The six hour flight from Vancouver to Kona was wonderfully uneventful. After getting groceries and supplies for the condo, we had an early night (and with the time change - an early morning).
Sunday morning at around 6:30am, we went for a long (as in miles) walk with Natalie and the kids. We then went in search of Puako Beach to see turtles. It was a bit breezy today (more like gale force winds), so at least we didn't get too warm. After naps (Dale and the kids), we packed up the sand toys for a lovely late afternoon at Anaeho'omalu Beach.
Monday was a bit slow. After a visit to the gym we headed into Kona for supplies and a visit to Ross (found some lovely sandals). Had a quiet afternoon then had the kids over for supper.
We did the long walk again this morning (Tuesday). The weather hasn't been great (a few showers), but at least we are not perishing in the heat. And we have been enjoying having the kids over to play. Went to the kids for supper - they have a BBQ and cooked up our steaks for us - plus Natalie did all the trimmings.
Wednesday - the weather was fantastic! After a visit to the local farmers' market, we packed a picnic lunch and headed over to Hapuna Beach. What a lovely day. We had shade over by the rocks and lots of sun and sand. Benjamin loved the waves - we would hold his hand and he would jump - my arms might be a bit sore by tomorrow. Adam and Natalie went on a date last night out for supper. We had fun with Benjamin and Alexander.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=hapuna+beach+images&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=llFtG2o4vp8u7M%253A%252COwQVspXziqIw5M%252C_&usg=__UsLhsTDPRV3dW1bt6ikybbA34ec%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj14tj5je3ZAhUM7mMKHZfAA7cQ9QEIKzAA#imgrc=llFtG2o4vp8u7M:
Thursday - another beautiful day. Had a late start then off to Anaeho'omalu Beach. At least it is close. After so much sun yesterday, we took the afternoon off and I read while Dale worked at the computer. Natalie and Adam invited us for a spaghetti supper (delicious) then we went for a walk to the Ukelele Store. Adam got a lovely sounding one, so we expect a concert in a few days.
Friday - drove to Hawi for brunch at the Sweet Potato Kitchen (gluten free). We had waffles and frittatas which were excellent - don't think I'll manage lunch.
http://www.sweetpotatokitchen.com/index.html
Stopped at a couple of State Parks on the way home - not much at Kapaa Park, but hit the jackpot at Spencer Beach Park and the Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. Free parking, clean restrooms, big shady trees right on the groomed sandy beach which spilled into the lovely aqua blue of the ocean. Stopped at Waikoloa Village to pick up some great steaks and Dale cooked up a superb dinner for all of us.
http://hawaiibeachsafety.com/big-island/spencer-beach-park
Saturday - moving day. We had to change condos as we only booked one week the first time and had to take a different one for the second week. The management was most accommodating and got us into the second unit early. That really helps with fridge stuff! Got groceries and had the kids for supper. Afterwards we walked over to the Queen's Mall and they had live music playing - a band called Lucky Tongue. They were really great and played lots of old Rock and Roll.
https://www.luckytongue.com
Sunday - our big adventure - all the way to Hawai'i Volcano National Park. Our first stop was at Manuka State Park for a bathroom break. After that, a view along the Māmalahoa Scenic Highway to view Ka Lae, the southernmost tip of the United States. The next stop was delicious . . . the Punalu'u Bake shop - highly recommended. We had coffee plus I had an apple-filled Malasada and Dale had coffee ice-cream. Seemed like a great way to start the day.
Our next stop was Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. It was amazing. Not only was the sand black, but it was very black, and very fine sand too. Very picturesque with the blue water and white-tipped waves rolling in.
https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/punaluu/
Just before entering the Park we took a left to see some tree molds. These were fascinating as they look like beautifully crafted wells, but were really holes left when the lava encompassed large trees and solidified before the tree burned down completely.
Onwards and upwards to the Halema'uma'u Crater, Kīlauea Caldera. The Ranger at the Visitor's Centre suggested we head straight up to the Caldera as it had been spitting up this morning. We were in luck! The crater was spewing lava in three places and was easily seen from the Jaggar Museum. Talk about forces of nature - what a sight.
https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
Next along the way was the Thurston Lava Tube. Another force to be reckoned with!
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/craterrimtour_tube.htm
We drove a few more miles down the Chain of Craters Road, to see more lava flows from so many more craters. It was a very scenic and informative drive.
We decided to come home on the new highway from Hilo, so got to stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory to sample and of course to buy a few yummy Macadamia Nuts.
Driving home over the saddle between Kīlauea and Mauna Kea was much faster, but far less scenic as we passed through a lot of low clouds and rain. But it did get us home for supper!
http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2017/11/17/hawaii-news/volcano-update/drive-along-saddle-road-reveals-outstanding-volcanic-geology/
Monday was a quiet day. We took Benjamin to the playground in Waikoloa Village - he loved it. Dale and I then took a picnic lunch down to A beach and had a quiet couple of hours under the tree in the shade. Some more quiet time by the pool before the kids came for supper. Dale did a great job on the BBQ.
Tuesday had us up and out the door by 0720!!! Kauna'oa Beach at the Mauna Kea Resort is a fabulous beach, but has very limited parking. We got there before 8am and set up camp. There were eleven of us including Adam, Natalie, Benjamin & Alexander; Bert, Elizabeth, Hans, Michele and David. We were there until almost noon. Benjamin had a great nap afterwards, what with the unlimited supply of playmates!
Dale and I had a quick lunch then went for a drive. We stopped at the Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park then popped into Costco for gas and an ice-cream. We drove back on the inland highway up to Waimea and then back down to coast road. The kids popped in for ice-cream, but we had had more than enough earlier.
Wednesday was a delightful day for sights. We started back at the Sweet Potato Kitchen in Hawi (pronounced haaveh), for brunch with the kids. They headed back to Waimea and we went in search of points of interest. The Pololu Valley Lookout was a good start - just a couple of miles up the road from Hawi the road ended and this is what we saw!
Our next view was at Waipio Valley. Another spectacular view.
Our last stop was Laupahoehoe Point Park. Here we got to witness Mother Nature playing with the water. Phenomenal, picturesque waves crashing on the rocks sending gallons of water splashing up into the air - well worth the drive!
https://www.google.ca/search?biw=1155&bih=693&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=xzOzWrzLBqqmjwTvpovgBQ&q=laupahoehoe+point+park+images&oq=laupahoehoe+point+park+images&gs_l=psy-ab.3...117478.127335.0.136453.22.22.0.0.0.0.247.3139.0j18j1.19.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..4.3.520...0j0i67k1j0i7i30k1j0i7i5i30k1.0.ZAcofyAZQtg
Our last day today - spent it at the beach. Makaiwa Bay aka Mauna Lani Beach was a great spot to get that last sunburn and swim before heading back to reality! Had a lovely supper with the kids and then packed up. At least our flight isn't too early tomorrow. Take care and talk to you soon.
Love,
Laurel and Dale
https://www.to-hawaii.com/big-island/beaches/makaiwabay.php
Our last day today - spent it at the beach. Makaiwa Bay aka Mauna Lani Beach was a great spot to get that last sunburn and swim before heading back to reality! Had a lovely supper with the kids and then packed up. At least our flight isn't too early tomorrow. Take care and talk to you soon.
Love,
Laurel and Dale
https://www.to-hawaii.com/big-island/beaches/makaiwabay.php
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