"Wait five minutes, don't leave before the miracle happens," whispers Uncle George, quoting his late great-grandmother, who he says embodied the essence of old Hawai'i. As he blows the conch, we finally gaze upon the fire and ice spectacle we've paddled for – sunrise over Mona Kea. Within moments, white light pierces the now-quiet snow-capped volcano, creating a stunning scene worthy of our 6 a.m. wake-up call. Soon the sun's warm glow turns the aquamarine water rippling beneath our canoe crystalline, offering our group a mesmerizing vantage into the ocean's depth. We then sit in gratitude, taking in the miracle and listening to Uncle George's story about his ohana (family), ancestors and the eternal spirit of Hawaiian culture.
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