We bid goodbye to a wet morning at our Hale Ohia cottage in Volcano and traveled up the east coast to Hilo airport this morning. Our Blue Hawaiian "quiet" EcoStar helicopter whisked us over the macadamia groves, gorgeous coastline, and the very same bike path/road we used to see the lavaflow meeting the ocean last night. The gravel path seemed so small from the air!
The view of the crater and bits of orange lava from above were just spectacular. Our pilot, Jason, also took us over waterfalls before returning us to the ground...a beautiful morning.
We stopped in Hilo's downtown for a visit to the Pacific Tsunami Museum and a teriyaki Burger King meal. Yeah, I know. I did it for the guys. A few minutes from Hilo, we found Kaumana Caves, and used flashlights to help us navigate the drippy corridors.
Traveling up the east coast of Hawaii, we stopped at the beautiful Akaka Falls, and enjoyed PCH-like views off the highway. As we rounded the northern part of the island, we stopped at Tex's Drive-In. Tex's is famous for its hot and fresh malasadas--Portugese donuts. We devoured a few--coconut, mango, chocolate, and bavarian creme. Yum.
We were getting weary of driving all day, and breathed sighs of relief as we entered the Mauna Lani Resort. The resort is known for its respectful preservation of Hawaiian culture and natural sacred sites within the property. We were greeted with leis, cool towels and fresh juices. I felt like a princess--it was very nice, as we don't usually stay "upscale."
We started some laundry and ventured out to the beach. The boys borrowed some snorkel gear and I stumbled across a strong happy hour mai tai. The sun set a stunning pink behind a hula dancer and a couple of musicians. I got a salad to offset the BK lunch and all was good with my world.
Leaving Hale Ohia Cottages, Volcano...highly recommended. We stayed in the Dillingham Suite, main house. Perfect for the 3 of us.
 |
Mauna Lani Resort, at sunset
No comments:
Post a Comment