Here on the leeward side of the island they get over 300 sunny days a year as opposed to Hilo on the wet windward side. It’s also known for calm, clear waters. I think it’s interesting to note that the Big Island, the largest island in the U.S., is geographically diverse enough and big enough that it boasts eleven of the world’s thirteen climate zones in its 4,000 square miles (10,360 square km). Kailua itself is located at the foot of the Hualalai Volcano and is the home of the Ironman Triathlon every October. We saw several out swimming and practicing today. They also have a bicycle path put in on the roadway just for this competition.
Our trek today was to explore volcanos. We stopped at the black sands beach created by the volcanic sands. The beach was very pretty and had several huge sea turtles come out to play. We really enjoyed them. The weather went from mid. 70’s to the low 40’s as we climbed the elevation of 11,000 feet to the first volcano.
Before arriving, we stopped for some Kona coffee and had a tour of how the coffee beans are made. It was very interesting to see the several steps to making light to dark roast. They tumble them in a hot oven like machine that actually looks like a larger grinder until they are the darkness required. It only takes minutes, so making sure they don’t burn is the key. Although, expresso roast is almost burnt. We bought some chocolate covered peaberry beans. These are double the caffeine and suggested to only eat a few at a time. The owner/operator seemed to have been dipping into them as she was wired!
Another snack we had was sweet Hawaiian donuts. They were amazing! So much for dieting on this island! We also had some beautiful yellow beaked cardinals to admire as we were snacking.
The Kilauea volcano was in full view although cloudy most of the time during our lunch. Yes, we are eating again. This volcano was massive and everything around it is black and steaming as if it is ready to blow again. The guide showed us a video of 2018 when he had a group here. Unexpectedly the volcano started erupting a red fiery lava. Luckily it was small eruption but was a magnificent surprise. The weather up there was super cold. Mid 40’s according to the weather channel. I brought a light jacket and almost froze. There were steam vents that let out steam frequently from the volcano. It was like walking by a dryers vent. The small amount of warmth felt pretty decent. We didn’t stay outside here too long as it was really cold. But the view was awesome!
We also got to go through the Thurston lava tube. It’s a 500 year old dark tunnel where lava flowed through it.
Our last stop was rainbow falls, an 80 ft waterfall that is in no way comparable to Iguazu falls in South America but still a beauty. It is believed by locals on the island that goddess Hina dwells in the cave below it.
On our way back to the warm area of Hawaii we had the opportunity to see more volcanos from a distance. Mauna Kea, considered the tallest mountain in the world if measured from the base which is under the ocean floor. Moana Loa is still active, its last eruption on Thanksgiving 2022 and Hualalai, last erupting in 1801. This one is potentially dangerous and being watched as it is overdue for an eruption.
And that wraps up a full day of volcanos and so much food! We even had Hawaiian pizza for dinner.
Tomorrow we are off to Honolulu for whale watching!
May God bless you always!
Chuck & Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 