Next we were off to the Big Island. Larger than all the other combined, this island still grows as the fresh lava reaches the sea. We stayed at a great place in Hilo where the owner, John, seemed to know just about everything there is to know about the Big Island.
There are heaps of waterfalls on these islands, the largest being the Akaka Falls just 30-40 mins north of Hilo. To the south However is where it gets interesting, when you head toward the Volcanoes National Park.
Until recently lava flows had been flowing all the way to the sea but have not made it that far for a few months. However this has allowed them to pave a makeshift road on top of the freshly hardened lava. Its quite strange as you drive along the road, all of a sudden you are confronted by a wall of lava which has just forced a path to the coast.
The lava itself forms some really interesting patterns as it gently meanders along and hardens in places, making ripples and all sorts of interesting shapes. As you look up hill you can also see the destructive path it has taken, obliterating trees and houses whereas some parts it hard left untouched. There is almost an eerie feeling because of the lack of any vegetation and it almost feels like you've come here after armageddon.
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