Hawaii

the view from Don the Beachcombers

the dark road over the lava field to see the lava flow
lava flowing into the ocean
Taylor in front of the volcano




I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture!
doesn't this look like it's straight out of a Corona ad?

I know this is very old news, but back in May we took our first vacation in about 5 years to the Big Island. I figure even though it happened over 2 months ago, I would still post about our trip and show some pictures so I don't forget all that we did when we were there! We stayed on the Kona side in our baby sitter's parent's condo. It was beautiful and we had a great time.
My overall impression of the island, however, was that I thought the locals were a little less friendly than those on other islands. Some were actually quite rude! We went with my parents and my dad was even really nervous at one of the local beaches we went to. While the island was interesting to see with all of the lava rocks and such, the beaches were a little difficult to get to and weren't the typical white sand beaches you may think of when you think of Hawaii. We are so glad we visited the big island but don't think we will be going back. We plan to visit Kauai next and then stick with Maui, our favorite island by far.
We arrived late Tuesday night and pretty much just found the condo and crashed.
Wednesday we had a pool day, then lunch in town, nap and then a quick visit to Honokohau Bay. This is where there were a ton of locals and my dad felt nervous. It was beautiful but you had to cross over 200 yards of lava field to get to it. With the kids it was a little hairy and in fact my mom didn't even attempt it and just waited for us in the car! We then had dinner at Big Island Grill, a favorite among the locals. Look it up and you will see that they offer the meanest grinds in all the islands!
Thursday we ventured out to Kekaha State Park which was absolutely breathtaking, although the waves were a little too rough for the kids to venture into. We continued to travel north to Hawi town and had lunch at the famous Bamboo Grill, then shaved ice at one of the local stores. On the way back we visited the dolphins at the Waikoloa Hilton. Art and I went out that night for a romantic dinner ocean side at Don's the Beachcombers at the Royal Kona Resort. It was the perfect evening until the flying cockroach landed on my dress!
Friday was another beach day at the little beach right in front of our condo. That night we went to the luau at the Royal Kona Resort and I think this was by far Taylor's favorite part of the trip. She loved the hula girls!
Saturday was a pool day in the morning and then after lunch we packed the kids in the car and headed out to see the volcano in the afternoon. Along the way we stopped at the southernest most bakery in the US, the Punaluu Bake Shop. I had 3 malasadas while we were there and 2 cups of their 100% kona coffee! So delicious :)
We continued onto the volcano, which had just erupted the day before and got to see a ton smoke coming out of the top. We then left the state park and drove down to the ocean to see the lava flowing into the water. It was a beautiful site but was quite the trek to get there. In the pitch black over hardened lava flow we walked about 1/2 mile down to the viewing spot. Again, my mom decided to forgo that adventure! Saturday was quite a long day and we didn't get home till 11pm that night!
Sunday was Mother's Day (and our last day) so we took it easy and had a simple brunch at Don the Beachcomber's again. While the kids napped Art and I went to the shops at Waikoloa Village and then came back and packed. We were on the red eye so for dinner we hit up the amazing ocean side bar at the Royal Kona Resort and had a couple of last mai tais and to take a few more pictures.
We had a great time but it went so fast! Next vacation we're definitely going to plan to stay for at least a week. Aloha and Mahalo for reading!