Actually, we stopped first at Kapoho, a little tourist area at the coast where the volcano can be seen and the lava once destroyed everything in its path. There is also a beautiful black sand beach there. As the lava hits the water, it rapidly cools and crystalizes, creating the beautiful sand.
We ate at the diner near the beach, then moved on to the park. It is just awe-inspiring to see the grandeur of nature. The pictures don't do it justice.
We entered the park and got a few quick pictures from the main photo area, then Jack drove us around Chain of Craters Road, a stretch of road that goes deeper into the park than the regular tour drive, and brings you through lava flows and near craters that are smaller than the main one at Kileuea. It is a drive not to be missed. Not always easy, but what are rental cars for?
Done with our tour and kinda ready to pack it in, we made our way across the island and up the western coast to our B&B near Captain Cook. Booked at the last minute and blessed to have it, the Hale Hoola was a nice B&B run by Mary and Bob. To be honest, we might've done better in town with a hotel less prone to...infestation (we were constantly on the lookout for flying ants and gnats, there was a rooster that began crowing at 1am, and breakfast was always joined by the hotels endless geckos), but they were absolutely the most welcoming hosts we could ask for and we always had a lovely breakfast in the morning and great information for things to see and do.
We got settled, got the lay of the land, then headed off to dinner at the Manago Hotel, a throwback to old island living. The 30s styling remained, as did the amenities. No paper menus, just a board with about 15 menu items to choose from, 6 breakfast and 9 dinner. Sides were served family style and featured interesting items like pork and squash sauté or potato noodle salad. Jack and I had their pork chops and Mom had the teriyaki beef and all was well with the world.
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