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.
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.
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| 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)
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| Hawaii Volcanoes National Park |
Another favorite moment:
*The local “dancers” choreographing stories and dance to the burning embers of the distant lava flows.
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| Walking the lava tubes |
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| Hawaiian musicians |