Yes, I did Make it to Hawaii

I’m sure you are wondering if I made it to Hawaii back in October. After all, the plan was to get back to see the Kilauea eruption and take the boat tour to see the lava flowing into the sea. Even with my bad hip I was determined. Sadly, Kilauea had other ideas. She has never been terribly cooperative with me. When I left in March the BIG Eruption was just sending out feelers. A week later ba-boom one of the largest eruptions in Kilauea’s history was wreaking havoc on the Big Island. Volcano National Park was closed and whole developments were being wiped off the map. There were earthquakes and Lava bombs and I was safely back on the mainland!

Its still Paradise Parasailing off Kona

By the time I was able to return to the Big Island the eruption had ended. It slowed down and died the end of September so I was too late. Once again I stayed on the Kona side of the island. It was paradise as usual. Since my plans had been derailed I spend a couple of days just enjoying the island ambiance. Finally I kicked myself into gear. My first adventure was to tour Volcano National Park and see what had changed.

To the Park

At first glance it didn’t seem that much different to a casual observer. There was the crater, the steam vents were still steaming but some roads were closed. With a closer look it was obvious the crater was much larger. Then I saw a bit of road half way down into the crater. I was on that road in March! Kilauea will erupt again someday. Will it be in my lifetime? No one knows. But for now there’s no lava flowing into the ocean, no bubbling lava lakes and no night glow in the park. Pele has gone to sleep.

Dinner Cruise along the Big Island Coast

It was time to board for the dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay. As we cruise along the coast we’re going to see the Big Island from a new perspective. A lovely local historian told the stories of the Island as we cruised along. She also pointed out landmarks that look so different from the ocean side. We also had musical entertainment when the historian wasn’t presenting. The boat had two levels. The upper level was open while the lower level was semi enclosed. It was easy to step to the bow and be out in the open.

Along the Coast

The cruise is about 12 miles and lasts about 3 hours. When we first cast off the cruise seems to follow Ali Ave on the land. There are the shops and church and then there is the resort. I got a great view of the Royal Kona Resort, my home away from home. After we pass the resort the coastline becomes rugged and less developed. We pass caves and lava tubes and learn that they were once used as burial caverns and are still considered sacred.

We even saw a fisherman using the traditional nets perched on the lava rocks.

Captain Cook’s Monument

As we approach the bay our captain turns the boat in toward the shore. There is a white monument dedicated to Captain Cook. Originally Captain Cook and his men were considered Gods and given adoration and respect. But eventually the native Hawaiians realized Cook and his men were mere mortals. Relations quickly deteriorated after that resulting in a confrontation the ended in Captain Cooks’s death.

What’s for Dinner?

Leaving The Monument we turned into Kealakekua Bay where we were greeted by an active pod of spinner dolphins. They seem to be such happy animals jumping and spinning and putting on quite the show. While were busy with the dolphins the crew was busy setting up the dinner buffet. Heading back to the pier we dined on Kalua Pulled Pork & Cabbage, Braised Brisket of Beef and Grilled Pulehu Chicken. For Side dishes we had Lomi Lomi Salmon, Steamed Rice Vegetable Pilaf, Garden Salad, Punalu’u guava and taro dinner rolls & butter. There was also a fruit platter that was my favorite part of the meal. All fresh, local fruit including the orange slices. A bar was available for both soft drinks and stronger refreshments. A drink ticket was provided with your boarding pass. All in all a good, relaxing time. A prefect way to wrap up my Big Island experience.