Arrived in the big island to more rain. We stayed 3 nights in a "Yurt" which is a unique big circular tent with a self contained kitchen and outdoor shower. On our first night we had 12" of rain - yes 12"!!!! It pounded down deafeningly all night.The rain eased over the next few days and we made use of our hire car to get around. A day trip to volcano national park was just amazing. There is an active volcano and the lava was clearly visible flowing into the sea. We were very lucky as it is not always happening or visible. We walked out on the lava much further than most people to get closer. It felt like egg shells that could crack at any time and if it did we would have fallen through to the molten lava. Our feet were burning hot by the time we moved away from the site.

Our last 2 nights were spent at Hilo Bayside Hostel where the manager recognizing our accents delivered a jar of Vegemite with a flourish! Other memorable times of the Big Island were going to a natural sauna and spending the afternoon on a black sand beach listening to drums. The natural sauna was many steam vents, where you could get into your own personal cave, strip off and have a natural sauna. It made the skin feel great. No signs led to the spot - we just found out by word of mouth. The beaches are mostly soft pure black sand - so amazingly different. The day we went to Kehena Beach was a Sunday and the locals gather with their drums and form a drum circle. We found out about it because our host at "Hangin Loose" plays a bongo in the drum circle. Hawaii (the Big) Island has made a big impression on us in 5 short days.

Footnote: The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is UNESCO World Heritage listed.