We had an early morning flight to Hawaii. Colin and Grandma sat right in front of the engine so could watch the jet warm up. It was a short 45 minute flight and we were landing over lava fields. It felt like we were landing on another planet! We got our luggage while John picked up the rental mini-van and we headed for Mauna Kea to see what there was to see. When we reached the Visitor's Center at 9200' there was a telescope set up to look at the sun. The top of Mauna Kea is a huge astronomical center with multiple huge telescopes (of all kinds). Mauna Kea is the highest mountain in the world when you count the mountain under the water, even though it is only 13796'. Across the road was a trail up to the top of a cinder cone that we climbed up and Colin made a castle of volcanic rocks. He was amazed at how light they were. The view was wonderful from there. We walked back down and watched a video about the telescopes at the top and then had lunch. We then took a short walk into the silversword plant protection area. They were gorgeous. They are endangered on the island as the ferrell goats and cows who consider them candy and eat them before any of the other grasses. We couldn't go to the top of the mtn because of the altitude (we learned that little guys should be up that high) and no 4 wheel drive. At the bottom of the mountain there was a huge lava field that we stopped to explore. Outer space weird--great to explore!
We then went to our "house" for the week in Waikoloa Village. We stopped by the grocery store on the way. We have the second and third floor two bedroom apartment on the end of a building so lots of light. The pool is right across the street so couldn't ask for more. We got settled in, had dinner and hit the hay. Very busy and exciting day!
