Location: Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Summary: A day exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, from crater views and steaming vents to a chocolate stop in Hilo, followed by a relaxing evening of food, cocktails, and entertainment back onboard the NCL Spirit.
I woke at 05:45 and dragged myself out of bed at 06:00 for a shower before heading to The Local for breakfast. I asked for eggs Benedict, but was told only the limited menu was available, surprising, considering most people needed to leave for excursions before the main dining rooms even opened. The waiter seemed either hard of hearing or still learning English because I had to repeat my order several times.
I asked for oatmeal with cinnamon, a cheese and ham omelette, and orange juice. The omelette arrived on its own, so I ate that while waiting for the rest. The oatmeal never appeared, so I asked again. It eventually arrived, without cinnamon, and the orange juice never materialised at all. With the clock ticking, I gave up and headed out to make sure I didn’t miss the bus to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The buses today were smaller and far less comfortable than on previous days. As usual, numerous pushy Americans barged to the front and took the disabled seats, leaving actual disabled passengers struggling. The driver moved a few of them, but even when I got a seat, it was cramped, with some sort of box under the seat in front preventing me from stretching my legs.
We set off on time and drove for about 45 minutes. A particularly whiny woman, who had claimed a disabled seat despite being perfectly mobile, kept turning around to tell the disabled man next to me to be quiet because she “couldn’t hear the driver.” If she’d stopped talking for five minutes, she might have managed it.
Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects some of the world’s unique geological and cultural landscapes. It spans from sea level to 13,680 feet (4.17 km) and includes the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
The drive into the park was pleasant, though not as scenic as previous days. Once parked, the driver pointed us toward a short path leading to the crater rim. I walked through lush vegetation until the trees opened up to reveal the enormous crater. The upper rim was lined with greenery, but as the crater dropped, the vegetation gave way to blackened, burnt earth. In the centre, a dark mound of rock sat above a vent where smoke drifted upward from deep below.
I took some photos and walked a short stretch of the rim before heading back. It began to rain on the way, so I ducked into the visitor centre, but there wasn’t much of interest. I returned to the coach and waited for the others.
Steam Vents
Our next stop was an area where groundwater collects beneath the soil and is superheated by magma below, reaching around 197 °C. The pressure forces steam through cracks in the earth, creating columns of vapour rising into the air. I walked closer to the rim again for another look at the smoking crater before returning to the coach.
On the way back to the ship, we stopped at a coffee and chocolate factory. Normally, I dislike these stops, they’re usually thinly disguised commission opportunities, but I tried the coffee anyway. It was disappointing, and if that was their best, I doubt they sell much. The biscuits and chocolate, however, were excellent, and I bought a small bag of crispy macadamia nut chocolates that were delicious.
Once everyone had stocked up on treats, the driver took us along Hilo’s waterfront, pointing out the remaining hotels and explaining who planted the trees lining the road.
Return to the NCL Spirit
After passing through two X‑ray machines within a couple of hundred metres, I boarded the ship and returned to my room for a rest. Later, I headed to The Local Bar for food, but the wait was long, so I went to the buffet instead. I grabbed a chicken burger, some meatballs, and fries, washed down with lemonade, then returned to my room to collect my laptop and glasses.
I settled into the Spinnaker Lounge with the cocktail of the day, then moved to a window seat to relax and type some notes. A waiter soon appeared, and I ordered a Guinness while I worked.
Dala Illusions
In the evening, I went to the Stardust Theatre to watch the illusionist performing. Dala Illusions was the magic and illusion act performing. I enjoyed it, polished, entertaining, and full of moments that made me think, “How on earth did they do that?”. Afterwards, I had a couple of beers in Henry’s Pub before heading to bed.
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