Day 02 - Western Kauai to Kona Kailua

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Introduction to today's journey

THE ISLANDS of Hawaii sit as a chain of mostly submerged mountains in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean. The oldest and most eroded of these is Kauai. Despite its age the island has the remains of a large shield volcano rising to an impressive altitude. At the other end of the volcanic chain is Hawaii's big island which is much younger than the other islands, and still forming now with the world's tallest mountains. The contrast between the two islands is amazing.

Today's journey takes me from Lihue, firstly exploring some blow holes and a coffee farm along the coast before heading inland up the mountain to overlook the dramatic Waimea Canyon, where a river is carving deep into the remains of the volcano. I head to Waimea at the mouth of the river carving the volcano for an early lunch before returning to Lihue and flying across to Kailua Kona at the other end of the Hawaiian chain landing on a very recent lava flow. There I explore the town of Kailua Kona and experience a dramatic sunset.

Today's Journey

Reduce to summary only...

Distance travelled today: 173 kilometres.

Total distance travelled to date: 303 kilometres.