Hawaii: The Big Island

Day 2 | 55 (?) miles | 4/26/01

Today's ride begins with a level spin through lava fields to the town of Kailua-Kona. As you ascend the 4-mile climb to Holualoa, you pass brightly colored bougainvillea, a sea of Kona coffee plantations and through a KaÕu (lava) desert. A fast decent to Kealakekua Bay. Rita and I climb the 4 miles, but get lost in the bougainvillea. We shuttle to Pu'uonua o Honaunau "place of refuge" and learn about the Kona Coast. Replicas of ancient buildings and outdoor temples. Tonight, a family style Japanese dinner.