Burning Man 2009 Evolution! So many things to say about Burning man but no description can capture the magic. A helpful tip..go with friends. The people made it so much fun. This was my first burning man and our camp of 8 people made a tree and turned our camp into the garden of eden. We were officially called The garden of the third hole since the year before their theme was a putt putt golf corse and they had the grass left over with the hole in it. I got ready by buying crazy costumes and we stocked up on food and water to last a week and off we went in our huge rental van with our bikes attached to the back. The journey was long but equally fun. We got there and decided ... read more

From the Green Sand Beach I decided to keep going to the other side of the island to the Volcano National Park. I stayed in a cute little cottage in the rain forest, it was probably one of the most amazing places I've ever stayed. Fresh fruit, milk, oj, eggs and more delivered to my door each morning, there was a hot tub hidden in a little hut with candles everywhere and the cottage itself was beautiful inside. The owners were very interested in helping get the most out of the trip, and provided me with maps to the volcano national park, tips for where to see the lava flow, as well as food suggestions for dinner. PS. If you are ever in the area Thai Thai is pricy but worth it for some of the ... read more

The next day I decided to rent a Moped to attempt to make it to the hard to spot Black Sand beaches of Kiholo Bay. Being that I had never driven a moped before I was a bit skeptical about being able to successfully operate it on the Highway, but I figured my training of riding 4 wheelers might help a little. I started out with baby steps, riding around in the parking lots, around Kona and then finally braved the highway (with no helmet I might add). Hawaii doesn't require them so the rental place doesn't provide them either. Before reaching Kiholo I stopped at Kekaha Kai State Park and Beach 69 finally spotting a sea turtle or two. Once back on the road the only indication that I was close to Kiholo Bay was ... read more

When I arrived in Kona I checked my stuff in at the Koa Wood Hale Inn Hostel in Kailua Kona and decided to go for a walk. I ended up at the Old Kona Airport which is covered in lava rock, coral and awesome little crabs moving around everywhere. There were a few places to snorkel along the way as well. After that, I decided to explore the little town of Kailua Kona, I found some pretty flowers, mugomba seeds, experienced shaved ice, kava at Kanaka Kava and good food. I quickly found my favorite eating spot Lava Java, practically ate there every day while feeding the little birds ... read more