Ate at a local outside establishment ( most of the places were outside) food was good. Cynthia had Mahi Mahi and shrimp.
Walked around Hilo- sort of like a really small budget beach town - did the obligatory shopping. Bought some very sweet lycées. (May have been a mistake...) Very rustic - you definitely won't find any Chanel, Prada or Versace stores here. No big hotels were present in this area. We saw the large and very long wall in the harbor that the town had built to help minimize a possible tsunami. It was high tide so we weren't able to see the infamous black sand beaches.
Drove to nearby Rainbow Falls but didn't get to see the rainbow because it was drizzling - Then pouring. Luckily we still had our 3 dollar plastic ponchos. Found some free wild mangos on the ground which we ate. May have been a mistake....
After reinforcement at Cosmic Cones drive in, we started the 45 min drive up to the volcano. We were staying in Volcano Village ( not sure I would want to live in a spot known for active volcanos). We stayed in a place called My Island Inn, which used to be a B & B but it was just a "B" now. Definitely a no frills - no TV, no AC, no shampoo, no made beds everyday, and warnings posted about taking short showers or risk running out of hot water. But the place DID provide a lots of umbrellas, walking sticks, a beautiful 4 acre lush rainforest garden with paths, a big bottle of water, and this great little info book that told FAQs, maps, local restaurants with their menus, and directions to every attraction. Eating in the little village was a challenge. Everything seemed to close early or be way above our budget. Of course the only thing open on the Sunday evening was the local Mimi mart. We had lycées, beef jerky and soda for dinner. May have been a mistake.....
