Kona, Day 2

Day 2 (Kona): We spend the day traveling to the east side of the island. Waterfalls and rain forests filled the morning with a visit to Akaka Falls State Park. The waterfall is over 400 feet! After the stroll through the waterfall trails (paved with stair rails), we ventured to the World Botannical Gardens. This used to be a sugar cane field, but is now complete with a water fall with three drops, a mile section of rain forest, and a garden of exotic plants from the world over.

We had a great lunch at Huli Sue's Barbeque--a nice eatery in the middle of a small town on the Big Island.

The rest of the afternoon was spend at the beach (Kekaha Kai State Park). After a mile and a half of rough roads, we hiked about a quarter mile to a white sand beach with lava rock. The water was an unbelievable blue and crystal clear. The sand is a lot different than I can recall from California, with large grains and a brightness that doesn't necessarily seem present at beaches in Southern California. The water was pristine, clear, and mildly warm--a welcome surprise for someone who doesn't like the cold ocean in California so much for wading or other water activities.

We capped the night of with a luau. This is quite the celebration, with over 400 guests. The entire luau was a show of dance and feasts that celebrated the Polynesian islands. It turns out that several of the luau dances had special meanings, and during the show, all of the celebrating honeymooners and anniversary couples were recognized. What a special treat! Just remind me next time to not get drinks for Sheila--though I won't write the story here, it may be worth your time to check with her on the various beverages consumed!

Off to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in the morning.

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