HILO

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Have had four days at sea before arriving in Hilo, (on the big island of Hawaii), has gone very quickly, weather started off coolish out of LA but has been 23-24 each day since. Ship had a passenger talent show yesterday arvo, was fantastic, there are some very talented people onboard, standing room only in the theatre, variety of singing, dancing, piano, guitar, even the captains daughter sang. Went to a few port lectures, we have this guy called Hutch onboard who gives a lecture on every upcoming port, which is so useful, usually goes for about an hour, gives a bit of history and then practical stuff like what the port is like, how far from city centre, taxis, shopping, what to see, and of course encourages to book tours with Princess but we still haven't been on one yet. Arrived into Hilo Harbour 9.00a.m. and off ship by about 9.30 and on shuttle bus to town centre for a leisurely walk around, John had a haircut and we stocked up on a few things we needed. Then headed to the airport for a flight over the island which we had booked online. First up this morning thought we wouldn't get up as clouds very low and bleak looking but by midday they are lifted heaps and the flight was on!! Dale was our pilot , and he said how lucky we were he rated the day as 9 1/2 out of 10, and we had an amazing flight mostly of the east side of the big island - around the coast which is all black lava rock cliffs - then to see the red hot lava flowing into the ocean at the edge of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - the lava flows underground and pokes out at the ocean - then flew up to top of the ridge (Dale said only 50 percent of the time he can get up there as its usually shrouded in cloud) to see billowing smoke and as we flew over could see the red lava bubbling through the lava tubes on its way to the sea - just amazing! Could see parts of the national park where the trees were on fire and also the ones that had fallen down after been burnt from the flowing lava - very active! but hasn't had a major eruption since 1983 when 1500 houses were flattened. From there we flew over the lush green, rich soiled countryside - they grow a lot of fruit and veges as well as macadamia nuts etc - then circled over the Akaka Falls which was a fantastic site flowing down 440 ft - then back over our ship and to he Hilo Airport. Set sail 5.30p.m. for Honolulu.

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Photos

HILO SIDE
Volcanic coastline

OLD LAVA FLOWS
In recent years subdivided and new houses built, what a wasteland!

LAVA FLOW
Road of village visible where lava didn't flow

LAVA FLOW INTO NATIONAL PARK
Could visibly see flames lapping at base of trees

AKAKA FALLS
Great site from the air

HILO HARBOUR
With airport in background

OPPOSITE SIDE OF ISLAND TO VOLCANO
Lush countryside

BACK ON THE STRIP
Great flight Dale!