This was the most special day of our vacation, since it was Cindy's
birthday. We started the day with an exquisite three course breakfast,
our one first ever, with a grapefruit as the first course, followed by
sweet Hawaiian bread with molten cheese in a spicy sugar sauce and
mango sorbet as dessert. With well filled stomachs we set forth to
pack our suitcases, but slowly, because we really did not want to
leave the only palace we have resided in so far. As late as possible
while still being on time for Cindy's birthday present we departed
from Volcano, and followed the highway down towards Hilo.After the inevitable stop at a Borders, we arrived at the airport for Cindy's birthday present: a helicopter flight over the volcanos, and the waterfalls, with Safari Helicopter Tours. Rob got lucky and had the from seat with an superb view, Cindy unfortunately was facing backwards. The helicopter tour offered fantastic views of the craters, old and more recent lavaflows, and, most spectacularly, the current lava flow. We saw molten lava pour into the ocean, sending up billowing clouds of steam. We were lucky to see it, earlier in the day the water was too high, hiding the lava flow, and often there is so much steam that it is hard to catch a glimpse of the lava. But we got to see it!
After the spectacular volcano views we flew north, past Hilo, and saw some of the many waterfalls in the area. The helicopter was trying hard to turn on a dime, both providing an excellent view of the waterfalls from all sides, and at the same time causing interesting sensations in the stomachs of a few people on board.
To get an idea of our flight experience, click on these images and see part of our flight!
After our spectacular helicopter experience, we checked into our hotel, the Hilo Seaside hotel (which does not have a view of the ocean, but on a sidebay of a sidebay of Hilo bay). After a short break, we went to Rainbow falls. Alledgedly, one can almost always see a rainbow here, but by the time we got there the sun was already pretty low, and there was no rainbow in sight. Still, the views of and from the waterfall were very nice.
Next it was time to check email, Rob wanted to because there was the opportunity, and Cindy wanted to check her birthday email. Right after sunset we walked along Hilo Bay, enjoying the cool seabreeze and the moment.
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