Dec 22, 2024 Big Island
Charcoal Kiln
Syngman Rhee’s Residence
Hilo Korean Christian Church
Seminar-2-The execellence of Koreans
Alae Cemetery
Rainbow Falls
- Amber Shu:
I participated in a Big Island Field Trip with my younger sister, Blair. We visited Kailua Pier, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the first day. On the second day, we went to see pine trees which are planted by Syngman Rhee, Hilo Korean Christian Church, Alae Cemetery, and Rainbow Falls. I loved all places, but if I have to choose only one place, it is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The reason is because seeing volcanoes is very unfamiliar to me. Also, the temperature was cool and the landscape was very beautiful.
- Justin Park :
I actually have two of my favorite parts of the trip. My first favorite part of the trip was the presentation about the R.O.K and the US alliance. I knew some information about this topic already, but after the presentations, I was able to learn the specific details. Since I was translating what Mr. Kwon was saying, I was able to understand the topic better than just taking notes and listening to the presentation. My second favorite part of the trip was when we had a tour to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. It was a very good experience to watch nature’s magnificent figure with my eyes. It was very interesting that the forest was able to form after countless centuries around the volcano. It was a very hard choice for me to pick just two from all those events because I liked almost all the events. I didn’t pick this as my favorite, but the new information that I learned, which I think it’s pretty important, is the story of Syngman Rhee’s charcoal company. Before I only knew the story of some Koreans who came to Hawai’i to work in the plantation in order to send money to Korea for independence from Japan. But until now, I didn’t know that Syngman Rhee also sent around hundred men to create a charcoal company which will help Korea to gain more independence and sustainability. Overall, I really enjoyed being on this trip and I would like to join another trip in the future if I can.
- Blair Shu:
이번 Big Island 여행은 저에게 특별한 경험이었습니다. 처음 방문한 Big Island에서 또래 친구들과 함께 어울리며 즐거운 시간을 보낼 수 있어 행복했습니다. 여행 첫날, 마트에서 점심과 저녁거리를 사고, 바닷가에서 피크닉처럼 식사하며 이야기를 나눈 순간이 가장 기억에 남습니다. 검은 모래 해변을 구경하고, Volcanoes National Park에서 화산 수증기를 관찰하며 자연의 경이로움을 느낄 수 있었습니다. 하와이 국립공원에서 동굴을 탐험하며 Big Island의 자연과 역사를 배운 것도 인상적이었습니다. 숙소에서는 친구들과 요리를 하며 협력하고, 저녁에는 Mr. Kwon의 강의를 들으며 유익한 시간을 보냈습니다. 이후 게임을 하며 더 친해질 수 있었습니다. 마지막 날에는 이수만이 심은 소나무를 보고 교회에서 예배를 드린 후, 한국 이민 조상 기념비를 방문하고 무지개 호수에서 사진을 찍으며 여행을 마무리했습니다. 이 여행은 새로운 배움과 경험, 그리고 우정을 쌓을 수 있었던 소중한 시간이었습니다.
- Nayeon Gil:
As far as I’m concerned, this 2024 Hilo Big Island field trip was pretty special. Four cherished students and three chaperones joined us for this event that was unexpectedly resumed on short notice. I felt like it would be difficult to get to know the students since it would be a short trip, just two days and one night, but my fears were unfounded, and we started talking to each other as soon as we arrived, grocery shopping together. Then we had lunch around Kamakahonu Beach, and I started asking them small, everyday questions, like what their favorite subject was in school. I remember Daniel saying he reads math books and Justin saying, “Bro don’t lie.” After lunch, we drove to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach to see the black sand and ocean, and to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff), Kīlauea Overlook, and Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). The weather was definitely chilly because of the mountaintop, but it was still a nice change of pace from the hot days on the Big Island. After our first day, we headed back to the hostel and made our own kimchi fried rice and ramen..etc. After eating, we listened to Mr. Kwon’s lecture on the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, and we became more immersed in the diplomatic situation in Korea. After the lecture, we played Charades and Call My Name, which brought us closer together and ended our first day. On the second day, we explored the historical sites in earnest. We visited the Charcoal Kiln to see President Syngman Rhee’s residence and the place where he planned his business with Korean immigrant workers for the independence movement. The house is now owned by someone else, and there were tons of chickens, geese, and other animals in the house, so we stepped in animal poop in the morning, but, I thought it was maybe worth it. We then headed to Hilo Korean Christian Church for worship, lunch, and a lecture on “The Excellence of Koreans” by Mrs. Choi. Mrs. Choi’s concepts of Power, Passion, and Purity was really interesting. Power is the influence of Korean culture, Passion: opening to the suffering (Overcome), and Purity: ability to focus on one thing (Love). These three things are what made Korea stand out. This explanation of Korean influences made me feel thankful to be Korean once again. After the lecture, we visited Alae Cemetery to pay our respects to the 156 Korean graves, and finally, we visited Rainbow Falls to enjoy the beautiful nature. Overall, this trip helped me connect more deeply with Korean heritage and appreciate the sacrifices and strength of those who came before us. It also brought me closer to everyone on the journey, making the shared moments even more special.
