Driving into Volcano from Hilo, we felt a bit apprehensive from the lightless streets and consistent drizzle. The wet side of the island did not at first make the best impression on us having spent our time in the ease of Kona's sun and heat.

However, our experience on Hawaii's south eastern side was completely turned on its head by staying at House of Bonsai. Fung has created a cozy oasis in Volcano. I loved waking up to the sound of rain, warm in a fleece-lined bed, and having Fung's tasty fruit breakfasts (papaya with lime, scones topped with ohelo berry preserves, fluffy home-made muffins washed down with Kona coffee).

The location of Volcano puts you a few minutes drive away from Kilauea. The vicinity of House of Bonsai allowed us to get a lot done on our last day: visit to the National Park, drive down to Naahelu for Punaluu Bakery's Malasadas, from there to Ka Lea for cliff diving with the locals in the southern most point of the US and then hiking to the green sands beach (Mohana I think the name was?).

We were able to get in one more adventure driving back into the national park after sunset (entrance open and ticket good for the week) and down to the seaside to view Pu'u O'o lava glowing from afar.

A few things to prepare for the stay in Volcano:

It's a tourist town, and restaurants are expensive, packed and few. Bring your food in from elsewhere to avoid the crush of hungry families.

It's chilly here. Definitely made use of the layers I brought.