Honeymoon Adventure Day 2

We rose with the sun each morning, up while it was still dark, to beckon the sun with the rest of the island. Some of the most peaceful moments on our trip came from sitting on the rocks, clutching a hot cup of coffee, talking, laughing, and waiting for the sky to rise and light up. This morning ritual became the only way to start each day's adventure, something I miss dearly now that I am without it.


Our first stop on our long list of things we could and would do, was the Volcanoes National Park. The National Parks system best describes this majestic location as a place that "displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes." The most unique attribute to this worldly wonder is how quickly the terrain and landscape changes within such a short distance. One minute you are viewing the steaming smoke pouring out from a 2 mile wide crater, and the next you are walking through a wet rain forest. We spent several hours here, covering every hiking trail, look out point, and special attraction. The lava tubes you could walk through underground were especially epic.




Upon our departure from the park, we drove south towards the southern coast of the Big Island. There we witnessed first hand the sweeping landscape, powerful waves, and whipping wind. Most of this outing was in silence as words could not do justice to what was really experienced.

As you could imagine after spending most of the day exploring, we worked up quite an appetite. In downtown Hilo, we found the absolute best burger place you could ever imagine. (thank you iPhone applications!) The building itself stood out in red and black, as most were weathered and rusted from the unforgiving climate on the Big Island. Once inside, we immediately began to dissect the menu. All of their burgers were made from 100% free range, Kona Beef, and constructed in the most appetizing of ways. Cuisine concoctions that could only be imagined by the most educated of taste buds. This place was so good, we made a second trip on our last day!

Filled to the brim with beef and french fries, we made our way back to the hotel for some relaxing snorkeling and swimming in the bay. Right beneath our room was a crystal blue waters, filled with coral and tropical fish. We finished our day soaking in some sun, floating in the water, and drinking more of our favorite Longboard beer. Day 2 SUCCESS