Hawaii Belt back to Volcano

The day began with a return to Splasher's in Kailua.  I've learned the hard way in past adventures that when you find a good breakfast place, don't keep looking.  Had another great b'fast overlooking the harbour.  Filled up with gas and headed south with no real plans other than to explore the island a bit. Found the loop drive down to the Ho'okena refuge and around through residential area/shoreline and could observe the Captain Cook Monument from afar.  Back up to the Belt and continued on our way.  Marvelled as we passed through the multiple micro-climates along underneath Mauna Loa.  Stopped for lunch at Punaluu Bakery, which was located in Waiohinu, not Punaluu as we had thought.  I had been noticing that tourist attractions are not super well marked, and you have sort of feel your way around.  Asked a cop where to find the Black Sand beach and he gave us the mile posts to watch for. Turned out in this instance, we didn't need that as there was clear signage at the entrance.  Saw several turtles at the beach, where it was really hot while we were looking around. Carried on to Volcano National Park and took the Chain of Craters road all the way to the end.  Lava flows are mind blowing to think of the processes leading to the mountain and island building.  Realized that time was running short for the daylight passage over Saddle road, so headed for Hilo.  Managed to find the right intersection this time, but not surprising I missed it the last time.  The drive over the Saddle was much better in the daylight and got better perspective on the two peaks, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.  Nevertheless, when dusk arrived we found ourselves descending through a thick soupy fog, with the top down.  Temperature dropped drastically and even with the heater on full blast, it was chilly.  Needless to say, Karen was unhappy.  Got to the Pueo's Osteria exactly on time for our reservation and enjoyed an excellent pasta dinner.  Back to the hotel wrapping up a long day of driving to explore the Big Island.