Today we attempted to go to Sam Choy's for lunch but turns out that particular store had been closed down already. So we settled for a rather filling and cheap lunch at Costco's instead. They also had the cheapest gas in the area ($2.39 for regular, $2.50+ elsewhere in the Kona area). Had to fill up cause today was going to be quite an ambitious day as we were going to circumnavigate the Big Island. Started off taking the route I had taken from Hilo to Kona in reverse. At least Erin had the chance to actually enjoy the scenery this time around.

First destination was Akaka Falls back near Hilo so took Route 19 back up towards Waimea. Practically all the black lava fields along the way had tons of pretty nice graffiti constructed from corals/white rocks. Rather nifty. Akaka Falls was a nice place to stop at, paired with Kahuna Falls along the same path which is actually 300 feet taller but looks shorter cause it's farther away and more of the view is obscured by foliage.

Afterwards we also dropped by Rainbow Falls in Hilo which was pretty nice as well. It was a shorter fall but the viewpoint is closer so it's a better photography point. One thing to remember when visiting these areas is to slather on the mosquito repellent cause it can get a bit nasty with those critters at these falls. Particularly at Rainbow Falls.

While we were once again in Hilo, made a brief stop at the Big Island Candies store. Their chocolate-dipped cookies are excellent! Then we were off again to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The weather was MUCH better this time around although still not the ideal time of the day to go (near sunset) cause you get some bad glare when trying to view Kilaeua from the Volcano House. Drove around to the Halema'uma'u Crater viewpoint, aka Pele's home, to get a better view with the sun a bit behind and to our left. This crater apparently used to be full of lava when it was first discovered but that eventually receded. Hawaiians also come and leave offerings to Pele here.

Oh, before I forget, the gift shop here had some absolutely gorgeous black/red lava-like glasswork. Unfortunately I'm too poor to afford any of it but one day, if I happen to win the lottery, I'll definitely come back to get some. =)

Headed back down to the end of Chain of Craters Road at sea level. By that time it was already after sunset. Tip, next time, get to the end a bit before sunset. Otherwise be prepared to park far, far away from the ranger station at the end of the road. The land around the road is pretty rough and bordered on the south by the sea. Didn't stop at the bottom again this time cause Erin wasn't dressed for the area (it does get chilly here) so we headed back up to the Volcano House for dinner. Tasty! Lamb chops and shrimp scampi dishes were quite good although their desserts were pretty bland.

Headed back to Kailua-Kona via the southern road at a little after 8pm. Finally arrived back at our hotel a little after 10. So the total trip around the island with all the sidetracks around the way was 280 miles, 2 hours per half of the island. Very windy roads in the southwest (Ka'u and South Kona areas). The top half of the island provides a better drive cause at least you have Waimea to stop at as the halfway point if needed. No equivalent on the more barren south road.