Finding Your Way on Hawaii Island

Today we had a chuckle when we drove in for my doctors appointment.  When people first move to the Big Island they can experience a learning curve when it comes to directions and street names because 99.9% of all Big Island street names are Hawaiian.  First, that means that although there are some familiar vowels, they are pronounced quite differently, A = ah, E = eh, I = ee, O = oh, U = oo, and, there are only 7 consonants:  h, k, l. m, n, p, w.

Secondly, you learn that local folk don’t refer to north, east, south and west.  This is an island, and directions are given in relation to the five volcanoes (mountains.) Mauka means toward the mountain and Makai refers means away from the mountain.  Sometimes directions are also given in relation to a village or town.  For example – Kona-side, or Hilo-side. 

So, driving in for our appointment went like this:  Leaving our house on Luana in Leilani Estates, we drove mauka (toward the mountain) past Pahoa.  Once onto Kanoelehua we turned mauka again on Kekuanaoa until we came Kilauea and then mauka to Ponahawai, turning mauka once again up to Komohana, and finally onto Pu’uhonu. Got that??    (PS Yes, we can actually pronounce them.)

Mapping Obsession

This map shows our subdivision on right (football shape)

People living in PUNA these days are obsessed with maps!  Seems like everyone is looking for the "perfect map" -- you know, the one that will tell you that the lava will NOT be coming into your subdivision, will NOT be taking your home, your life savings, your kids and dogs, or your retirement.  And, perhaps like many folks, we have one on the kitchen table (photo shopped) with appropriate punctuation.

This is a detailed TOPO map on the kitchen table

Bottom Line:  No one really knows.  CNN had some good coverage today on the morning news, the mayor has declared a state of emergency and people living in the direct path are beginning to evacuate.  Predictions are flying.  Many based on educated guesses and scientific historical evidence, and some rooted in fear.  Most folks we know are working hard to maintain a healthy balance.

Phil and a friend went into Hilo the other day to check out storage units -- just in case.  Many people who live in our subdivision of are hoping that simple GRAVITY is the prime factor and if so, we may get lucky.  Who knows for sure?

The map with the squiggles was produced by the USGS in 2007.  It is based on the direction of STEEPEST flow.

Today, we mowed the yard, packed up the garbage and recyclables for the dump, and made egg salad sandwiches.  Life goes on.  For now, we're committed to enjoying every moment.

Our house is the tiny red dot near the right edge.

Someone created a map from info at hand as a possible "prediction" map that shows the flow going north and west of Leilani, but....oooops, right through poor Pahoa Village and crossing 130 thereabouts.  Not great either.  It's anyone's guess -- what Pele will do.