Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1885-01-31
Honolulu, January 80, 1885.


EDITOR SATURDAY PREss-SD: Arriving
in Honolulu by The steamship Alameda, my
FIRST enquiries were regarding the trip to the
volcano of Kiauea, especially whether it could
be taken comfortably by lady--and as re-
ceived such contradictory and unsatisfactory
feel that my experience may
prove interesting and be of value to some
strangers who may follow us. | will not at
tempt to describe the volcano, others more
fertile in word painting than have attempted
it, and realize how signally they have failed. |
will say, however, that the trip has been one
OF the most enjoyable Of many tina, l have
taken in different parts Of the world, and that
the impression produced by the terrible fire Of
the burning lake were more vivid and startling
by far than those Of any other scene | have
ever witnessed. The traveller who misses it
loses one Of the grandest and most terrible
pictures Nature has ever shown to man.
II had followed the advice Of my well.
meaning friends in Honolulu, my wife would
have been left behind as they feared the trip
would be too severe by way Of Hilo, and knew
nothing definite Of the route via Punaluu.
This latter securing the easiest, we took
passage on the steamer W. G.. Hail. Friday,
January 23rd, at 4 PM. We found a new and
staunch boat with all the comforts Of the
Alameda, and had a delightful trip. reaching
Punaluu at P. NJ. the following day. Skirt
ing the lceward side of Hawaii, we were in
quiet water, and avoided the trade .wnd swell
Of the windward side. Going ashore at Puma.
luu we were agreeably surprised TO find new
hotel, which will accommodate twenty guests,
as clean and as comfortable as the Hawaiian.
1t is kept by Peter Lee, who furnishes trans
portation to the volcano, and who has invested
| SO 900 in this enterprise. His wife is good
cook and the table was bountifu and excellent.
This would be charming place to rest for
members Of party unable to bear the fatigue
Of the volcano trip.
| Retiring early, we were awakened from a
sound sleep, before four the next morning, by the
delicious music Of Suppe's" Poet and Peasant"
overture, from sweet tuned orchestrion. This
was indeed a novelty, and for moment we
failed to realize the situation. Quickly dres-
sing we despatched delicious breakfast, and
were soon aboad the car, whirling up the
narrow gauge road to Pahala, five miles away
AT this plantation we changed for comfort
able coach, driven by four mules and made the
next twelve miles in three hours, over a very
good road. This brought us to new house,
built by the Inter Island Co. where we had
lunch, prepared by colored man, who is a
splendid cook. There are excellent accomo
datons for nights rest il desirable. The
new road to this point, shortens the road from
Punaluu some two miles, making it but seven
teen. The remaining distance to the Vol
cano House, some eleven miles, on horse
back nearly all the way over the lava beds il
the only difficult path of the journey b,
walking the horses all the way, one Of opI
ladies', who had never before been on horse
back. got along very nicely. OF the Volcano
House, will only say that it is clean. Tha
virtue will cover multitude Of commissions
Our first nights visit to the crater was some
thing Of a disappointment, and can readil,
imagine person, seeing it but once, unde
similar conditions, going away with the feel
ing tina, the trip hardly paid for the trouble. l
is important, therefore, TO go to the lake tn
frs, night Of your arriva,as well as the second
The trip is a hard one-The descen. into tn
crater, 67S feet, the walk over the lava be,
Of two miles, and the climbing up the rougl
and jagged masses to the point Of view is vel,
severe upon lady. Our second nights visi
was grand success. The entire lake was
mass Of flame, constantly changing its form
and color. The fiery fountains were ceaseles
n activity. The "Trip had paid hundred time
over
The walk Of a mile to the crater Of the Ell
tinct volcano OF Little Kilauea," amply re
pays one, as does the inspection OF the sulphu
beds near the house.
= Tuesday morning, a, eight o'clock, We lei
n the Volcano House on our return. The I'D
: for couple of miles, is along the northern
c edge Of the crater, whose circumference is min
!, miles. One has the best opportunity from thi
u side, 10 view the wonderful abyss. Our rid
a down was uneven,ful, broken only by sto
n a, the Pahala plantation, where Mr.. Foster CT
c lerained us royalty, and showed our party sugs
from the cane TO the bag. We were very ola
to reach MIR. Lees roof again, and after
e nights rest, bath the next morning, ishin
+ by some Of the party. moss gathering by other
J. We boarded the Hall at ~. NJ. and reache
Honolulu at daylight this morning
IS We can speak in terms of highest praise
is Captain Bates and his steamer, and say tn
the 500 fare covers everything one can possib
need on the trip. There are absolutely no ex,Ti
1t and this fact travellers will appreciate. tt
81 service at the Volcano House can be improve,
e. especially the guide. The trip should not
takeuby lady unless she is in good heal
& and toleraby strong. II she Is accustomed
oil riding all the better. She will do well to folio
&c the native example, and ride asiride.
hs fact, this is almost necessary. For an outfit, tai
ID an old warm sui, leave your good clothes {
III the steamer until YOU rn,--heavy shoe
We which will nc ruined on the lava. bSoa
10 brim hat, rubber overcoal and leggins, and
&c piece Of enameled cloth, two yards wide al
IN one and half long. Gu, slit in this for 20
81 head. and You will be well protected from ii
ne rain. We, fortunately, had pleasan, wea,he
al ye, il was cold and damp at the Volcano Hous
ed Only IS pounds Of baggage viii be Above
an A Lady will 'eqaire the abave, together wi
ny "bloomeI suit"
&C ". ,. u.
a. Honolulu, January 80. 1855.
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