Originally published: 8/2/2003; 11:37:07 PM

Flew from Kauai to Hawaii. Stopped at the Wal-Mart in Hilo before heading out for provisions. Bought a couple of mag lights for caves and night hikes, some long pants for Christy, and various snacks for taking on hikes. In retrospect, I should have also bought a disposable ice chest and a rain poncho for Christy. It never really poured down on us while hiking, but it does like to rain here. Hilo is America’s wettest city.

After that, we drove from Hilo to Volcanoes National Park, which was about 40 minutes. Hiked to the end of the Thurston Lava Tube, hiked Desolation Trail, and drove the crater rim road. You’ll need your own light if you want to do the whole tube, but the going is easy, so go for it.

Kilauea gases rise from the crater

That night we had the food at Thai Thai in Volcano Village, just outside the park. I had Mahi Mahi Curry. Christy had Yellow Curry. Both were delicious although it was Christy’s first Thai experience and I don’t think she thought much of it.

Clouds parted long enough for us to get a view of Mauna Loa, the most massive mountain on Earth. From sea floor to summit, also the tallest.

I find that I have developed an addiction to Pass-O-Guava Nectar. It was Hawaiian Airlines’ fault. They gave it to me on the flight from Kauai like a drug pusher setting his hook. Now I seek it out each morning.

On to Hawaii Day 6 — Volcanoes National Park