Headed for Hilo, the rainiest part of the island, where we toured the Lyman house and museum. The museum had much of the island's history, describing life of the ancient Hawaiians, as well as that of the immigrants who came to work on the sugar plantations. There was also an excellent collection of shells, gems and crystals. The house next door was built by two missionaries who were very influential on the Big Island, and it has many of the original furnishings from about 1830, including cane chairs almost identical to 2 that I have at home that belonged to relatives of my mom!
Nest we saw the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens. These were the most beautiful that we've seen so far on the trip. Unlike others, these included flowers, and the tropical plants towered high above our heads. At times we could see the ocean crashing up against the rocks.
And finally we had our helicopter tour above the volcano. We had planned to go in a chopper without doors, but that one had broken down that morning, so instead went in a closed chopper. We both had window seats though, and the view of the crater was amazing, especially since the volcano was somewhat active. We also saw some waterfalls and the coastline, as well as a town that had been wiped out by a volcano, and was in the precess of being rebuilt.
Drove back to Kailua-Kona for one last night before leaving today for Maui. Had spectacular views of Mauna Kea at sunset, and because we were so high we were actually driving into the clouds part of the time.
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