The Big Island Hawaii adventure continues

And so continues my Big Island Hawaii adventure. I think the best way to showcase day two is by pictures, so take a look.

First stop is downtown Hilo for kava at the Bayfront Coffee, Kava & Tea. Kava is an age-old herbal drink, beverage of choice for the royal families of the South Pacific. It's said to relieve stress and anxiety, relax muscles and relieve pain. I drank the suggested mix with coconut milk, and it was still bitter.  But I have to admit it did give me a bit of a buzz.



Serving kava downtown Hilo's Bayfront Kava

 Next up, stop at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii. A really cool stop that combines the study of astronomy with the local and ancient customs and legends. Needed a bit more time here to explore.

sweet Big Island Candies

We detoured to Big Island Candies-- for a teasing show of local chocolates. 

Then we loaded back up for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, After a short hike the horizon revealed distant steam from the volcano.  Our park visit ended by walking through the lava tubes, (which felt like big round caves and challenged my claustrophobia)

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Another favorite moment:
*The local "dancers" choreographing stories and dance to the burning embers of the distant lava flows.

Walking the lava tubes

Hawaiian musicians

The sunset walk is another place that deserves time to really enjoy the ambience, closing your eyes and listening to the Hawaiian dancers perform a huli and oli (chants) with the drums beating in the background. The dances at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park performed a hula and oli (chants) devoted to Pele the volcano goddess who resides in Halemaumau Crater – that was where the glow emanates that we were observing

More tomorrow -- or follow my adventures when they happen on http://www.twitter.com/dianarowe

Adventure on the Big Island

view from room Hilo Hawaiian Village

Three flights from Denver, two layovers, and 12 plus hours later and I arrived at the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s my first stop here, the one Hawaiian island I haven’t visited before.


The flights were smooth, and a short drive (less than 15 minutes) from the Hilo airport to the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.  (see picture on right) It's part of the Castle Resort properties. This Hilo locations allows for quick exploration of this side of the island. Today I’m checking out its refurbished meeting space and renovation of its popular Queen’s Court Restaurant. More on that later.

The Big Island is known for its adventures , from hiking to snorkeling to golf, from sand to snow to a steaming volcanic crater. Today I begin my adventure at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii and end at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a lava adventure and sunset walk to the lava flows at Kalapana.

Follow me on http://www.twitter.com/dianarowe to get instant updates and photos of my adventures.