September 13 - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

We went to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP). We listened to a couple of ranger talks and did a short hike on the Earthquake Trail. The hike afforded us views of the smoking Kilauea crater.

We drove south on Highway 11. (Note: It's relatively easy driving around the Island, as there are only a few main highways). We stopped at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. I highly recommend stopping here. For those who have never seen a black sand beach, it's quite a trip. The black sand is created by lava being cooled by the ocean.

                                                     This is a "color" photo.

While at the Black Sand Beach, we were treated to numerous sea turtles feeding. You have to look closely for them, as they look like the rocks. Once you spot one, you're bound to spot many more.

A little farther south on Highway 11 is Whittington Beach. This beach used to be a sugar plantation. There are remnants of some of the structures, particularly the pier which was used to transport sugarcane to the mainland.

There are not many places to eat along the stretch of Highway 11 from HVNP to Punalu'u. However, once you arrive in Na'alehu, just follow the wonderful smell. Punalu'u Bake Shop offers a variety of tasty sandwiches and baked goods. We tried the apple and chocolate malasadas. A malasada is a Portugese confection, kind of like a doughnut. Ono! The Bake Shop is also a great place to see yellow-billed cardinals.