What's Under There? (Three years later....)

One of the projects we enjoyed living in Leilani Estates on the Big Island was finding unique features in lava that had flowed over the land in previous decades (called Pahoehoe - pa-hoyhoy) Odd to be doing that again in our new home in Volcano. Here are a few pictures of the work-in-process.  

A New Island for Hawaii

 

A NEW Island for Hawii –

If you read our recent blog about the recent earthquake activity, you see the epicenter of that activity near the south end of Hawaii Island.  And, it is near where another active and growing underwater volcano is also forming. 

About 19 miles off the southeast coast of Moku o Keawe, and approximately 3,200 feet below sea level, an active underwater volcano is slowly making its way to the surface. Back in 1955, scientists named the volcano “Lōʻihi” (long) based solely on its physical characteristics.

The new name chosen by  a select group is “KAMA ‘EHUA KANALOA.”  Because an undersea volcano is the birth of Pele from the ocean, the undersea volcano is a kama ʻehu a Kanaloa, a reddish child of Kanaloa.

Read more:  For the full Story from KA Wai Ola

Earthquake Hawaii

EARTHQUAKE

This morning Hawaii Island experienced a 6.2 earthquake (and after shocks.)

It was not part of the Kilauea Volcano but was located near South Point about 20 miles deep.

Yes, the house shook and it was a rock-n-roller with several significant after shocks of 5.2 and 4.1.  (Further updates from HVO/USGS indicate the earthquake was triggered by tectonic plates, a relief to those on the Big Island who associate earthquake activity with lava.)  Carry on!

Be prepared; you never know when a disaster of some kind might happen. We have a "grab it first" list and recommend everyone does as well. 

While it did shake us up a bit, we just have to remind ourselves that we can choose our response and we did. After we gathered ourselves and calmed the dogs we decided a walk was in order -- so, with a pair of umbrellas, we headed up Nahelenani for a brief walk. Then, we headed back to the art studio where we're both working on new projects.

Phil just finished this deeply carved bas relief of a Hawaiian Hawk, 'Io (EE oh) and I have just begun working toward a new 42" high garden sculpture of a figure found in France -- in an area where I toured a few years ago.

Mahalo for checking in to see what we are up to! 

STARS OVER HAWAII

 

When we retired and moved from California we were familiar with the constellations like Orion, Cassiopeia and so forth like this image (left)  

Because of our array of telescopes atop Mauna Kea, the island has very low lighting which means we do have excellent star scapes.

However, the star chart for Hawaii is very different. Early Polynesian navigators used four distinct “Star lines” to navigate  cross thousands of ocean miles.                                                                  

The Hawaiian names are, of course, in the Hawaiian language and translated they are: Kite of Kawelo and the Fish hook of Maui which can be seen in the fall and winter sky (shown below.) During winter/spring and spring/summer the star lines seen are named The Bailer and the Backbone. 

At Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo on the Big Island, lectures and special events offer educational opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s legacy of exploration.

 Imiloa Astronomy Center Hilo

The star line pictured here is called “The Backbone” -- one that is easier for us to see because it includes several more familiar constellations. It is Seen during the spring and summer months

For more information about star lines:

Hawaii Navigation by the Stars