Although the Maasdam’s arrival in port was greeted by rain it didn’t dampen people’s spirits. It was warm and guests could test out their land legs again having been cooped up on a “floating, moving, island” for the last few days.
Soon after we docked there was virtually a mass exodus of guests getting off the ship. I soon found the excursion group I had been assigned to (Land of Frozen Fire) and as soon as everyone was present, we headed off a good 10 to 15 minutes earlier than expected. It was a smallish group of about 14 which was quite nice for our guide/driver. Everyone seemed friendly which made his life easier because he himself was a jolly soul.
First stop was the Rainbow Falls. With the clouds still looming over us it was impossible to see the sun’s rays dancing on the water’s droplets as the river nose-dived into a pond below = no rainbows today. The falls themselves were beautiful anyway.
Passing through “ground zero” near Pahoa, any damage from lava flows from 1½ years earlier were now gone. The road had been cleared and re-built and people were rebuilding their lives. For one family – the lava got within 10 yards of their house’s back door. Fortunately they were spared the fate that many unfortunate others weren’t.
Our next stop was to see Star of the Sea Kapalana Painted Church. It was small but the mosaics inside were beautifully painted. The building seemed to extend quite a bit after the Alter but it was the way it had been painted that gave a visual illusion that it goes further on – very clever.
Next stop was to see Kaimu black beach – the old and new. Lava had completely destroyed the former beach but created extra land, pushing the sea further out. Over time the lava has once again eroded to form a new beach. The tide was in at the time but it didn’t matter.
Somewhere along the road towards Ahalanui Hot Springs we stopped briefly beside the road to look at a naturally formed sea arch in the lava – quite beautiful in its rugged way. Unfortunately nobody had brought swimsuits so we were unable to go for a swim in the warm hot spring tidal pool – cooled by splashing waves. We could only sigh with jealousy as local folk relaxed in the warm waters. Perhaps a swim in the ship’s pool when we get back might be some consolation.
Lava Tree State Park was fascinating with its trees entombed by lava, leaving them looking a bit like rocky monoliths as the lava landscape weathered and eroded over time. The trees died, leaving hollow lava moulds. There was also a lava tunnel – molten lava repeatedly following a certain course, the outer lava cooling but the internal lava fluid and hot within the tunnels until it reached the sea.
Our final stop was at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Centre where one can go on a self-guided tour to see the macadamia nuts being processed through observation windows. Some were being roasted or coated with a flavouring agent, e.g. honey, garlic, etc. In another area the nuts were being coated in chocolate … I say no more! One could try various flavoured macadamia nuts before buying. The shop sold nut oils, a variety of flavoured macadamia nuts; and lotions made with made with nut oils. Oh yes, and there were the usual souvenirs of sorts. The nut centre’s café was selling macadamia ice cream and, I promise you (!), I would not have bought some if I had not heard about it. However, word did get around and my taste buds twisted my arm to try some. It was delicious bit no doubt making its way straight to the hips.
It’s been an action-packed day but enjoyable. Methinks it is time to hit the pillow.
You can see my pictures on facebook via this link: Excursion: Land of Frozen Fire
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| Route to our next destination: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii |
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