Often times I can hear the waves crashing on the shoreline, sometimes feeling the vibration of its power from our bedroom floor. Several times it sounded like a part of a cliff falling, only to realize another large wave collided with our island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. If you look closely into the twilight, you are able to see the mist of the ocean in the air and smell the distinctive aroma of seawater that has a substance of seduction that calls you to come and see the ever-changing beauty and freedom.
Some may say that because our bodies are composed mostly of water, there is an instinctive attraction to it; a curiosity and intrigue to discover, feel, engulf, and captivate our inner being. For me, there is a solitude I find in this place called, “Paki Bay.” The English translation meaning, “Splash.” It is not a hike that is easy. Walking near the Pacific Ocean can bring hazards as shown by a nearby headstone that tells of a fisherman who fell and was lost in this massive depth of endless blue waters. A reminder that you must be respectful of the ocean’s unpredictable character and indiscriminate selection of unwary visitors. In spite of the dangers, the coastline possess beautiful tide pools, sea turtles, whales, edible crustaceans, beautiful shells, and the most intriguing, ancient salt makers in perfect symmetry carved by Native Hawaiians hundreds of years ago. Hawaiians were proficient in food sustainability even without the use of metal tools. I am captivated by the perfect circles dug deep into solid lava by hands, stones, and the mind of primitive ingenuity.
The hour long hike to Paki Bay is enthralling. The isolation and remoteness of its location makes this place special. This bay however, was not always uninhabited. If you look carefully into the woods, remnants of an ancient Hawaiian Village once stood here and supported a large population. Today, I can sit here staring out into the sea without a soul for miles and miles around. It is tranquil to watch sea turtles moving through large waves without the concern or fear of strong currents. It is a blessing to be part of this creation where the salt air can fill my lungs and for hours I am immersed in absolute serenity. The warmth of the sun, purified by water, and accompanied by the affinity of nature’s indisputable abundance, I become reassured that this material world is becoming less and less significant because of the beauty that was here before me.
Find your peace,
WwW
Wil