Hawaii: Day 13 (14 June 2009)

Day 13, Sunday; we woke up, got ready for church, and promptly went sightseeing instead... well, actually we just went to Rainbow Falls for a few minutes before church started. It was overcast that morning but right as we made it to the falls the clouds parted and the sun shown through and we saw a little rainbow right in the waterfall. Just as soon as it came the rainbow was gone again.

There wasn't much water coming down right now but it was still very pretty. Take a look at dad... you can tell that he is as happy as a pig in the mud.

Following our visit to Rainbow Falls we attended church and had a good time. The ward was friendly and fun. After church we went back to the hotel, got changed and took a little nap. Laura and I went on a walk through the Liliuokalani Gardens right next to the hotel.

After the many tsunamis that have destroyed the houses and shops that used to line the shores of Hilo they decided not rebuild them again but rather they would build parks and recreation areas instead.

The park was beautiful and peaceful.

After our walk and naps we all got in the car and made our way to the tallest mountain in the world... Yes, I know what you are saying... "Mt. Everest is the tallest!" It may be the highest above sea level but from base to peak Mauna Kea is 33,476 feet high. That is 4459 feet taller than Everest! As we neared the top we stopped at the visitor center. They have everyone stop for 30 minutes or so to acclimatize to the altitude a bit before going to the top.

Near the top of the mountain is an observatory. It is a good place for it because not far back down the mountain it is overcast and cloudy but up here as you can see the sky is mostly clear and beautiful.

The actual peak of Muana Kea was across from the observatory. I decided it isn't everyday that you can stand on the tallest mountain in the world so despite the 40 degree temperature and the strong icy winds I would make the trek to the top.

Laura followed a few minutes later. It was cold and windy so we only stayed long enough to take some pictures then we rushed back to the car and the heater.

This was the highest place I have ever been on other than in an airplane which doesn't really count. I could feel how thin the air was and how hard it was to get a good breath. The trek to the peak was pretty tough even though it was just a short hike. The sky was so blue, it was beautiful!

Our last stop for this day was our favorite little restaurant L&L Drive-Inn. Good cheap food.