The "Big Island" of Hawaii has it all. With 4,028 square miles, it is larger than all of the islands combined. You'll never see it all in one day. Most visitors stay on the western coast around Kona due to the fact there are nice beaches, restaurants, and shops located there. On the eastern side is the island's capital, Hilo Their population is about 43,000, and they get around 130 inches of rain a year. That's what creates the brilliant green rain forests, waterfalls, and fertile valleys.
Kilauea Volcano and Park is a must-see. It is only 30 miles from Hilo. Just don't take a piece of volcanic rock for a souvenir, or you may be haunted, according to Hawaiian folklore.
Our port of call today was Hilo. Looking from the top deck of the ship, we could see both Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet in elevation, and Mauna Loa, the most massive mountain on the planet. Who knew??? The summit rises 56,000 feet located beneath the floor of the Pacific Ocean. Then Mauna Loa rises 13,677 feet above sea level.
Another famous event occurred here back in 1779, when Captain Cook met his fate with an attack by the natives. A monument marks the spot where this occurred, and just happens to be one of the best places to snorkel. We recall having a meeting with spinner dolphins while snorkeling here in Kealakekua Bay many years ago. Exciting, but we had to get out of the water since it could be dangerous.
We left the ship somewhere around 10am, and took the free shuttle bus to Walmart. There must have been 100 people waiting for that bus. We picked up the few things we missed yesterday, and got back to the ship by noontime. Seems that every time one of us goes through security, the beeper goes off. Must be the new brace, and it will be something to get used to….like it or not.
Then we were off once again to walk to lunch at Pond's Restaurant, located on Ice Pond. This is a spot where fresh water rises from beneath the lava beds, we have been told, and mixes with the sea water. It is much cooler and clearer in this little cove. And the restaurant happens to be built right over the pond, where one can lean out the opened windows and even feed the koi carp that are caged underneath. Not a fancy place, it is good home cooking at its best. Again, we shared a burger and fries, then added a brownie and ice cream dessert. A walk was in order after this meal.
The skies had clouded up by now, and it had turned hot and muggy. Although we packed the umbrellas, it never did rain until later in the day around 6pm. It came down quick and heavy, then it was gone, cooling things down briefly. Our hike took us to Banyan Drive and the hotels that line Hilo Bay. Our guess is that these were built in the 1950's or 60's, and are the least touristy places compared to some of the other islands. Swimming here has to be done in the hotel pools. Lining Banyan Drive are over 50 old banyan trees, planted from 1930 to 1950 by famous people.
Liliuokalani Gardens is located in this area. It is a 30 acre Japanese garden with fish ponds, pagodas, and stone lanterns. We would save this for last after we stroll over the walking bridge to Coconut Island. This little spit has a pavilion and picnic tables and a place for the boys to show off their jumping skills for the young ladies. Today there were few kids, since it was Wednesday and a school day.
Back in the gardens, we took our time walking around the meandering streams and ponds. Many benches are placed here and there, so we sat on one near a grove of volcanic rocks and ferns. We spotted a mongoose briefly, then suddenly saw a mature one running with a little critter in their jaws. Thinking they landed a fish, it turned out to be a dove. Guess they will eat anything that moves too slowly. Out of the ferns came a dozen more fighting to get a bite of the catch. Years ago, these mongoose were imported to help get rid of the rats. What they did not realize was that rats are night creatures, while the mongoose are day hunters. So both species flourished.
We got back to the ship by 4:30pm, and relaxed in our room for the rest of the afternoon. Dinnertime found us ordering mahi-mahi and leg of lamb….both excellent again. The Captain had announced that we might be able to see some activity from Kilauea Volcano between 10:30 and 11:30pm, and it would be viewed from the starboard side of the ship. As recent as 2018, there has been massive lava flows, ash plumes, and earthquakes. Not sure that we would see any activity tonight, since that has ceased. Many years ago, while on a Royal Caribbean ship, we witnessed the cascading streams of lava at night. It was a thrill to see. As this is being written (10:45pm), we are far from the shore, and it is raining hard outside. So doubt there will be anything to see under these conditions.
Tomorrow we will be in Kona, or last stop in these lovely Hawaiian Islands.
Bill & Mary Ann
