JEMS Return to Big Island: Day 3

Tuesday, September 5: Kula Kai Caverns, South Point, Sunset

We didn't have to head out as early this morning, so we had plenty of time to enjoy breakfast out on the lanai with the amazing ocean view.

Our destination today was the Kula Kai Caverns for the "short tour" of the lava tubes. Two other couples (from Germany and the Netherlands) were part of our tour, and they continued on for the "long tour" with our guide, Bryan, to do some crawling through the lava tubes. Maybe next time? We really enjoyed the shorter version, learning so much about the geologic formation of the tubes and admiring the rock and mineral formations inside the lava tube along with the spindly roots of the ohia trees that stretch down through the lava as they regrow on top of the lava field.

Since we were already pretty far south along the western coast of the island, we decided to head to South Point for the awesome panoramic view at the southernmost tip of the United States. We made a brief stop at Miranda Farms Coffee for provisions (Mr. E got lunch from the food truck) and then continued the drive. Very windy at this rocky promontory, and the view was just as amazing as we remembered from our previous visit.

By the time we drove back to our hotel, we were just in time for a quick swim before claiming a spot on the lawn to watch the sunset and enjoy some evening snacks and drinks.

Dinner was salads topped by the leftover fish for me and roasted chicken for Mr. E. Then some reading and some local news to wrap up the day.