It’s me and my rental car against the forces of nature. In the course of the morning I endured wind, sand and blazing heat. I ascended the side of a volcano and was blitzed by pounding rain near the top. Now, on the way back down, I pull over at a viewpoint and forget the most basic natural force of all: gravity.
I get out, slam the door and walk across to a fence guarding the rim of the immense Waimea Canyon. I hear crunching gravel behind me. Odd. There’s nobody else here. I turn to witness the alarming sight of my car rolling down the mountain. I’d left the parking brake off.
By good fortune, the wheels point toward the road rather than in the direction of the 3,000-foot drop into the canyon. Nonetheless, I sprint to catch the runaway vehicle and sling myself into the front seat. I jam it to a halt just as an oncoming car appears ahead. I face a flash of lights and a horn blast. A small price to pay for a potentially catastrophic mistake.

Waimea Canyon © Jerryway | Dreamstime.com
This Chevy Impala is just the latest of a succession of rental cars during my island-hopping tour of Hawai’i. While other vacationers settle by the hotel pool or lounge on the beach, I am keen to see as much as I can of these incredible islands, and for that I need wheels.
I tried to match my rental choices to the particular requirements of each island. On the Big Island, I chose an SUV, all the better for looking across the stark lava fields and negotiating the cinder tracks on the upper slopes of the great volcano, Mauna Kea. On Maui, I went for a convertible — the perfect mode of transport for the sunny drive along the coast to Lahaina with the radio on, the wind ruffling my hair and humpback whales breaching offshore. I opted for a compact Chevy Aveo in Oahu, ideal for fitting into parking spaces in Honolulu and Waikiki.
The choice for Kauai posed a challenge. The island features a bit of everything. The clincher was the knowledge the island’s summit is one of the wettest places on Earth. Definitely not convertible country. The roads are good, so an SUV was not essential. And I didn’t plan to spend much time in the towns.
So it is me and the Chevy Impala. Having rescued it from gravity’s pull, I reverse it back to the viewpoint, apply the brake and for additional security place a volcanic rock beneath one of the front tires.
Now I can fully appreciate the raw landscape. This is the beginning of Hawai’i’s geological end. The canyon formed when the main volcanic dome collapsed, compounded by the eroding effects of water and wind. The process continues unabated. Over the coming millennia, the highlands will wash away, reducing Kauai to a ring of small islands around a lagoon.
The narratives of geology unfold over vast timescales impossible to grasp from a human perspective. But the scenic results are breathtaking. On the descent, I often pull over, restrain the car and take in the stunning view from new angles.
Back on the flat coast road, I realize a police car is suddenly tailing me. I measure my speed, check my seat belt and meticulously obey every road sign. Eventually he overtakes me and continues on his way.
A traffic cop is one force of nature I don’t intend to mess with.
Read This Next
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
2014
Jan 1, 2015All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jan 18, 2021Work and Play at The Bungalow in Nantucket
If the winter months have you craving a snowy retreat surrounded by off-season island fun and warm fireplaces, The Bungalow at Greydon House should be on your list. An iconic stay in Nantucket, Massachusetts, The Bungalow offers a two-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat in the heart of historic downtown.
Sponsored Content
The Greatest Show on Earth
Step right up to the greatest show on Earth as FXExpress Publications, Global Traveler, trazeetravel.com and whereverfamily.com celebrate their 2020 award winners! Join the big top on Dec. 14 as we virtually award the winners of the 17th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, including the Airline and Hotel of the Year; the 17th annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Survey; the eighth annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards; the sixth annual The Trazees; and the third annual Wherever Awards.
Daily
Jan 15, 2021Sail Around the World with Viking
While cruising paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Viking plans to come back better than ever with a 136-day World Cruise. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime by sailing around the world.
Daily
Jan 14, 2021Dry January Mocktails from Restaurants Around the Country
Are you participating in the Dry January challenge? If you aren’t indulging in alcohol this month, try these mocktails from restaurants around the country.
Sponsored Content
Adventure Redefined: Volvo Overseas Delivery
Custom order your Volvo through the Overseas Delivery Program and receive round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and a personalized delivery at the Volvo Factory Delivery Experience in Gothenburg, Sweden. Your experience begins in Sweden with insurance and registration included, enabling you to drive your new Volvo throughout Scandinavia and Europe. Create the adventure of a lifetime with the program named Best Overseas Delivery four years running, and return home with the ultimate souvenir.
eFlyer Reviews
Jan 13, 2021Suraya Review
My husband and I enjoyed outdoor dining with another couple at Suraya in Philadelphia. The Lebanese restaurant makes frequent appearances on many local and national Best Of lists, including being named Best Restaurant in Philadelphia by Philadelphia magazine.
Cordis, Hangzhou Opens in Sci-Tech City
eFlyer News
Jan 13, 2021Azamara Launches 2021 WAVE Offer
eFlyer Deals
Jan 13, 2021eFlyer Lead
Jan 13, 2021Hilton Launches Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions for Meetings and Events
As we begin 2021, it’s clear hybrid meetings and events are the trend of the immediate future. To meet pent-up demand, Hilton introduced Hilton EventReady Hybrid Solutions, a new suite of offerings directing event planners to Hilton’s hybrid-ready hotels and providing them with planning resources.
Sponsored Content
Adventure Redefined: Volvo Overseas Delivery Program
Are you looking for a truly unique travel experience and considering a new vehicle? The Volvo Overseas Delivery Program is the perfect solution to create your own refined adventure of a lifetime. You can custom order your new Volvo, tailored to fit your needs and desires. They will fly you to Sweden to pick up your Volvo so you can drive and explore Scandinavia and Europe on your terms for up to two weeks.
Daily
Jan 13, 2021JetBlue Updates Emotional Support Animal Policy
JetBlue is the latest airline to adjust its emotional support animal policy. As of Jan. 11, the airline will no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals and travelers cannot book flights with emotional support animals moving forward.
ShareThis