The next day the storm has set in, but since it's the only chance on this trip, the gang decides to visit
Volcano National Park.
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| Sunrise papayas and limes for breakfast |
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| Angry waves froth over the lava |
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The first stop is Punalu'u Bakery, a favorite with tour buses.
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| Jamie demos the main attraction |
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| Liliquoi (passion fruit) donuts |
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The bakery garden has many plants common to the Big Island.
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| Red Ginger |
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| Coffee bush in bloom |
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| Pineapple |
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Punalu'u black sand beach is a must stop. In contrast to white or golden sand beaches made from coral or sea shells, the less common black sand is ground bits of lava.
The climate changes as the road ascends up the volcano into the cloud forest of giant ferns. We stop to explore the
Thurston Lava Tube. Lava tubes are formed by rushing hot lava forming underground rivers. Once cooled off, they were used by ancient Hawaiians for burial chambers or hiding places during times of unrest. These burial chambers are still being found today.
The stormy day adds to the surreal feeling of the volcanic landscape.Visitors are cautioned to stay on the main trails as walking over a thin crust of lava can be deadly. Every year people are killed by what seems as solid ground suddenly giving away. The lava shelves over the ocean are infamous for giving away in large multi-acre chunks.
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| trail around crater |
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| thin crusts can be very dangerous |
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| Japanese tourists check out a steam vent |
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The clouds lift briefly to reveal the
Kilauea Iki crater.
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| Kilauea Iki Crater |
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| Which way do we go next? |
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Despite the forbidding looking lava fields, many plants find a home and are soon colonizing the flows. Indeed, the lava is rich with minerals and makes for the lush Hawaiian flora and fauna.
Including the favorite foods of the
Nene.
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