The Land of Milk and Honey

I believe that the key to finding happiness in modern times is simplicity. For 3 months, I relocated to the Big Island Hawaii to work on a remote 9-acre farm in the Jungle. With a small suitcase and no electronics, I spent the bulk of my trip living in Pahoa, which travelers refer to as the "Big Island’s Outlaw Town." Filled with hippie permaculturists, Rastafarians, ex-convicts and native Hawaiian families. Living off-the-grid with no transportation meant that I must hitchhike at least 24 miles a day to explore the Island.
My Hawaiian adventure truly pushed my comfort zone. Fire dancing at a local artist eco-village, cliff-diving off a 50-foot cliff at the most Southern point in USA, climbing exotic fruit trees, and hitchhiking with strangers' everyday. Now, as we travel down the coastal road of Route 137, we'll pass seaside tide pools and steam vents. This desolate two-way street carries us under a breathtaking canopy of tropical trees and greenery. Nearing the end of the road heading South is a historical town called Kalapana where you can find my travel treasure. There is truly no other place like this in the world.
Hidden underneath a large cliff of lava rock is a magical black-sand beach by the name of Kehena. Clothing is optional, beers are sold and a drum circle is present. Kehena Beach is where the hippies hangout on Sundays and where you can breath in some true Aloha spirit. To reach it, you must first climb down a steep path of hardened lava rock. This spot is quite a mystical site for both locals and tourists.
On one evening of a full moon, I met with locals to celebrate at Kehena. We created a bonfire out of palm fronds and jammed on ukulele together. We faced the expansive ocean and listened as it’s waves crashed into shore. Above us was a panoramic view of the starlit sky, with ever-present shooting stars and the milky way. In the distance, the glow of lava flowed down the mountainside. Speechless.
In Hawaiian, the word lii represents a physical something that you leave behind. Upon leaving the Island, I felt that it had claimed a part of me and I wondered if I would leave it there when I traveled home. Once the magic of this special place seduces you, it is very difficult to leave. If there is one lesson I carried back with me into my hectic New York City lifestyle, it’s this: “Everybody is in a rush to go nowhere.” Appreciate the now, accept what comes to you naturally and share your experience with those you love.