Hilo, Hawaii

Yesterday was a day for waterfalls and volcanoes in Hilo!! After a very quick breakfast, we left the ship to meet our excursion in the terminal. We had a small group of eleven in our little red van. First stop wa.at Alaska Falls for an amazing waterfall. The National Park Service built a circular path. The waterfall is at about nine o'clock. We started at six o'clock and walked counter clockwise. Such amazing foliage, tree formations , flora , flowers and lizards!!!

Then certainly the highlight of the day was a visit to Hawaii Volcano National Park. They have several viewing areas to see Kilauea which erupted in 2018 and is due for another very soon. We were able to see lava spewing out of the crater, almost like a molten fountain. In the picture and video it is the bright red spot you can see at around 1 o'clock. 

One of the most amazing things I have ever seen. And so much steam!! There are also steam vents everywhere!! And steam across the landscape. Truly fascinating!!  

We also got to visit a lava tube. This is essentially a cave where lava kept flowing, even though the lava on top has hardened, underneath the top soil it kept moving. 

You could look up to the "ceiling" and see thin roots coming down and many cracks!! 

ooh

Another highlight of the day. 

After our seven hour tour, it was back to the ship. We were the last two guests to get back onboard at 5:20 (all aboard was 5:30). We walked up one flight to Vines and Bian was there!! He brought us some French Sauvignon Blanc and tonight's tapas which included a very tasty clams casino. Then it was back to the cabin to get ready for dinner. Tonight we decided to try the Salty Dog Gastropub. It is a specialty restaurant onboard. It is $18 USD/person. You get a starter of a delicious beer cheddar sauce along with crispy, salty bread sticks. Then each person picks two of the smaller plates. We went with their signature burger, grilled asparagus, short rib poutine and an Emmentaler and Gruyere grilled cheese with a creamy white tomato soup.  

The burger and asparagus were my favorites. Loved the combination of the well seasoned beef with kimchi and jalapeno. So many flavors popping at once!! The asparagus was also so tasty with a delicious lemony vinaigrette and crunchy almonds. The creamy tomato soup was just bursting with flavor. Who thought a soup that was white could have such great tomato flavor? Amazing. The grilled cheese was lacking. While the outside was buttery and crispy, the inside desperately needed more cheese. It was missing that 'ooey gooey" quality you crave in a grilled cheese. Still worked well to dip into the soup.  

Since we had an early start for our next port of Oahu, we called it an early night so we could get enough rest.  

Today we have a private tour to visit the Pearl Harbor site. Then after that we'll find ourselves some lunch, a shrimp truck and maybe some other snacks. Who knows? Maybe we will even try some shave ice? We have a late departure tonight (all aboard is 10:30), so a lot of time for local adventure.