Hawaii: The Big Island
Day 3
| 55 miles | 4/27/01 Volcanoe House - Volcanoes National Park - 4,042 ftCaptain Cook to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Get set for a long, gradual 4,000-foot climb to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Explore Kilauea on foot with a local volcanologist to learn more about one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Visit the intriguing Thurston lava tube. Lush vegetation, black lava flows and the world's largest macadeamia nut grove serve as our backdrop today as we pedal over rolling terrain. Enjoying views of the Pacific, we descend along the Ka'u Coast, the southernmost point in the United States. After a stop at the black-sand beach at Punalu'u State Park, you might want to attempt the 4,000 foot climb to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This gradual to moderate climb extends for 30 miles and is the trip's most challenging stretch of riding. Be prepared for the possibility of strong headwinds.
Nancy, Vince, Rita and Leslie start out
Shuttle through the windy part
Totally awesome downhill ride
Excellent photo op!
With incredible views
very hard to keep your
eyes on the road
Intense and awesome wind - makes for some interesting riding
Punalu'u (Black Sand) Beach Park
My climb is digitally recorded