HAWAIIAN ISLANDS CRUISE: Two Days in Hilo; Daylong Downpour; No Volcano Sighting

Tuesday we were on the Big Island on the Hilo side. True to its reputation, it is the wet side of the island. It was pouring buckets of nonstop rain on us almost the whole day. 

I went with Glen and Mike to the airport car rental to get two cars for the day. So much rain!!!!

After picking up the rest of our group at the ship, we all drove to Volcanoes National Park, stopping first at the visitor center.

Sam and Kathy got the award for being the most prepared with the best rain gear--from an umbrella protecting their upper bodies right down to their waterproof footwear. 

We inspected the map showing where the active volcano flow was happening. 

Before we headed off into the forest, we had to sanitize our shoes. Not sure what good that did as we just went out into the pouring rain right after our shoes were sprayed.

We followed the signs to the eruption viewing.

We were disappointed to see the viewing area all fogged in due to the bad weather. No volcano eruption viewing for us that day--or any other day.

It was a comic relief moment when someone asked Nani to take a photo and she chose to stick her hands up through her hood to perform the task. Just doing what it took to stay somewhat dry.

It was a happy moment when we finished our hike, took off our rain gear and got back in the dry cars.

We stopped along the way to take a look at Rainbow Falls.

Someone had put a flower arrangement in the viewing area of the falls.

I must say it was sure nice to get back to the ship and get cleaned up from our wet day of adventure. That was definitely a cold day. I never suspected I would say I was cold in Hawaii. That day I was definitely cold all day!!

There were some fancy appetizers on the menu that evening in the dining room.

After dinner we went up to the buffet to see what was being offered there and this is what our eyes beheld.

As per the information given us earlier, we knew we would not be going to Kona the next day due to the volcano erupting and the air being bad. 

The interesting thing was instead of staying in port at Hilo overnight for us to spend a second day in Hilo, the ship was taken out away from port and did a slow circle during the night before coming back in port the next day. 

Thankfully, it was a much drier day in Hilo on Wednesday. We spent some time walking around the area near the port enjoying the beautiful water views and walking through Liliuokalani Gardens.

We stopped at a farmer's market before going back to the ship for our early 1:30 all aboard call. The displays of colorful fruits and vegetables were impressive.

Some in the group bought some things to try. Mark was thrilled with the sticky rice he bought that reminded him of what he ate a lot of on his mission in the Philippines.