Chasing Clean Air

Hawaii Travel

Now that I'm back in Los Angeles, I'll be recapping highlights from my Maui and Kauai adventures, sharing my favorite things to do, where I enjoyed staying from B&Bs to quaint hotels, and resorts, best times of year to travel for whale watching, kayaking Kauai's famous Na Pali Coast, surfing big waves, and sharing potential air quality challenges so sensitive breathers (like me) may be aware.

Photo is my friend Debbie and I last week on Kauai Sea Tours' catamaran on the Na Pali Coast.

In Loving Memory: Richard Braden

The first thing I wanted to do upon returning to Los Angeles was weight-lift because Richard Braden showed me how gratifying a weight-lifting routine can be. I went to the YMCA today, happily anticipating I'd see him (my first and only trainer) tomorrow... Richard being the highlight... I almost wrote of the YMCA but he gave me and so many others throughout his years, starting at his own clubs in America and abroad, the inspiration and tools that made weight-lifting a joy and a highlight in my life, making me stronger and more confident. He worked with Jack LaLane and would tell me stories of how Jack would say, I'm probably misquoting, but, "eat it, and wear it tomorrow". I always joked I had a "body by Richard" and it was true. 

Air Quality Maui

UPDATE March 9, 2011

After a new vent on Hawaii's Big Island Kilauea Volcano opened (3rd vent), spewing lava and particulates in air, I received this email from a Chasing Clean Air reader in Maui.

"I'm afraid vog is now part of Maui as fog is to London or smog is to L.A. Until last week it was up to 8 times worse than 2008 but with the vent that opened yesterday it is 70 times as bad as 2009. Hawaii may be dying."

And below was my vog experience last March 25, 2010. I was in Hawaii for close to three weeks (Maui and Kauai) during which time I only experienced a negative reaction to vog in Kihei Maui once.

My lungs constricted walking to my favorite Kihei beach yesterday, the sort of tightness I associate with a bad smog day in Los Angeles. But this was Maui, where to date I'd only experienced what felt like very clean air.

So later I returned to my hotel room, went online, and learned from two separate sources that Kihei on Maui had elevated particulates in the air, and it was recommended for sensitive individuals (that's me) to refrain from outdoor activity. 

The first source I checked was the United States Geological Survey, (they report on volcano hazards) which stated on their web site:

Today March 25, 2010 there is elevated volcanic eruption activity. Elevated SO2 emissions from two vents; lava visible in summit vent; lava flows from the East rift zone vents. Their warning stated: Volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, or eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.

Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Volcano eruptions may impact air quality on Maui and other Hawaiian islands based on a variety of factors that include and are probably not limited to: degree of eruption, wind velocity, wind direction, and temperatures. (I know toxins and ozone in smog intensify with higher temperatures.)

What Is Vog?

What is Vog?  

Hmmm. 

Volcanic smog resulting from the active Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is causing periodic air quality challenges in the state of Hawaii. 

Birds are singing at Kihei beachfront on Maui now. (One island over from Big Island.) It's a sunny clean air 80 degree day, and palm trees and people soak in the sun yet... 

Hawaiians talk about vog fairly often. Is it because I write about air quality and in a sense encourage its mention? 

The sulfuric acid "fog" with traces of toxic metals selenium, mercury, arsenic and iridium, which I have not experienced since I arrived over two weeks ago, can negatively impact the health of sensitive individuals throughout Hawaii, but particularly around the Big Island's Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kona and Kau.

Kauai's The Beach House Restaurant - Magnificent Views

Kauai's Beach House restaurant on Kauai's sunny south shore is known for magnificent views. 

Debbie and I arrived at 5:30 in time to indulge my artistic leanings with this beautiful photo.

We also enjoyed wine, sushi, and a portobello mushroom stir-fry. I appreciated the menu's vegetarian choices, especially since it's been a challenge to maintain healthy eating on the road. 

Debbie ordered a fish dish, which happened to have a surprisingly heavy sauce, so I suggest if you enjoy eating lighter fare, ask what's in the sauce before ordering. 

The sushi appetizers were terrific, as was the wine and spectacular awe-inspiring views.

How I Didn't Get One Mosquito Bite: Exofficio Insect Shield Clothing

I was blown away with how well Exofficio Insect Shield clothing worked yesterday when I kayaked and trekked in the rain forest. My Kauai traveling companion, Debbie, was covered in mosquito bites, whereas I had none.

I know it's a tough economy, but if you like jungle trekking, kayaking, canoeing, and hanging out at sunset near water and mosquitoes love you, I believe you'll love Exofficio Insect Shield clothing despite the price tag.

I tried this clothing line because I'm not comfortable with the idea of smearing DEET on my skin.

So.

For the occasion of my Kauai rain forest adventure, I wore insecticide pants (Women's Ziwa Insect Shield® Convertible Pant $85) and this light white hoodie (Women's Insect Shield® Barrier Long-Sleeve Hoody Sale Price $59.91) I also wore Chaco sandals, which are perfect for a  kayak/hike adventure.

Not one mosquito bite!

Debbie was covered.