Finishing the Big Island today. We just visited the northern part of Hawaii, up Waimea way and I forgot to mention a great Mexican restaurant with a good view-Tres Hombres-ummm good! This drive to Hilo is the most beautiful drive. You will get into some lush tropical landscaping, waterfalls, amazing botanical gardens and Hilo is where we boarded Blue Hawaiian helicopters which I said I would never do (also said I wouldn't go in a submarine and did that as well in Kona). You have to take a picnic lunch because you will be stopping so much. There are some great parks, the Hamaku Coast where you will see remains of a tsunami that hit the islands years ago and wiped out a school. You must take a detour to Rainbow and Akaka falls and the Hawaii tropical botancial gardens which are really beautiful. There are some caves in Hilo so if that interests you, bring a flashlight. Also, if you must shop in a mall, Hilo's is pretty decent. They do have a great farmer's market on Wednesday's and Saturdays (biggest) but goes every day from 6am to 5. You can drive to Volcano's National Park from here and make sure you go in the lava tube-very interesting and lush;easy walk. If you have lung problems you might want to stay away from the Caldera as lots of sulfur smell. If you are staying in Kona drive around the southern end-kind of dry, but quicker than going back. Here you will find the Black Sand beach and so many turtles on the beach (but don't touch) Kapu'!! Tomorrow I will give you all my favorites of the island. Aloha for today