What to do in Hawaii?!?! Start out with some beach time while you slowly ponder the many options. Lots of beaches to choose from as there is no such thing as private beaches --we we used the one at the Marriott which is close for starters.
But plenty of relaxing and enjoying tropical setting at our condo. The little pond off our patio hosts some Pacific Golden Plovers and plenty of other birds coming in for a visit.
Big drive today took us across the island to Hawaii Volcanos National Park where you can get close and personal with Kilauea, an active crater that continues to "steam" in places. Wasn't that many years ago that it flowed--although at this moment there is no "red" lava flowing anywhere in the park. It's a pretty awesome sight to look down into the crater.
We hiked through an ancient lava tube that's now a popular hiking trail.
There is an interesting drive from the Visitors Center down to the ocean to view the amazingly huge lava flows that over geological time have made their way to the sea--and still happens in our lifetime.
Then onto a black sand beach where we discovered 3 Hawaiian Green Turtles hanging out. The black sand has obviously eroded out of the prevailing lava. There are several on Hawaii and each somewhat startling to see..
We are finding all our favorite Hawaiian foods, and today we found the best "Malasades." They are Portuguese pastry--like a donut only better.
We are eating our way through this trip!! We did a luau for our Thanksgiving dinner. Especially loved the pork that was roasted Hawain style-- in a pit, covered with spices, wrapped in banana leaves and buried with hot coals all day long, until it was dug up with florish to impress the guests. Was duly delicious. Served with all the side dishes. Accompanied by Hawaiian dancing and music.
Finished the day with a truly stunning sunset! More to come.
This is the place to discover a myriad of cactus, succulents anything that thrives in our Sonoran Desert.