Hawaiian Vacation…The Big Island

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Last week I wrote about our visit to Oahu…if you missed that post you can read it here.

After spending two nights in Oahu we boarded a 40 minute flight to Kona, Hawaii located on the Big Island. The topography was very different from Oahu. The Big Island is  covered in black lava rock from long ago, in the region that we were staying. There aren’t really a lot of trees or greenery except in resort or ocean areas.

This is Hapuna Beach…

So beautiful and relaxing…

When we were leaving the beach, I was shocked to see wild turkeys.

Back at our resort, as we were awaiting sunset, this “torch bearer” ran through the entire property lighting all of the torches. It was pretty spectacular to watch as he didn’t stop – he just threw his flame over the torches.

And another beautiful display of nature…

The hotel property at Hilton Waikoloa Beach Club had many beautiful statues throughout – these two were my favorite.

One evening we went to dinner at the Lava Lava Beach Club. This place is right on the beach, super breezy and offered wonderful cocktails and food.

Mai Tai’s – Started with this…

That went to this…

That went to this…don’t judge – I was on vacation 🙂

This is delicious Coconut Coleslaw…I am going to try and recreate this dish at home 🙂

And Smoked Pork Ribs – succulent with a tinge of pineapple sweetness

Wonderful entertainment while we ate and enjoyed the sunset.

We were pleasantly surprised with the ocean life that we experienced..

A dolphin in the surf…

Two beached sea turtles enjoying the sun…

I swam directly over this large sea turtle in a lagoon area.

My only disappointment was not being able to see whales, up-close and personal 🙁 We had booked an excursion on this boat:

…but the sea became too rough and the trip was cancelled. However, my Honey Bee found a spot that we could see whales playing out in the water 🙂

The one touristy thing that I wanted to do was attend a luau.  We attended one on our last evening in paradise 🙂

I especially loved the fire show!

Our first Hawaiian adventure did not disappoint. We had wonderful weather, beautiful scenery, and experienced great food and special bevs.

Dreaming of our next visit…Aloha.