January 19th was our Volcano Day - you can't go to the Big Island without a trip to Volcano National Park! The volcano is on the opposite side of the island from our temporary home in Waikoloa, and we debated staying nearby one night (when Robert and I first came to the Big Island on our honeymoon, we stayed at the Kilauea Lodge near the park), but with the amount of stuff required with a toddler and the time involved in unpacking and repacking, we decided to just make a day trip. It was about a two hour drive each way with no stops, and while it made for a long day, we felt like we made the right choice.
We left pretty early that morning (before sunrise), and as we were walking out to the car, Claire tripped and hit her head on the pavement. It was a scary moment for all of us, but she stopped crying pretty quickly and while she ended up with a large bump on her forehead, she was otherwise okay. Once our hearts stopped racing, we were on our way! Claire slept for a good portion of the ride, and we made great time, even with a short stop at Tex Drive In in Honoka'a for fruit malasadas and coffee.
When we arrived at the Visitor's Center, we found out that a portion of the main loop around the crater was closed due to a new vent opening. There was still plenty to see though:
We left pretty early that morning (before sunrise), and as we were walking out to the car, Claire tripped and hit her head on the pavement. It was a scary moment for all of us, but she stopped crying pretty quickly and while she ended up with a large bump on her forehead, she was otherwise okay. Once our hearts stopped racing, we were on our way! Claire slept for a good portion of the ride, and we made great time, even with a short stop at Tex Drive In in Honoka'a for fruit malasadas and coffee.
When we arrived at the Visitor's Center, we found out that a portion of the main loop around the crater was closed due to a new vent opening. There was still plenty to see though:
Steam Vents
Steaming Bluff (you can see the gases from the new vent opening in the background)
Jaggar Museum and Overlook
Devastation Trail
We also walked through an old lava tube. Once we had our fill of exploring the park, we drove back into Hilo for lunch at Hilo Bay Cafe before heading back to Waikoloa. On the drive back, we spent some time at Laupahoehoe Park. This park was one of our most memorable stops on our honeymoon. It has spectacular views of the ocean, and the waves are truly something to behold. You really feel the ocean's power as you stand on the point and watch the waves crash into the rocks. The point has a sad history - in 1946, a tidal wave swept across the village that once stood on the peninsula, and 20 students and four teachers lost their lives. There is a lovely memorial, and it is a peaceful spot despite the tragedy.
Wave coming in
Hitting the shore
Checking out the tide pools
Claire enjoying the park
We arrived back at the condo in time to enjoy the sunset from our lanai (patio) - perfect ending to a great day!
1 comment:
It looks like she had fun! What a great experience.
Post a Comment