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Hawaii part 2
June 25, 2010
Off to the Hilo area today. Tropical rainforests for scenery instead of barren lava fields. First stop is Akaka Falls State Park. We walked through fabulous rainforest with huge sprays of bamboo and plants whose leaves are as tall as us.
We visited a painted church - a church whose priest painted the insides with bible scenes to help the Hawaiians visualize the stories.
At Mackenzie State Recreation Area the waves were crashing over the cliffs. We watched surfers at Isaac Hale Beach Park.
After lunch in Pahoa we went to see the lava flow. It was disappointing to hear there was none to see, but we walked about a mile into where the town of Kalapana used to be. A few homes are left with people still determined to live there.
On the way back we raced through the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo. We had only a little time before closing. It was feeding time for the white Bengal tiger. When we saw all the people gathered around and all the empty strollers, we thought they were feeding small children to the tiger, but found it was only chickens.
Akaka Falls State Park
 
 
 
 
Akaka Falls
 
painted church
 
Mackenzie State Recreation Area house on lava field
 
Lava fields
 
White Bengal tiger
What do I do? It is red and 6 sided
June 26, 2010
Back to Kona today. Did a bit of shopping at farmers markets then off to the post office to send some things home. Of course, lunch was at Kona Brewing Co..
On the way back, on inpulse, we stopped at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. It had looked like a hot walk in the sun - and it was- but it was a wonderful look at Hawaii's past as well as an in-progress effort to restore plants and animals natural to the area. McDonalds and Burger King - now we know your secret - French fries grow on trees! We saw "French Fries" all over the ground and on the branches of trees here in the park. Whoknew!
On the way back we made a quick stop to get a picture of Hawaiian grafitti. People get white coral from the beaches and use it to "write" on the black fields of lava along the roadside.
Went down to Waikoloa Beach to see the sun set. we were kept amused by hermit crabs while we waited.
 
Kona shore
 
Kona Brewery
 
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
"French Fries"
 
Hawaiian grafitti
 
hermit crab start of sunset at Waikoloa Beach
 
 
end of sunset
June 27, 2010
Today we moved from the condo to a motel in Kona. A relaxing quiet day, just enjoying not rushing around. Spent time in the pool, then walked around Kona to choose a place for dinner.
Also we planned to go to a cultural festival just past Kona. No parking left and it was so crowded we left. On the way back we stopped at another painted church. This one originally was near the shore, but as most of the congregation moved up the mountainside, a new priest decided to move it 2 miles up the mountain.
 
 
Painted Churchthat was moved from the shore, 2 miles inland and up
1000 feet
June 28, 2010
All plans and schedules were ruined when Karen realized she left her passport at Waikoloa Beach. We missed our flight and connection. The best we could manage was to arrive in Sydney a day late, I managed to change my bridge climb but we missed out on the Mass. Lions dinner river cruise. We had to spend a night in Honolulu again!
June 29, 2010 - June 30, 2010
Got our flight to Sydney with no problem. Long tiring flight to Sydney. As we exited the airport we were welcomed by a glorious sunset. Got to the hotel after a long rush-hour drive in a shuttle. |
