Hawaii Update: March 30 - April 5

We've been so busy that I haven't had much time to post so here's an update on what we've done the last few days.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010.  We went night snorkling to see Manta Rays.  It was a little intimidating at first to get into the water in the dark of night.  And when you first see the Manta Ray you can't believe how big they are.  I was too worried about snorkling to take photos but the dive company was nice enough to email us a photo.  We also bought a video of the trip as well that is pretty cool.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010.  We were supposed to go on a snorkling trip to the Black Sand beach but it was just too windy so we had to go to another location.  Scott stayed out a bit longer than me.  It just wasn't as exciting as the Manta Rays the night before. 

Thursday, April 1, 2010.  Today we went out exploring.  We found a lava tube on the side of the road that we had spotted the day before so we pulled over and went exploring. 

We also went to Pu'Uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park aka the Place of Refuge. 

And we found the Black Sand Beach.

Friday, April 2, 2010.  We checked out of the hotel and started to make our way to the other side of the island to Hilo.  Here we visited the Volcanoe National Park and went for a helicopter ride in the afternoon.

I had to take a picture of Hawaii's version of graffiti...coral displayed on the lava rocks. 

We drove to the southern most point in the United States.  Unfortunately we didn't have time to look for the Green Sand Beach.

Here we are at the Kilauea Iki Crater.

and the Thurston Lava Tube (glad we had flashlights!)

The helicopter ride over the volcanoe area was cool. 

We saw waterfalls.

and lava.

This is the town of Hilo.

Sunday, April 4, 2010.  It wouldn't be Easter without Peeps!  This one traveled from NJ and is enjoying the view from our room in Maui.

It does sprinkle a lot here but at least the sun is mostly out.  We saw this rainbow while waiting for the shuttle to Lahaina for dinner.

Monday, April 5, 2010.  We went to Haleakala to hike at the crater.  Perhaps I would have enjoyed sitting at the pool a little more since it's really cold at 10,000 feet above sea level and the hike back up was a tad difficult. 

When I think of Hawaii I don't picture myself bundled up and needing heavier clothing.

The view was spectacular.

This trail was way easier on the way down than on the way back up.

On the drive back to the hotel, Erin spotted a whale right off the coast so we pulled over and were able to watch him splashing in the water for awhile and even got a video.

At night we attended a Luau.  It was good but we were glad it was right at our hotel since it was a very long day and we were all pretty tired.  Tomorrow is the Road to Hana.