Hawaii Day 6 & 7

We were so tired that I did not have the energy to post yesterday so I am combining days. Day 6 we headed toward the other side of the island to Hilo district. There is a huge Famers Market, where we did some shopping and tried some great local food. When then headed to Akaka Falls where we hiked down to get a better view and it was beautiful, unfortunaetly part of the trail was closed so we could only go so far. The tropical forest is amazing, the ferns that grow here are as big as trees. We then headed to Rainbow Falls, which was a very short hike and pretty, but a little disappointing. After that, we drove to Volcano Inn and checked in, then headed to Kalapana, where there is active lava flow. You drive through a rough road to the trail head. They reccomend going at sunset to see the red lave flow running into the ocean. The hike was 3/4 of a mile where is roped off, from there you see the action and the steam bellowing up from the ocean. Pictures do not capture this amazing event. We then drove back to Volcano Inn, but stopped to eat in Pahoa at a place called Kaleo's. They had live music and the food was awesome!!

Day 7- we woke up and were not impressed with the place we stayed (no ac or fans), but it was close to the volcano and cheap. You get what you pay for! =) We tried a local place for breakfast, and we realize that no one is in a hurry around this place. Every time we eat out, the wait to get food is very long (i.e. 45 min for 2 eggs and fried rice), you get really hungry having to wait. Anyway, we hit another little local market for some gifts and then headed out to Volcano National Park. Part of the park road was closed due to hazaderous vog (sulfur and carbon dioxide), emitted from the active volcano. We got to see the Thurston Lava tube, Devastaion Trail, and Chain of Craters Road. Anthony also did a solo hike down into the Kilauea Iki Crater to walk on the crater floor in a volcano. Again the pics do not do this place justice. We then headed back to the other side to Kona. We are planning on having a relaxing evening grilling out and watching the sunset from the pool. I feel so blessed! Missing the girls and were able to webcam with them briefly the other day, they miss us whether they act like it or not. =) Aloha