Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Day 4: Drive to Hilo, along Kona coast area, across Ka'u (south), and through Hawaii Volcanoes NP

Today we drove from Kona to Hilo.

We drove south along the coast to Ka Lae (also called South Point) to reach the southernmost, point in Hawaii and the US.

We didn't know what to expect, but we were not really expecting to see plains, with grazing land for horses and cows.

Once we got to the point, we explored the area. Steve decided to get close and personal with the blowhole.

He climbed down into it a bit.

And saw the water entering. It was more like a washing machine, since the water churned within the hole, rather than blowing out of it. 

I stayed on the surface and braved the strong winds.

And I enjoyed the views of the rugged coastline.


From there, we stopped by a farm to sample coffee, chocolates, and macadamia nuts. We bought a few bags to take home with us.


We then headed towards Punalu'u Beach. Before arriving, we stopped at Punalu'u Bake Shop and bout an assortment of malassada (Portuguese donuts), including lilikoi (passion fruit), mango, guava, and regular.


Shortly after arriving at Punalu'u Beach, we saw sea turtles resting on the black sand beach.

It was cold and very windy, so I relaxed on the beach while Steve went snorkeling.

From there, we drove to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and looked into the crater of Kilauea.
There was just steam venting and no visible lava flow on the day we were there.

We also enjoyed a scenic drive and looked at the lush foliage (no pictures).

We drove the long Chain of Craters Road to see the Holei Sea Arch.

And finished our time in the park with a rainbow.

After arriving in Hilo, we had dinner at Pineapples, 
Ahi poke stack

Coconut crusted catch of the day (ahi) - we split the entree

Then headed back to our motel for the night.

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