02.03.10 (posted 02.04.10) - i'm exhausted! hubby and i set out a road trip from kona to make our way to hilo and volcanoes national park. the tour books weren't kidding when they said the weather is like night and day between the two west and east parts of the big island. kona was hot and sunny. hilo cloudy, cold, and drizzly. the long route there took us through most of the island. it was beautiful and the geography was extremely diverse -- from ocean views, arid lava paths, winding hills full of lush tropical plants, to rolling hills and steep mountains. we passed by many quaint, sleepy towns to over-developed cities.
we got to hilo around lunch time and checked out the famous hilo farmer's market. there were a ton of interesting vendors that sold fruits, vegetables, aloha wear and accessories, and local and ethnic eats. there was even a seamstress that set up shop with her vintage singer machine and all. afterwards, we stopped by the two ladies kitchen to pick up some mochi for the road.
after hilo, we went on our way in to check out the volcanoes. unfortunately, we never made it there to witness pele's fiery creations up close. the weather turned for the worse and there was a ton of rain. additionally, kilauea is erupting and according to residents here it is causing a lot of vog (volcano induced fog). we were really bummed but it'll just be another excuse to come back here.
we continued on our way back to our new hotel in kailua-kona. we took a quick pit stop at punalu'u black sand beach. O.M.G. it was amazing! we were greeted by a sleeping hawaiian green sea turtle. we also saw a couple of whales. total score! definitely made up for the disappointment of not seeing the volcanoes.
we got to kailua-kona around 8:00 pm and ended our night chowing down on killer tacos. ahhhh... kalua pork taste so good in any dish.
I like the first photograph, very moody and dark and the composition of the second is excellent.
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