Stayed Late and Got A Bonus

Posted on: 2014/01/18

I was skeptical about an all day adventure, losing time from Maui, and coming back late at night, but boy was I wrong. The first part of the day was lovely and it was great to get a taste of Hilo and a taste of Big Island Candy. Our guide was knowledgable and very personable. It was clear that he loved his home and was eager to share his knowledge. Then we went to Volcano National Park. So cool!!! The tradewinds were in our favor so we were able to hike around, walk through the lava tube and the museum was GREAT. But it turned out our late flight out got us a second trip back to the crater at night. What during the day looked like an interesting moon crater landscape with a hole in the middle and smoke rising from it, really became a volcano at night. The hole glowed orange from the lava and you could see it was moving as it got brighter on one side and then the other. Everything else was pitch black. That was a treat!! I love Hawaii for great beaches, snorkeling, good food, fun activities, with a chance to really relax and, of course, it's beauty. Seeing an active volcano just added a whole other dimension. It was a great day and well worth the trip. My two teenage daughters thought so too.