In late August we took a family vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii. Although this trip did not get any new counties for us, it did get new counties for the kids. We flew into Kona (Hawaii County) on Thursday, rented an Infiniti QX60, and checked into our resort – the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites Waikoloa. We spent the rest of the day (and Friday as well) mostly hanging out by the resort, and adjusting to the time change. Although we did get up early on Friday to watch the sunrise, as well as head to the nearby Tommy Bahama for dinner that night.
On Saturday we did some sightseeing on the other side of the
island. We drove across Saddle Road to Hilo. In that area we visited Akaka
Falls, Rainbow Falls, and also did a little spelunking at Kaumana Caves. On the way back to the resort, we saw numerous goats roaming the fields.
On Sunday we drove to the northernmost side of the island
and walked to the Mo’okini Heiau – a somewhat creepy location that was the
sight of tens of thousands of human sacrifices. It’s a fascinating walk right
on the ocean. Yet it’s virtually devoid of any people. After the walk, we drove
further on the island’s north side until we reached the Pololu Valley Lookout. We
then stopped for a bite to eat at Bamboo, as well as had some ice cream (Try the Tropical Dreams!) at the
Kohala Coffee Mill – both in the city of Hawi. Later that evening we went to
Tommy Bahama again for happy hour, followed by watching the sunset from another
location in our resort.
On Monday we decided to do a last-minute island-hop to Honolulu, on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County.) We rented a Jeep Wrangler and explored part of the eastern side of the island, and also took a catamaran ride at Kualoa Ranch. Later that evening we flew back to Kona.
On Tuesday we drove into Kona and had lunch at the Ultimate
Burger. From there we drove to the southernmost tip of the Island – which happens
to be the southernmost tip of the United States. After we left, we drove to the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, where we saw a giant sea turtle. We then finished our evening
at Volcanoes National Park. We timed our arrival just as the sun was close to
setting. So after a walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, and some additional exploring,
we drove to the Kiluaha Lookout in order to see some lava. It was in the
distance. But we could definitely see the fire. We also picked up an ironic
hitchhiker in the park, named Seth. He was ironic, as he had his own car.
Wednesday was our last full day on the island. We spent it driving
through Kona, as well as some swimming back at our resort. For dinner we had
one final meal at Tommy Bahama again. I recommend the frozen mai tais!
Thursday morning we flew back home, arriving back to our house at roughly 4:20 AM. And although we didn’t pick up any new counties, it was a fantastic trip. And we can’t wait to go back. So what’s next? We have a trip to the Dakotas planned for mid-September, and a possible trip to Wichita in October. So stay tuned!
