First port day - Hilo

First port day today - a much welcomed change after so many days at sea. We docked in Hilo about 7 am and, after clearing immigration/customs and getting a cab to the airport, we were in our rental car and on the road by 9 am. We headed straight to Volcano National Park and hiked around there for almost 4 hours. The lava flows are quite amazing to see! Most interesting was the lava tube/tunnel that you could walk through. It was sunny and about 70 degrees, albeit very windy on that side of the island.

Had lunch at a little restaurant along side the highway - great pizza! Finally, we stopped at the Mauna Loa plant to buy some macadamia nuts and a delicious coconut-macadamia nut ice cream cone! After that it was time to return the rental car and head back to the ship. Tomorrow - Kona (can't wait for the coffee)!