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HAWAII ISLAND'S NIGHT LIGHTS Boots, sweaters, mittens -it looks like I've packed for a ski trip instead of Hawaii Island. But no worries-I didn't forget my flip flops. With eleven climate zones to cover, I've come prepared. And during this touring week, I'm captivated by these night light perspectives that span from the island's shoreline to the highest peak.
Beneath The Waves With Manta Rays  [1 Manta talk at Sheraton Keauhou Bay]
 [2 Manta Ray Diver] After attending the resort's Manta Talk, my fears are alleviated. I've learned about their traits and grazing grounds. Unlike other rays, they don't have life-threatening stingers and like Pavlov's dogs, they gravitate here when the night lights shine. The illumination draws out hordes of plankton, their primary food source. And with some weighing close to two thousand pounds, it's one popular seafood buffet. Like space-age aliens, they also possess a built-in sixth sense -electro-receptors that detect when someone is horning in. Well, they don't have to worry about this intruder. The next show will soon begin. And from my patio perch, while viewing the lights, I order another umbrella drink.
Powerful and Prevailing Pele "The Volcano Goddess must be edgy tonight," our guide says. "And when Pele's hot and bothered, she can really blow her stack. The open pit in Kilauea Caldera is the world's longest continuously-erupting volcano. On March 11, 2008, a new vent opened in this massive basin and ever since, has been spewing steam, gasses and ashes. It now measures 131 meters (430 ft) wide-larger than a regulation-size football field. And tonight, Pele is performing one of her touchdowns.  [3 Night glow of Halema'uma'u Crater] From our chilly observation deck at 3,500 feet, she radiates in stately splendor. Smooth rippled "Pahoehoe" (pronounced pah-hoy-hoy) that once flowed from the giant maw has long-since hardened and look like tendrils of her flowing hair. Razor-edged "aa" (pronounced ah-ah) that had spewed with her fumes, dot the barren landscape like tears she once shed. But her true beauty comes from within. Plumes of cotton-white ash envelope an effusion of fiery tones -flaming reds, burnt ochre, hot pinks percolate together and seethe from the deep. Without a doubt, this hot goddess still knows how to light up the island's night sky.
Amazing Star Gazing  [4 Maunakea summit with world-class observatory] "But don't we need clear skies?" I ask, as we cleave upwards through driving rains. Greg Brown, is confident. "This scenic wonder won't disappoint. It is, after all, a sacred haunt to Wakea, the sky god, Papa, the ruler of Mother Earth and Poli'ahu, the snow goddess who put out Pele's fires." By the time we summit, the gods are glorifying. Above the white powder-puffs is a sky of blue and a brazen sun. I watch it set in silence, captivated by the symphony of color-bands of pink, streaks of amber, shots of violet. It seems to go on forever and when light transitions to dark, the stars provide an encore.  [5 Maunakea sunset] _________________________________ IF YOU GO: Where to Stay for Manta Rays:
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa Where to Stay for Powerful and Prevailing Pele:
Kipuka Cottage Where to Stay for the Amazing Star Gazing:
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii For more information: http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island
PHOTOS - Brent Cassie except for image 2: Travel Writers' Tales is an independent travel article syndicate that offers professionally written travel articles to newspaper editors and publishers. To check out more, visit www.travelwriterstales.com 
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