Hawaii - Day 3: Volcanoes NP, Sea Turtles, Malasadas

I tried to make a schedule that alternated a big touring and adventure day with a relaxing pool/beach day. This was one of our big adventure days. We had so much fun exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There had been a recent eruption on the island that was linked to the lava lake in the Kiluea Crater and the crater was still really steaming and venting. We also got to see Steam Pots, see sulphur cracks and rifts, and walk through the Thurston Lava Tubes which was really cool. 

After that, we drove to Punaluu Black Sand Beach and there we saw about 12 green sea turtles. There was an area they liked on the beach that was roped off from people bothering them, but we were still able to see them really clearly and even saw one launch itself into the water (very slowly). 

From there, we went to the Punaluu Bakery (southernmost bakery in the U.S.) to watch how malasadas are made and try them for ourselves. Malasadas are a hundreds year old Hawaiian recipe for something very similar to a donut, but with special flavors native to Hawaii (guava, mango, etc.). They were delicious and worth braving the line. 

After that, we went to Ka Lae - most southern point in U.S. - and the kids were hoping to cliff jump. But the water was rough and the ladder to get out was broken. So we just admired the views and spent time watching a really cool spot where there was a hole in the rocks looking down to breaking waves. We capped off our big day with a sunset view and more time at the hot tub and pool.