Hawaii Diary
Sunday, March 29 - Puna, Volcano & Hilo
Before we made this trip to Hawaii we were well aware of the drought which has afflicted Big Island and Maui for many months. Whatever small part our arrival has played in the breaking of the drought, we are glad of. Last weak on Maui we saw rain every day and nothing has changed now that we have arrived on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hilo is by history one of the wettest cities on earth and it did indeed rain almost all of last night into this morning. We had a nice buffet breakfast at Uncle Billy's Restaurant located next to his hotel on Banyan Drive in Hilo. We then headed on our round about trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Our route took us south out of Hilo on Route 11 until we reached the turnoff for Route 130 which we followed until Pahoa. We then made a left onto Route 132 which we followed down to Route 137 which follows the coast south and west towards Kalapana. From Kalapana it was back north on Route 130 to Route 11 where we previously diverted and then south and west to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This diversion on Route 130 and south takes you though the Puna District of Hawaii, an area not frequented by many tourists. If you take the opportunity to take this 2-3 hour side trip you will experience some very beautiful scenery and the real flavor of rural Hawaii.
The first stop we made on Route 130 was at Lava Tree State Park. Here lava trees were formed years ago when fast flowing pahoehoe lava encountered wet 'ohi'a trees.
The flow leaves a thick coating of lava on the now dead tree. The walk around this park is a wonderful experience. If you're lucky you may be the only ones at the whole park as we were. You can stop and hear the wind rustling through the tall monkeypod trees which dominate the forest. In fact the drive down Route 130 with the trees forming a tunnel over the road makes the drive worthwhile in itself.
When you finally reach the end of Route 132 you have a choice. You can make a right and head south and west on Route 137, head left and along a narrow road through a rainforest which several locals told us was well worth the trip or straight and visit the Kumukahe Lighthouse. We elected first to travel straight for several miles along a very rough road to the lighthouse.
The lighthouse represents the furthest point east in Hawaii so we wanted to have the experience of the visit.
Parked at the lighthouse was a very pleasant local man who makes picture frames for a living. Today he had parked his car to practice some music on his electric guitar in a place of solitude. Both he and we were surprised to learn that his wife is from New Jersey, not too far from our home! We had a very pleasant chat with this fellow.
From the lighthouse we returned to Route 137 and made a left following the highway towards Kalapana. Along the way there are numerous places to stop and view wonderful scenery along the coast. It is important to respect the areas marked as private property but in between you can stop at tidal pools, black sand beaches and other view points until you reach the end of the road at Kalapana.
Please click on the link below for Part II of today's diary entry.
