Mile marker #16 is hard to miss with the steady stream of rental cars lining up alongside of the road. They are all there to see the Olivine Pools: several gorgeous tidepools located on barren lava along the ocean’s edge. The pools get their name from the olivine mineral found encrusted in the surrounding lava and sandstone (the same green semi-precious gem that makes up the green sand beach on the Big Island). You can find them on the other side of a short hike that some might find unforgiving if not sure-footed.

If you’re lucky, the other visitors will be content to climb the different verticals that overlook the pools instead of hiking all the way down to take a dip so take advantage of the chance to have one of the larger pools to yourself (or rather, yourself and the sea life hanging out beneath you).

As I floated in the stillness of the tide pools, the sea was roaring behind me, sending its waves crashing into the lava rock walls just a few feet away – a great and powerful reminder that there are things in this world bigger than you. The next time you get overwhelmed by work drama or something doesn’t go your way, go outside and get moving. The power of nature will make you realize fast how small you really are.