![\"20070430R](\"https:\/\/deltaprime.net.nz\/hawaii\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/20070430R-Hawaii-13.jpg\")
\n<\/a>The Japanese styled Liliuokalani Gardens
\nacross the road from our Hotel.<\/p>\n
\nRichard cools his feet in the Wailuku River just above the Rainbow falls (if only he had his kayak). Photo by Lauri.<\/p>\n
The Helicopter ride with Tropical Helicopters<\/a> was amazing as it gave us our first view of the volcano and its molten lava. We opted for the “Feel the Heat and waterfalls” flight, which meant there were no doors on the helicopter. Unfortunately Lauri ended up crammed between the pilot and me, meaning she missed out on the feeling that you could fall out of the helicopter at any time.<\/p>\n We took an Arnott’s Lodge<\/a> trip up to the top of Mauna Kea (4205 metres), the highest point on Hawaii.<\/p>\n 30th April 2007 to 4th May 2007 Hilo is the capital of the Island of Hawaii and is less tourist centred than the other side of the island.\u00a0It also tends to rain more, hence the water falls (the others side has no rivers). We stayed 4 nights at the Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel but liked … Continue reading Hilo<\/span>
\nThe Rainbow Falls on the Wailuku River, one of the reasons kayaking\u00a0isn’t such a good idea. Below the falls is a large lava tube.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nA racing waka ana comes ashore in Hilo Bay.<\/p>\n\u00a0We went for a couple of outrigger rides on Hilo Bay with Glenn Okuma<\/a> which we both really enjoyed. It was great to sail (or paddle when necessary) and listen to Glenn recounting Hawaiian history.<\/p>\n
\nUs with the helicopter and pilot.<\/p>\n
\nPu’u O’o Crater from the air.<\/p>\n
\nVarious volcanic vents near Pu’u O’o.<\/p>\n
\nLava flows into the sea, forming a bench and a black sand beach.\u00a0A couple of weeks later, we were standing on this beach watching\u00a0the lava flow into the sea from about 15 metres away.<\/p>\nLauri on top of the World.<\/p>\n\u00a0Lauri (on the left) by a heiau (shrine or sacred place) and Richard (on the right) at the highest point of Hawaii, it may be Hawaii but we certainly needed our hats, jackets and gloves (we are probably part of small group of people that take their long johns to tropical islands).<\/p>\n\u00a0The high altitude and clear air means that Mauna Kea is home to a large number of astronomical observatories,
\nthese were just a few of them.<\/p>\n
\nNumerous scoria cones are also scattered around
\nthe summit of Mauna Kea.<\/p>\n\u00a0\u00a0Lauri admires the Akaka Falls north of Hilo.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nRichard at the Botanical Gardens, north of Hilo. Photo by Lauri.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"