Hawaii

Years ago Kenny would tell me that he would like to go to Hawaii someday...and He would then proceed to say "We will go"....and okay..disbelief ran through my mind..with a ton of kids, who can go to Hawaii?...But it happened...I am so grateful

Day one: Arrived and picked up our red convertible which was a surprise for the guys. found our resort on the ocean and unpacked..left right after watching a beautiful sunset over the water for authentic hawaiian food as suggested by a native we met on the plane..

Day 2: Kenny and I woke at 4 in the morning (9:00 our time) and went for a walk..came back and made Kona coffee. Left with Lisa and Ford around 5:00 for the Volcanic National Park an hour and a half away on the southeast end of the island. Stopped at a fruit stand along the way and enjoyed meeting an eccentric local. Before touring the park we went on an a half hour tour of a Rain forest at the local nature center. Went back to view a smoking volcano in the distance while looking at a massive crater. Walked on a short hike through a lava tunnel and enjoyed the sounds of a beautiful native red bird that feasted on the flowers of the towering trees overhead.
Headed to Acaca falls with the top down and what a shock to see the overgrown gigantic species of ferns, banyan, and multitudes of other species of trees, plants, and flowers. took a short scenic route overlooking a beautiful bay area near by a famous smoothie joint which grows their own fruit on the premises... Sat under banana trees while eating fresh guacamole and smoothies.
Arrived at the falls..beautiful..weather was fabulous.
Drove around to the north and then east and came upon incredible panoramic views of the Pacific and were especially surprised to approach desert like (quite like the Australian outback) tundra with unusual hills here and there..We experience what we have heard and that is there are 11 out of the 13 world climate zones right there on the Big Island.

Day 3: Woke early once again and ended up downtown to check out some of the shops while sucking down more incredible Kona coffee. Ate breakfast (lunch for Us) at a windowless restaurant on the beach.(even the airport was an open-air structure)
Headed South to tour a coffee farm and purchase fresh beans.
The most exciting part of this day was taking a boat tour along the rocky coast to a place rated #14 in the world to Snorkel. This colorful coral reef held more than a dozen brilliant tropical fish. As Kenny and I held hands as we swam it was definitely an experience we will never forget. As we landed on shore we noticed a beautiful green sea turtle just resting on the sand. Heading to the car we saw a mongoose run for cover but ended up quite close to see this odd mammal.
Went to get take-out and brought it back to our room as we enjoyed a delicious meal and wine on our front balcony for another soothing sunset.

Day 4:Headed out at about 4:30 a.m. and drove directly north to a well-known overlook where we watched the sunrise...and what a view! One of the grandest I have ever beheld. On top of the view we saw a whale's massive bulge as it moved through the water in the distance. Decided to hike down to the black sand beach below and it was well worth it when we noticed a marshy fresh water inlet surrounded by mountains and filled with beautiful white cranes and ducks. After many pictures we headed to another coffee shop and waited for the most recommended restaurant to open.
The food at this place was well worth the wait and held up to the marks it had been known to receive. Amazing coconut based sauces!
Spent the warm afternoon at Hapuna beach (top 10 in world) and the sand and water were immaculate. Besides Ford's shoulder being injured, the wave riding experience was the most fun and powerful experience I have had.

Day 5:Time to prepare to check out by 11:00...but still had the day to roam until our plane left at 9PM. Decided to shop for the kids and all the relatives and friends who helped out taking care of them. Kona has some great shops. Had lunch and headed up to the tallest peak on the island which has occasional snow and a Observatory (place to view the stars) which is supposed to be one of the world's best....too cold and barren..(another climate zone) Drove back to the beach for an evening walk where we ventured out on the rocky shore. Ford went a little to far out as a wave drenched his traveling outfit...poor guy. the evening came to a close as we headed over to the Sheraton's veranda to watch the feeding of the Manta Rays (never got a good look at them)...to the airport where a huge slow moving line caught many passengers in surprise as they and we missed our flight.(up to 40 people) We caught the flight at midnight and had a loooonnng ride home..BUT SO WORTH IT!!