We set off on our journey expecting to leave the volcanic activity behind, but evidence of the many eruptions litters the south part of Big Island. You drive in and out of lava flows all along the coast. We stopped at a black sand beach and watched Hawaiian Green Turtles make their journey onto the beach to lay their eggs. There are some beaches with green sand along this coast as well. We steadily drove down hill back to sea level, but ended up climbing again to...

Snook one last trip into the Park before we set off this morning. Hard to drag ourselves away from such a special place. Walked down part of the Crater Rim Drive that is closed because of toxic gases, "volcanic hazards" as the notice says. Gives you a different perspective on the most active crater in the world. It's amazing how the Kant life is growing and adapting to the most hostile of environments. The ground is littered with Pele's hair, fine strands of glas...

Went back into park again today to see demonstration of the Hula dance. The making of the lei and the offerings to the gods was explained and stories told. Went for a hike up to one of the cinder cones. The Chain of Craters Road used to run this way but was covered with lava during the eruption, so a new one had to be built. Wonder how long it'll be before another road has to be built. Saw a mile long fissure that opened up in 1969 and spurted lava into the air....

Last day in Volcano! Watched an "informance" of Hula dancing, basically an explanation of the making of the lei and the offerings, then the dance and story. Hiked up to Mauna Lui, climbed to the top of one of the Cinder cones where you could look directly into the crater. This one has been revegetated. Saw some lava trees, where the lava wrapped round trees and still has the imprint inside. One of the scientists fell through the crust along this hike. Fortunate...

Fabulous day! Even got some sunshine! Lots! Sitting waiting for it to go dark, to see volcano. Walked across a hardened lava lake this morning. You walk down through the rainforest and drop onto the floor of the crater. It's quite surreal! (Did I mention Jurassic Park was filmed here?) There are steam vents rising all around you and you are walking across what seems like cinders, but is solidified lava bombs that were thrown out of the crater when it erupted. T...