Punaluu & Volcano, HI
August 2007

Busnapped...Sort Of

Hosted by Tony

Next: Hulihuli Chicken

Puna itself is not really a tourist mecca but there are alot of things to check out if you decide to take that left turn on to Hwy 130 in Kea'au.

Among them is Lava Tree State Park. What's a lava tree you ask?

We were on a mission to find out. It's a beautiful little park with a sidewalk winding through it. Very tropical & lush. The bathrooms even clean for those of you that care about that sort of thing.

It didn't take us long to spot some lava trees. A lava tree is formed when lava surrounds the trunk of a tree and then cools very quickly leaving the tree intact. Over time the tree deteriorates and leaves the lava shell in its place. These trees can be found at several locations on the island but this is where they are easiest to find. Weird.

Another one of the islands magical atractions. We had to explain to Tiki Jr. as he was frantically running about thinking he could be turned in to a lava tree. After a little while our little pal settled back down.

We went over by this school bus that seemed to be empty to take a few quick photos like the one you see above.

We seriously thought no one was around and Tony put RG on the steps cause the door was open.

Tony stepped back to take the shot and the doors snapped shut leaving RG confused & stunned. We could hear a sinister laugh coming from within the bus.

After a moment the occupant of the bus raised her hostage to the window and demanded a ransom. Luckily it wasn't money..it was to be photographed with RG. She's a huge fan.

Here we are paying her ransom demand. Star recognized Lori from his frequent visits here and we all got a good chuckle out of the whole ordeal.

(Photos: Tony V./ Dialogue: Tony V. & Star R.)