled over and snapped a quick photo.
View from mile marker 11 on Chain of Craters Road
At the end of the Chain of Craters road we took a few moments to view the Holei Sea Arches that were naturally carved out by the Pacific Ocean.
After lunch we decided that we really wanted to frolic around a less touristy waterfall in Hilo before heading back to the place we now call home. We drove into Hilo bypassing the touristy Rainbow Falls and arrived at Wai‘ale Falls, a more secluded waterfall.
Hiking in the Jungle
We hiked for 10 minutes through the luscious Hawaiian rainforest passing fragrant white ginger flowers that perfumed the air and delighted our senses.
White Ginger Flowers
I could hear the thunderous sound of Wai‘ale Falls in a distance and instantly felt excitement as I imagined frolicking around in the small pools above it. The hike through the rainforest was so calming and healing. The vegetation kept changing with every dip and climb as I trailed behind Jon and Lucie with Uncle Ted following closely behind me.
Jon & Lucie leading the way
Once we arrived to the waterfall Uncle Ted provided us more geological facts about the stone formations.
Uncle Ted, Lucie & Jon examining different waterfalls
I noticed Lucie sitting at the edge of the waterfall watching the raging water. It was an awe-inspiring view.
Lucie sitting beside Wai'ale Falls
Wandering with Uncle Ted, Jonathan and Lucie was relaxing, delightful and a synergetic experience. I've gone on many adventures before with many different people and at times it can be rather challenging. This trip was definitely not a challenge. We worked well together, and supported each other. I look forward to sharing more adventures with this specific group of people and also with you, the reader.
Aloha from Hawai'i🌴✌🏼️😄
-Asim
p.s. If you want to get to know Uncle Ted better come visit us in Hawai'i or visit his blog ...
Chef Ted's Wanderin and a Ponderin Blog