Garden(s) of Eden!

Having attuned to our kona Bali Kai condo, we decided to head-off for Hilo today, which is on the other side of the island. The two-hour drive was an eye-opener. Leaving Kona's views of the Pacific and flat volcanic plains, we were soon transported into cattle country and scenes reminiscent of Wyoming. Roughly half-way into our journey we discovered the epicentre of the Parker family's cattle empire ...... their name presiding over everything, from Ranch to shopping mall. As we moved on, we encountered lush tropical surroundings with palm and banana trees, pineapple plants, giant bamboos, and just about every other tropical plant imaginable. Unsurprisingly, tropical fruit stalls began to pop-up, reminiscent of the Coconut Man's roadside van on Maui ..... which bore the slogan "Drop coconuts, not bombs!" Approaching Hilo, we stopped at the Akaka Falls State Park, a dramatically beautiful tropical paradise, complete with stunning waterfalls and a circular walk through a jungle of colourful exotic plants.

Could this place be bettered? Well 'yes' actually (or at least equalled!) at our next destination 'The Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden', where we docked after taking the much (and deservedly!) heralded scenic drive. The garden sits by the ocean and is among the very best we've seen. From Bread Fruit to Orchids (and Hawaii is the land of the orchid!) this place has it all

.... and then there's the stunning views of Onema Bay!

Following several hours of meandering through Paradise we headed back for Kono, to watch the sunset over Kailua Kona Harbour, resolving to visit the National Volcano Park tomorrow.

Finally, having listened to a roughly equal mix of 'Reggae', 'American Bubble Gum Rock' and 'Chemistry on Friday' (Yes, really!)in the car today, my musical memory is an unusual choice!