Punaluu & Volcano, HI
August 2007

Back to Halema'uma'u

Hosted by Tony

Next: Peace, Love & Pahoa Man

Su & family had a very limited time to visit the island of Hawaii since they came in to Hilo Bay on Norwegian Cruise Lines. A 7 day inter-island cruise! The bad news is that they only get maybe 8 hours wherever they are in port.

We made the most of it and went back to Volcanoes National Park. We did visit the visitors center again and Volcano House but didn't take pictures this time.

If you recall we had seen the Halema'uma'u Crater from a distance of a couple miles across the caldera floor. Instead of trekking that distance you can simply drive around to the other side and walk about a quarter mile to this overlook.

In the picture above you can see that someone has left offerings to the goddess of the volcano, Pele. A ceremony is performed here during Aloha Festivals each year.

We had our picture taken with several folks at the crater and then headed back to the car. There were lots & lots & lots of people checking this place out!

As part of the condensed VNP tour we made our last stop the Thurston Lava Tube. Again there were lots & Lots & LOTS of people here. It is a wonderfully short hike through the forest to get to the cave entrance.

We took a few opportunities to stop and photograph the lovely Su.

This one particular spot seems to be THE spot to have your picture taken in the park. We waited in line as group after group had a picture taken here.

It was finally our turn!

This lava tube is 400 feet long and was formed when lava drained out several hundred years ago. This is actually a very small one.

(Photos: Tony V./ Dialogue: Tony V.)

Su, it was awesome spending the day with you and family. You are right..we are no longer "fake" internet friends, we are actually friends! Thank you for everything you have done for Bud & Tiki Jr and me.

Wow..Su is the second person I have become friends with and actually met in person because of this gnome adventure.