Akaka Falls, Big Island

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On Tuesday, our adventures included driving from Kailua-Kona to Hilo, the opposite side of the island. We drove back through Waimea, then along the northeastern coast of the Big Island.

Akaka Falls Climbing vine grows up the trunk of a palm tree

Our first stop was at Akaka Falls Park. Short trails lead to the spectaular view of Akaka Falls, a waterfall dropping 420 feet.

The vegetation is certainly more lush on this side of the island.


Flora at Akaka Falls Smaller waterfall along trail to Akaka Falls

The paths take you through bamboo groves, past wild azaleas and many other flowering shrubs and plants.

Flora at Akaka Falls Wild azalea

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Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour

Our next stop was at the Hilo Airport where we had booked the Circle of Fire plus Waterfalls tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. This was my first experience flying in a helicopter, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

Bob and I in front of a Blue Hawaiian helicopter Tin roof surrounded by lava field

Leaving Hilo, we flew over Rainbow Falls State Park on our way to the East Rift Zone. Kilauea has been in its current active state since 1983. The southeastern coastal region has been mostly engulfed by lava flow. Miraculously, an occasional building (such as the tin-roofed barn pictured) survives.

Lava vent Caldera of volcano

Our pilot, Ray, made sure to give all passengers good views of open lava vents and the Kilauea Caldera. Once we arrived at the coast where the lava flows into the ocean, we made numerous passes over the massive steam clouds. It is already evident that Hawaii will have more black sand beaches as the waves of the Pacific erode Kilauea's lava fields.

Lava entering the ocean Balck sand beaches being created

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