'HI' from Hilo

Today we wake up to bright sunshine and enjoy our second breakfast here on the Big Island - Kona and everything around us shines in full splendor!

Afterwards, we pack our things for a day trip to Hilo (120 km away) - the second largest city in Hawaii and one of the rainiest in the USA. First, we drive north along the coast for several kilometers until we turn onto the so-called 'Saddle Road', which runs from west to east across the island. Here we gain some elevation and lose a lot of temperature, as the road leads along a volcano (Mauna Kea - the highest mountain in the world) on the island. So we reach minimum temperatures of only 12 degrees Celsius, compared to 30 degrees later in Hilo. The landscape is also a spectacle - at first everything is green and lush, later there is steppe, which is then replaced by black lava rocks. Impressive!

Just before Hilo, we take a small detour to visit the Rainbow Falls. Until the end, we are not completely trusting the route of our navigation system, as it leads us again on 'one way streets', which we are not used to on this island at all. And we are extremely suspicious after the Odyssey of the Maui Blow Holes. But actually we arrive at the said waterfalls and the detour was worth it. The water plunges into a pool from a height of 24 meters and if you look from the right perspective, you can actually see the moist air turning into rainbow colors. An impressive spectacle.

Afterwards, we continue to the Big Island Candies Factory, where all kinds of delicacies (shortbread, chocolate, pralines, etc.) are handmade, and visitors can watch the production. As a welcome, you get to try two delicacies right away and it's simply pure enjoyment. We just have to buy a Hawaiian treat (Hawaiian dark chocolate with potato chip crunch) - it's amazing!

Next up is snorkeling in Richardson Bay, which we visited last year. Unfortunately, it starts raining shortly after we dive and the necessary light is missing. Accordingly, our snorkeling experience is rather disappointing, but not everything can always go smoothly.

Next on our list in Hilo, after a visit to the local swimming pool, is a stroll through the shops of Ocean Front and a snack overlooking the sea.

Then we continue, driving along Banyan Drive - a road adorned with numerous of these famous old Hawaiian trees. Next, we make a detour to Coconut Island, a mini island that can be reached on foot via a small bridge. It has its own charm and would look even more beautiful if the sky weren't still covered in clouds. Because Hilo lives up to its reputation as the rainiest city in the USA today, there are small showers again and again.

By now, the day is quite advanced and we are starting to think about the return journey. Once again, the route takes us along the mentioned volcano, and this time we get to experience a great sunset that extends throughout the entire journey back, giving this eventful day a fitting end!