Hawaii Day Four

Another really great day.  Although 4:00am is still EARLY!!!  Hopped on a plane and headed over to the Big Island of Hawaii.  First thing we did was an amazing black sand beach.  What I didn't realize was that the black sand also has beautiful little green bits of peridot in it as well.

We saw sea turtles, a whale and other potential husband candidates, this is truly the land of the man bun, for Brenna.  Then we headed to a waterfall park, that while the waterfall was nice it was no Niagra falls! :o)  I definitely give it bonus points for the surrounding scenery though.

What was truly amazing and possible my favorite part of the trip so far as this extraordinary Banyan tree.  Over 250 years old.  The Banyans are amazing things, they have these aerial roots that once they hit the ground they begin a new tree.  So this tree, was the most enormous thing I've ever seen.   So many roots that it made a complete circle, so when you stood in the center of it, it was awe-inspiring.  I found it to be a very spiritual thing.  I wish there had been some way to take a picture that could capture how amazing it was. 

Then we headed to the Volcanos National Park.  

Sadly, you don't get to see the actual lava, it's too dangerous to get close because of the poisonous gases...whatever... but you can see all the resulting steam that comes out of the vents, which is still pretty cool.

Crater

Lava tube

The lava fields are pretty impressive as well.  It's amazing how light the rocks are.

This is a tree impression.. I think it was the Ohia tree that is so strong the lava will flow around it and it stays intact and makes these impressions.

Nature always finds a way.  Solid lava fields and things still find a way to grow.  Pretty amazing.

You can sort of see how the lava flowed down the hill.

These are the lava tubes that let the lava flow out into the ocean.  The land that we're standing on is brand new land, created as the lava flowed down and cooled.  We stayed until it got dark and were able to see the glow of the lava as the sun went down.  I wish I could think of some different adjectives besides awesome and amazing.  But those seem to fit the best.

Flew home late at night, landed exhausted and ready for bed!  Sadly, tomorrow we leave, but not until late in the afternoon, so we're planning on hitting the beach and finishing up our shopping.  I had hoped to be able to say that I actually came to Hawaii and never put a bathing suit on!  But, it looks like John would like to boogie board, so I'll throw a bathing suit on and see what happens. 

P.S.  Happy 25th anniversary.  A pretty great way to celebrate!