Trip Around the Island

After our fun filled day of blisters and petroglyphs, we decided to take a leisurely drive and explore the east side of the Island. The east side receives most of the rain and has the greenery and waterfalls - the west side is dominated by lava fields. We head north and climb into Waimea. It is interesting to see all the cattle on the sides of the mountains. We see a few wild goats but still no donkey sightings. Apparently there are wild donkeys on the Island but except for the Donkey Crossing signs, we have not seen any evidence of their existence.

Waipio Overlook

Leaving Waimea we head to the Waipio Valley. It is a gorgeous view. The road to the bottom of the valley is extremely steep and only 4 wheel drive vehicles are allowed. If I had the time and the right footwear, it would be an interesting hike down. However, with blisters and two companions that now believe hiking is synonymous with pain, we head back to the car to continue our exploring.

Part of Akaka Falls

Next stop is Akaka Falls. On the way to the falls, we find a place to have lunch. We brought beverages along but no one thought of bringing any snacks so after 4 hours of exploring we are starving. Refreshed from our lunch we head to the falls. Pat takes the lead and decides to take the scenic route. The trail is thankfully paved but full of steps and inclines. We view the falls and marvel at the tropical landscape - so much different from the west side. Back in the car we continue south.

Surf at Kolekole Park

We stop at that park Kolekole which has a very small beach area but wonderful surf action. There is a small waterfall and swimmers enjoy the area where the river meets the ocean. Back into the car, we continue south and we finally reach Hilo. We drive around the city, looking at the downtown area, driving past the prison, and then stop at a gas station. We fill up with gas and decide to head home. I enter in our destination address and we begin the trip home. However, when soon realize that the GPS unit (Cynthia) is sending us on the Saddle Road. This is a road that runs between the two mountains and the one I was specifically warned not to take by the car rental company. We turn around and take another route. This one will take us past Volcanoes National Park and around the southern end of the Island.

We drive past the park, but we are unable to see anything due to the landscape. We continue on and the landscape doesn't change. It is miles and miles of small trees and moon like landscape. The driving isn't bad because we are coming down from 4,000 feet so we just coast along and apply the breaks occasionally and we encounter very few other cars. That should have been a sign because as we keep driving, the road becomes narrow and winding. Now for me, after driving on Pacific Coast Highway 1 in California, this is actually not too bad for a narrow and winding road. The cliffs and drop offs when we encounter them aren't that bad. Cheryl, however, doesn't like heights or roller coasters so she is not enjoying any part of the ride. The ride continues on and on and on and on. After an hour, the landscape is monotonous and we all need to go to the bathroom. No rest stops, no fast food restaurants, no gas stations. Just miles and miles of either moon landscape, macadamia trees, ranches with cattle and the occasional view of the ocean. We continue on and on. I can't emphasize enough how it seemed the road just went on and on and on and how it could be narrow and winding causing you to slow down. if only it was a bit wider and less curvy, you could drive a bit faster.

Finally we begin to see civilization. We are entering Kona. Lots of coffee farms and more cars. We made it. We finally come to a McDonalds restaurant and are able to use the restroom. We continue on, just wanting to finally make it back to our condo for a cold beer and a respite for our aching butts. We did stop at a scenic overlook to take a picture of the setting sun. We once again will miss the sunset. We drive through Kona, Kailu-Kona, the lava fields and finally arrive at Waikoloa.

It has been an experience driving around the entire Island. The area around our condo has petroglyphs carved in the volcanic rock. Many are of a person with a circle. Some scholars believe the circle represents a journey around the entire Island. I can't imagine what it would have been like to walk around the Island with its many mountains, hills, deep valleys, rivers and lava fields. It must have taken them months. After our ride we also feel the need to carve a figure in the lava somewhere and add a circle. Like I said yesterday, the Big Island is kicking our butts.