OK, we did it. We've done the Big Island. And now we live in Maui. Good-bye, my parrot friends!
Last week was awesome. We got a free jeep rental for three days and drove around the entire island. I was really set on going to the Green Sand Beach because it's one of only two in the world. On the way, we passed by a wind farm (below). To get to the beach, we had to drive over huge, sharp lava rocks, which was a jolly good time. The sand, made from crushed up olivine, wasn't quite as green as we expected but still worth the trek.
From there we went to check into our cheap cabin near the Volcanoes National Park only to find out that we had been upgraded to the $289/night room. Fireplace, hot tub, chocolates on the pillows! I wish we could've stayed longer and pranced around in the complimentary robes.
At Volcanoes National Park, we drove by some natural steam vents (above). Good for the pores. Then we watched sulfur dioxide rise from the Kilauea Crater (below).
The coolest thing we did in the park was walk through a lava tube. It's a cave that's been created by lava. Here is Michael, looking very Indiana Jones.
After dark, we drove down to see the lava flow into the ocean. One of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed. Huge, fiery spurts followed by oohs and ahhs from spectators. Way cooler than fireworks. On the drive back, we passed by a really creepy church (below).
Next, we drove the scenic Saddle Road leading to the summit of Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain. Measured from below sea level, from base to summit, it's over 33,000 ft. It's hard to get acclimated, I would jog back to the jeep and be completely short of breath. Beautiful landscape up there. We were above the clouds. Atop the mountain are stargazing observatories (one below) that apparently have the clearest views in the entire world.
With a little daylight left on our Big Island journey, we drove to the most northern tip to a sleepy town, Hawi. With rolling green hills, the most gorgeous drive yet (below).
We ended up at an ancient sacrificial place (below). This place was very creepy and not touristy at all. We drove through some farm land and through someone's front yard to get there. I know it's probably bad luck, but I lay on a large stone where you could see the holes from spears that ripped people's flesh off. When night fell, we drove nearby to see a small lighthouse. Another non-touristy spot where we drove through people's driveways and opened a gate to get there. One of the strangest things, to look up at this towering mass on the edge of a cliff and gaze out into the dark ocean. Heebie-jeebies.
We ended our trip back in Kailua-Kona, where we sneaked into our host lady's other, much more expensive, seaside condo. Living it up in style on our last night.
Now we have arrived at our house in Maui. It's much prettier here (no vog) and easier to get around. But way more expensive. It's just a six minute walk to the beach. I do miss the Big Island and it's crazy landscapes but so excited to explore this one, the herpes capital of the world, according to my cousin.
LYLAS,
Jill
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