Today marks my journey’s pinnacle as I venture towards the Volcanoes National Park. I sluggishly arose at 9 am, later than intended, cursing my penchant for laziness. Slapping together a hasty breakfast of peanut butter on bread, I marveled at my consumption of carbs, relieved not to waste any slices this time. After a brisk shower, I swiftly prepared for the day, completing both breakfast and ablutions within 30 minutes. To my chagrin, the eccentric fellow in the Hawaiian shirt lingered at the hostel, irking me solely due to his odd demeanor.
Exploring the South
After an hour’s drive southward, I found myself back at Sea View Mall, the very spot where I indulged in a burger just yesterday. Making a pit stop at the nearby grocery store, I replenished my cash and stocked up on snacks. Then, at the gas station, I filled up my tank for a mere $20. Fuel prices here were a steal, at just $4.20 per gallon, approximately $1.10 per liter.
As I pressed on southward, the landscape underwent a dramatic transformation. The road wound its way through a terrain of hardened lava, an otherworldly sight to behold. I couldn’t resist pulling over at a lookout point to capture the surreal scenery in photographs. From this vantage, I spotted South Point, distinguished by its wind turbines, marking one of the windiest spots on the island. The view offered a fascinating perspective of the island’s rugged flanks.
Arrival at Ka Lae Point
Continuing my journey south, I reached the turnoff to Ka Lae Point or South Point within 10 minutes. The landscape underwent a dramatic shift into a vast savannah, adorned with stretches of golden grass. My attention was captivated by a peculiar sight—a farm boasting colossal satellites in its backyard. Intrigued by this anomaly, I pondered its purpose. Despite the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour, I couldn’t resist pushing the pedal to 50, feeling a twinge of frustration at the desolate surroundings. After all, this remote stretch lay roughly 15 minutes off the highway toward the coast.
The parking lot at the southernmost point of the United States was overflowing, leaving me to join the others parking along the roadside. Locals and tourists alike filled the area, engaged in thrilling activities such as cliff jumping and snorkeling in the remarkably clear waters. One striking feature was a sizable gap in the cliffs leading to the ocean below, where I later observed daring locals taking the plunge.
Travel Reflections
Arriving here wasn’t originally on my bucket list, but as I strolled along, I realized I’ve now checked off three significant landmarks in my life. From the westernmost point in Indonesia, to the easternmost point in Australia, to now standing at the southernmost tip of the United States. “Wow, the accomplishments I’ve amassed so far are truly remarkable,” I mused.
Being here felt like a tangible achievement, prompting reflections on the countless extraordinary moments I’ve encountered. From pristine beaches to bustling cities, from lush rainforests to towering mountains and majestic waterfalls, not to mention the mesmerizing underwater world. Memories flooded back of unforgettable encounters with wildlife—kissing a Thomas Langur monkey, feeding a wild orangutan, the exhilarating shark dive, observing beautiful birds in parks, and encountering a myriad of zoo animals.
On the Road Towards the Volcanoes National Park
After observing locals take the plunge and recording some footage, I concluded it was time to depart. I lingered for 30 minutes before embarking on a 45-minute journey toward Volcanoes National Park. Upon returning to the highway, I noticed all the cars ahead of me veering off after a while. The final 10 miles leading to the National Park stretched ahead with no other vehicles in sight.
Although the speed limit permitted 55 miles per hour, I pushed it to 60-65. Eventually, I glimpsed a car in my rearview mirror, steadily closing in. Despite ample opportunity to pass, the vehicle chose to trail behind me for 10 to 15 minutes without attempting an overtake. With no obstacles ahead and a straight, clear road, the lack of action puzzled me as the distant visibility allowed for safe passing.
Close Call: A Heart-Stopping Moment on the Road
As I drove along, feeling relaxed, an unexpected event jolted me. Suddenly, a car began overtaking me, catching me off guard as it swiftly approached. It was fortunate that I noticed just in time because something seemed off with its rear wheel, causing the vehicle to swerve unpredictably from left to right. Reacting swiftly, I slammed on my brakes, exclaiming loudly in the process. In a matter of seconds, my speed plummeted from 65 miles per hour to a mere 20. My heart raced with adrenaline as I witnessed the driver struggling to regain control.
After what felt like an eternity, the vehicle stabilized and the driver gradually returned to the right lane, leaving me trailing behind by 500 meters. I couldn’t comprehend how the driver managed to continue without stopping, speculating that perhaps irregularities in the road surface had caused the wheel to behave erratically, though I couldn’t be certain. From that moment on, I maintained a safe distance, capturing the incident in the last two photos with my zoom lens. This harrowing experience will remain etched in my memory; had I not been vigilant, the outcome could have been catastrophic. I couldn’t help but reflect on how a half-liter of Coca-Cola consumed earlier that morning had kept me alert and aware. It seems I owe my safety to the caffeine kick from that beverage – guess I’ll be sticking to it for a while longer!
Arrival at the Volcanoes National Park
After passing through the National Park boundary, I covered another 15 miles before reaching the entrance. Paying the $10 fee, I proceeded towards the visitor center. With this payment, I secured a seven-day entrance pass to Volcanoes National Park, including access for my vehicle. Moreover, I received a map of the park.
At the visitor center, I inquired about the possibility of witnessing any lava activity during this season. Unfortunately, I learned that all lava flows were currently underground and inaccessible. However, I was informed that I could still experience the mesmerizing sight of the crater’s red glow at night. With the weather cooperating, I made plans to observe this spectacle either later in the evening or tomorrow morning.
While there was an abundance of sights to explore in the National Park, I only managed to visit a few. Beginning with the steam vents located near the visitor center, I parked, took a brief look, and then moved on. With plans to camp in Volcanoes National Park that night, I needed to stock up on food. I drove out of the park and ventured to the nearby town known as Volcano Village, where I purchased some snacks before returning to the National Park.
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
By this time, it was approximately 2 pm. Following recommendations from my guide, I opted for some shorter excursions rather than embarking on lengthy hikes. My goal was simple: park the car, explore the sights, and move on to the next location. The first stop along the Crater Road route was a lava tube—a tunnel formed by lava flow that was now accessible for walking. Upon arriving at the area, I encountered a full parking lot, requiring a brief wait for a spot to open up. After about ten minutes, I finally secured a parking space.
The boardwalk leading to the lava tube offered a pleasant stroll, surrounded by lush rainforest foliage adorned in vibrant shades of green. Entering the tunnel, which stretched about 100 meters in length, I noticed the ceiling height varied as I ventured further inside.
The hike followed a circular path, leading me back to the car park. It took me a total of 20 minutes to complete, factoring in pauses to capture photos along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and felt excited to explore other recommended destinations from the travel guide.
The Devestation Trail
I headed down Crater Road toward Devastation Trail. Although the trail spanned about 1 mile, I opted to explore only the initial section to witness the aftermath of the ancient lava flow. Once adorned with lush rainforest, the landscape had been dramatically altered by the path of the lava.
Unfortunately, I didn’t capture the best photos to convey the impact. Right beside me on both sides (as seen in the second picture above) was the forest. I realized I should have taken that picture about 10 meters before the shot I took; it would have added more depth to the story. After spending 15 minutes there, I returned to the car.
Exploring the Campsite at the Volcanoes National Park
Continuing southward along Crater Road, I eventually veered onto a single-lane road leading to the campsite. My intention was to assess its size and availability. If it appeared to have limited space, I planned to arrive in the late afternoon rather than evening to secure a spot.
Navigating down that narrow, winding road took longer than I anticipated. The dense trees lining the route made it challenging to spot any approaching vehicles. Despite the designated speed limit of 30 miles per hour, I continued to disregard it on this road. After 15 minutes, I finally reached the campsite and observed that only 5 car spots were available, with 2 already occupied. Recognizing the limited space, I made a mental note to return promptly.
According to the guide, driving along the road where the camping site was situated would eventually lead to a lookout point overlooking the coastline. From there, provided the clouds cooperated, one could enjoy breathtaking views.
Hilina Pali Overlook
The journey toward the outlook itself was an attraction. The terrain of lava land was rugged and fissured, yet signs of life were beginning to emerge sporadically. I found the landscape captivating and managed to capture some stunning photographs, including one featured prominently on the top page of my blog.
The journey to the lookout took me 20 minutes from the campsite, once again longer than anticipated, showcasing the vastness of the park. Upon parking, I proceeded towards the small shed, which offered breathtaking views. To my left, I spotted a fleeting rainbow, while ominous clouds loomed and expanded to my right. I seized the opportunity to capture some photos, and fellow tourists even snapped a picture of me. However, after 15 minutes, the sky grew cloudy, prompting my decision to depart.
Unnecessary Drive
Exhausted from the lengthy drive back to the visitor center, which took a solid 45 minutes, I felt drained. Despite the light drizzle, nothing too concerning, uncertainty loomed as I parked at the center around 5 pm. Unsure of what to do next, I ultimately opted to return to the campsite and call it a day. Frustration gnawed at me for making the unnecessary trip back, feeling like I had squandered both fuel and precious time due to my own oversight.
After pushing a bit more on the accelerator, I reached the campsite again in about 20 minutes. I parked beside the toilet building and adjusted the car to make it more comfortable, moving the seats forward to create extra space and grabbing some drinks. As dusk approached, I settled in with my book, reading until the light faded. Unfortunately, I realized my torchlight, a cherished possession lost in Australia, was absent when I needed it for trips to the toilet. Fortunately, I’m resourceful; I used the light from my phone, a solution I had employed in New Zealand and now again tonight. However, with limited battery on my phone, reading was no longer an option.
Chores, Entertainment and Plans for Tomorrow
In the evening, I delved into crafting articles, the intensity fueled by the myriad of experiences from the day. To unwind, I indulged in binge-watching How I Met Your Mother, reminiscent of the carefree days in Australia and New Zealand. With a Coke, some candy, and plenty of amusement, it felt like a nostalgic throwback to simpler times.
I set my alarm for 5 pm, eager to witness the glow of lava at the crater. Despite the afternoon’s drizzle and cloudy skies, I took a chance, hoping for clearer conditions the following morning. The evening persisted with light rain, and by midnight, I made the decision to try and sleep. However, the lack of pillows or a sleeping bag made rest challenging. As the night progressed, I felt the temperature drop, despite wearing trousers, a sweater, and a thin vest. I longed for the comfort of a sleeping bag or blanket. Sleeping on the back seat proved uncomfortable, although the space was similar to that of cars I’d slept in during my travels in Australia and New Zealand. Adjusting to this setup after a period of sleeping in regular beds always took some getting used to. Despite the discomfort, I managed to get a few hours of sleep.
