Hawaii '17: The Illusive Nene

All over the island, we kept seeing these Nene crossing signs on the roads (of course I forgot to get a picture of one). The Nene (nah-nah) is the state bird of Hawaii and is a type of goose. Most of the signs we saw were at high elevation areas, so I guess that's where they typically live. I figured we wouldn't see any, just because I wanted to see one so bad. But, we found two! They were hanging out near the Devastation trail. 

Hawaii '17: Down Chain of Crater Road

We drove down Chain of Craters road to the ocean. In the travel book I had, it said that the climate would change considerably from the visitor's center (cool and wet) to the ocean (hot and sunny). And it was spot on. We were not really dressed for the 'lower' portion of the park where it was 85° and full sun. But we still walked a part of the way on the gravel road toward Kamokuna, where the lava is entering the ocean. 

It's even hotter when you are surrounded by black lava, absorbing the heat and reflecting it.

The sea cliffs and some choppy waters

The different lava flows and the various colors from different flows is pretty awesome!

Kamokuna in the distance. It was an 11 mile round trip hike, and we weren't really prepared to do that at mid day. 

The road down - it took about 30 minutes to wind down the cliff and then to cross the lava flats to the ocean. 

Hawaii '17: Volcano National Park

Monday, Labor Day, we headed out early for Volcano National Park. We were dressed for the 'upper' portion of the park, where it was about 70° because the elevation is 3,000-5,000 feet above sea level. And it's usually pretty cloudy, from what it sounds like. 

The Halema‘uma‘u Crater at the center of the park. This is pretty much as close as you can get to it. This and Pu'u O o are the two active lava sites. 

This is pretty much the scene all around the crater. It's kind of arid desert, I guess.

Steam vents (to get a facial)

Lots of steam vents

On the left is a lava flow. On the right is where the lava didn't flow. They call the path Devastation trail, for good reason. 

A map of the 5 volcanoes on Hawai'i

This is the view from the top of the 'cliff' down to the ocean. It's a fast 3,500 feet down!

Hawaii '17: Whittington Beach

On our drive to Volcano national park, we stopped at a 'beach' on the south side of the island. There was a really old, beaten up pier and lots of lava. 

Hawaii '17 Sunrise from the House

A few more sunrise pictures from the house. You could only see the mountain in the early morning before the clouds came in. 

Hawaii '17: Ka Wai Ola Waterfall

After spending time at Waipi'o valley, we headed south to find another waterfall, closer to Hilo. It did not disappoint.