Blogs from Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii, United States, North America - page 4

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Hi everyone from Gerri's house in MD. Heading back to Jeanne's in less than a week. First time back on the Big Island in a few years. Just wanted to let you all know I will be blogging again. In the meantime, I am enjoying time with Gerri, Jim, Andy and Rebecca Andy will be a senior next year, Rebecca graduates from middle school in June. Weather here has been strange since I arrived. Do not think global warming is the problem, I seem to have attracted an ongoing cold front. Later all.... read more

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona February 11th 2017

The big island is home to 8 of the worlds 13 climate zones. On the drive from Hilo to Kona this becomes evident. As Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the US, it is green and lush. Drive up to 3500 feet in elevation to Volcano town then down the other side with Mauna Loa at your side. Along the way passing once again changing scenery and this time even including a little desert. The rains subsided, the sun came out, the scenery became green and lush once again. South of Kona offered grand views of the coast below, lush tropical forest and warm weather as the Kona side is drier and warmer. This was a nice change from the 3 days of rain we had experienced. Another wonderful drive of ever-changing landscapes. Driving ... read more
Nice Warm Kona
Kona
Court + Shave Ice

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona February 14th 2016

Today was our last day in Hawaii but with our flight home not leaving until just before midnight, we pretty much had a full day to do whatever we wanted. We started this trip by snorkeling so we decided to end it by snorkeling. Lisa knew of a nearby spot that she had snorkeled before so we made our way over to Kahaluu Beach Park just south of Kailua Kona. First thing we notice here was that it was really crowded. However, we staked out a spot on the sand, put on our fins and mask and got into the water. I was not expecting much as far as the quality of the snorkeling but I was quickly shown to be wrong. The reef was teeming with a huge diversity of fish and other sea life ... read more
Snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach Park
Snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach Park
Snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach Park

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona February 13th 2016

Today was going to be a full day of driving with the goal of heading as far as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Driving down Highway 11 towards the southern end of the Big Island, we made our first stop along the side of the highway in Naalehu to stretch our legs and enjoy the views. After the quick break, it was a short drive to the most famous black sand beach on the island, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. Created by the erosion of volcanic rock, the first thing you notice about the black sand is that it is very hot to walk on. Like most sandy beaches, I thought it would be easier to walk barefoot but I quickly had to put the flip-flops back on. We walked over to where a crowd had formed to ... read more
The View of Naalehu
The View of Naalehu
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona February 12th 2016

Our third day in Hawaii and it was another early morning wake up. Today's adventures would bring us into the northern part of the Big Island near the town of Kaaau to ride some ATVs. It was about an hour's drive to ATV Outfitters Hawaii. Although we arrived a bit late, we quickly signed the required forms, got our helmets, goggles, and gloves and were on our way. We had to go through a rather long introduction on safety and usage of the ATVs. Once our guides determined that everyone was ready, we set off through the Kohala Ditch Trail making our way up to the coastline of North Kohala. We rode along well marked trails through private ranchlands and pastures until we arrived at a very scenic spot along the coastline overlooking Keawaeli Bay. Taking ... read more
Keawaeli Bay
Keawaeli Bay
Keawaeli Bay

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona February 11th 2016

Today's plan was to make our way over to the eastern and wetter side of the island with the highlight of the day being zip-lining. Driving along Highway 190, we made our way up the slopes of Mt. Hualalai and through the barren landscape of the interior. After the town of Waimea, the landscape quickly transformed to verdant and lush vegetation. Making our way down the Hamakua coast of the island along Highway 19, we made a quick stop at Akaka Falls State Park. It was a relatively quick half mile hike along an uphill trail through the rainforest shaded in wild orchids, bamboos, and draping ferns. The trail eventually leads you to one of Hawaii's most famous waterfalls, Akaka Falls which plummets 442 feet into the gorge below. We soaked in the view before continuing ... read more
Trail to Akaka Falls
Trail to Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona February 10th 2016

A few months prior, my friend and co-worker Lisa, approached me about visiting Hawaii's Big Island. Her family owned a condominium just outside of Kailua-Kona and would be selling it this year. So for one last hurrah, she asked both Kevin and I to join her for a quick weekend trip. Of course not having to spend any money on lodging, I jumped at the chance. We had an evening flight on Delta out of LAX with 5 hours of flying time ahead of us. Arrving in Kailua-Kona just after 9pm, we quickly retrieved our bags and hailed a taxi to take us to Lisa's nearby condo. After settling in and figuring out our sleeping arrangements, we headed out in search of someplace for a late dinner and to pick up some snacks and food for ... read more
Morning View from Lisa's Family Condo
The Two Steps Snorkeling Area
The Two Steps Snorkeling Area

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona December 8th 2015

Got up and going after G had had a surf. Traveled south in search of Captain Cook's last resting point. We actually didn't get there. The road was closed off. But we went to the bay he arrived in. Gorgeous scenery.. We then went on a random road and ended up at some historic site (technical term huh?) Taj : Look Mum, I am holding a big lava rock Kai : Look I have one too... Mum : Hold on Kai, what's that! Yours has poo on it!!! (Only Kai could find the ONE rock on the beach that someone has pooed on!!) We had a stroll, boys had a swim & looked around and then took off to find food. We had lunch at Sam Choys - a typical Hawaiian restaurant with a bit of ... read more
HAWAII D5 - KONA-2
HAWAII D5 - KONA-3
HAWAII D5 - KONA-4

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona December 7th 2015

R&R After yesterday's adventures, today was PURELY R&R.. Surf was big - watched it.. GB hasn't got his board with him at the moment so we watched and drank tea.. Headed down to Kona for lunch - best burger ever at Splasher's Grill - I can't say enough how good it was - and I'm not a burger person.. Then we hit the shapers shops as GB was feeling like his right hand was cut off without his board.. Didn't find anything half decent (but he hired one so he can head out tomorrow) so headed to a black sand beach with the boys for a body board (courtesy of the apartment).. Finished it off with pizza made at the apartment and a sunset over a lava beach.. Just relaxing - tomorrow is our last full ... read more
HAWAII D4 R&R-49-2
HAWAII D4 R&R-48-2
HAWAII D4 R&R-47-2

North America » United States » Hawaii » Big Island » Kailua-Kona December 6th 2015

Aloha, The original human settlers in Hawaii were a peaceful bunch. They believed in sharing and living in harmony. That worked until the Tahitans arrived. They established a caste system: the chief, the priests, the warriors, the teachers, the common folks and the slaves. They also developed a system called "Kapu"--think "taboo". Rules were arbitrary and were based on 20% protection of resources and 80% need for power. The penalties for breaking a rule--eating the wrong food at the wrong time, etc.--were harsh. It could involve loss of a body part or even death. There was, however a loop hold. If they could get to the Place of Refuge, or pu'uhonua, they could reflect on their sins and be pardoned by the priest. After a few days, they could go home. This system of control continued ... read more
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