Day 5 and 6: Sunrise, Volcano, Food

 Day 5: Kona, HI

We really didn't do much on day 5. Slept in because we were up late with the Manta Rays the day before. There was some lounging at the pool. Hayden wanted to make dinner so we went to find a fish market and got sidetracked... by Kona Brewing Co.

Dan, Hayden, and I had a light snack and this is a rose sangria slushy - dangerously good. 

We found a fish market where we picked up fresh blue marlin. Hayden started cooking while Dan and I went to exchange cars - trading in the minivan for a 4Runner so we can get to the summit tomorrow morning.

Dan and I sidetracked to a nearby beach:

And returned to some amazing dinner a la Hayden.

Blue Marlin tacos with avocado creme, slaw, and a pineapple salsa. Yummmmmm

It was an early night because Hayden, Miles, Dan, and I were getting up at 3am to go to Mauna Kea for the sunrise. 1.5 hr drive to the visitor center, 30 min wait to adjust to the altitude and then another 30 min drive to the top.

Day 6: Mauna Kea Summit

3am wake up call, but everyone left peacefully. On the way there, I noticed a red/orange haze. Sure enough, the volcano on the other side had started erupting - the one we were hoping to see when we were there!

But, when we got to the visitor center...

We were able to see the volcano! And so many stars, planets, the milky way. So, so cool. After 30 min of adjusting we headed up to the summit. Dan watched the temp drop from 53 to 39 in the 8 miles, and that definitely did not factor in the wind.

Well worth the early morning, and by the afternoon, the volcano had stopped erupting, so I'm glad we were able to see it when we did!

We returned back to the resort and napped before heading into town for some food - LavaJava (as seen on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives). Wandered around after lunch - Miles and I got to see a turtle and some cool fish.

Turtle!

The crabs blend in with the rocks. Not great for picking a place to sit!

We headed back to the resort. Dan and I decided to go check out Two-Step - supposed to be a great place for snorkeling. 

Great views! We will likely come back for snorkeling this week. When we returned we had to take Hayden to the airport - working man needed to be back by Friday, and has a 14 hr travel day back to Portland, ME. 

Lessons:

1. Don't play Word Hunt with Miles, you will get destroyed. Same with Gin, apparently. 

2. The heat/humidity take a toll - everyone was exhausted after walking around. 

3. Learned all about 4L driving - the rangers check to make sure you know how to use it before you go up the summit and also do a brake temp check upon your return to the visitor center. I will still make Dan drive though if we go again haha!

4. There are at least 3 ABC stores in a 2 block radius in all major Hawaii cities.

5. Get to the visitor center earlier to be able to enjoy the stars longer. We got there too close to sunrise and were not able to enjoy it for a very long time. 

Up Next:

No idea. We have nothing planned for the next 3 days! Snorkeling? Cat cafe? Beaches?

🎈