If you peer closely at the ridgeline of Mauna Kea, you can see the observatories we visited. This picture was taken from outside Waimea, to the north of the mountain.
This is a "close-up" of the observatories in the previous picture. It was take from the same place. [You know I can't resist telephoto shots.]
After visiting the summit, we went to the visitor's center and looked through telescopes. On Thursday we went to the Imiloa Astronomy Center for a planetarium show and more education.
Imiloa Astronomy Center. Lots of very interesting, hands-on exhibits.
On the way back from Hilo, we took a scenic route back (aren't they all scenic?) and stopped by the side of the road to take more pictures.
From a few steps down Onomea trail.
coconut husks
Peering through the foliage to the sea.
There were many kind of trees and flowering planst just steps from the side of the road.
This looks like my idea of a Hawaiian rain forest.
The signs say this is too dangerous to swim in.
The sunset on Thursday evening from our balcony at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.
going...
going...
Gone, but not forgotten
We visited the Mookini Heiau (Hawaiian temple) by driving down a dirt road for a couple of miles. It was worth the drive.
This temple was begun in 480 A.D. and expanded over the years. The walls are many feet thick and enclose a lot of space.
This was outside the walls of the heiau itself. I presume it has been rebuilt and isn't original.
People still leave offerings (at least that's what I think they are) inside the temple.