Friday, August 7

Akaka Falls


Rainbow Falls

Road through Mango Grove

Lava Tree State Park

Steam from the lava emptying into the Pacific

Landed on the Big Island around 9:30 a.m. and headed north on Hwy. 19 to check out some of the falls in the area. Sara and Matt won't fly in until later this evening so we are checking out as much around Hilo as possible without going too far. We had to settle for a turkey frank, tortilla chips, banana and papaya for breakfast on our way to Akaka Falls. This was one of the prettiest walks to a falls yet even if it was in the rain. We also tried to see Umauma Falls but it cost $6 each so we opted to see it from the highway. On the way back into town we saw Rainbow Falls. Then we headed south towards the lava fields. We stopped in Pahoa at the Shaka Cafe for lunch. We were greeted at the door by the host/waiter/bartender and entertainment all in one. Our first stop was to be the Lava Tree State Park but somehow we missed the turn and ended up on Mango Grove lane, a road that appeared to go on forever with no end in sight. We finally found civilization and went around again and found the park. My biggest find at the park was and Io or Hawaiian hawk. After walking the trail through trees fossilized by lava we found ourselves on a one lane road headed towards the area where the lava flows into the Pacific. We did get some great pictures but couldn't get much closer than 13 miles. We picked up the kids at the airport at 8:30 p.m. and made our way to the Volcano National Park to stay at the Kileaua Military Camp. We had a 3 br. apartment reserved right next to the park. Very convenient.