Ghosts

These photographs I call “ghosts.” To me they represent some of the culture in Hawaii.

Beach Tree

Newly remodeled the Beach Tree at the Hualalai Four Seasons Resort & Spa on the Big Island is one of my favorites for any meal. Its casual but elegant atmosphere sits on the beach and is parallel to the resorts’ “Quiet Pool.” Above are photographs taken from the restaurant. Check out this link for more information!

Donkey Balls

Yum! Yum! Yum! Every time I taste a treat from Donkey Balls my mouth is watering for days for another! 

Today, I had a Donkey Cluster. This is a mixture of macadamia nut and carmel covered in milk chocolate. I know you are probably dying to taste this now right? Click here and you can soon enough! 

At their store in Kona I also tried dark chocolate covered macadamia nuts. In addition, they offer a wide selection of Hawaiian soft drinks and coffees.

Dolphin Quest

Every since I was a young girl dolphins have always been my favorite animal! This all originated from my introduction to the amazing animals at Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Wiakoloa. I got to feed the dolphins fish and when I was daring enough, even squid! I also kissed a dolphin and got to swim around with them. If you are staying on the Big Island it is something not to miss out on. Whether you want to hop in the water and partake in a swim-with program (Clicky Clicky for more info!) or hang out on the lawn and watch the beautiful animals you will be sure to be amazed!

The Arrival

I just touched down at the airport in Kona and if there is one thing that makes the 10 hours of traveling worthwhile, to me, it is always stepping off the airplane and taking in all the fresh tropical Hawaiian air. I swear you can actually smell the ocean and taste the seafood as you walk down the plane stairs and into paradise.

Uncatagorized

As I was looking through my pictures from past Hawaiian trips, getting very excited to arrive on the beautiful island tomorrow, I wanted to show you some of the beautiful landscapes and scenery!

The palm trees are always beautiful.

The sunsets always take my breath away.

The animals are unique.

The culture is authentic.

The fruit is always a burst of fantastic flavors.

And you should be sure to see a rainbow.

Ready to depart yet?!

Your Day of Royalty

At the King Shops!

At the Queen Shops!

Become a Hawaiian Royal at the King at Queen shops in Waikoloa on the Big Island. At the King shops you will find many stores with traditional Hawaiian souvenirs as well as many nice boutiques, a Macy's, a Louis Vuitton, and a Tiffany & Co. If you are looking for some other cute boutiques, a small grocery, or a Starbuck's the Queen shops are a lot of fun as well!

Akaka Falls

Drive to the end of Akaka Falls Road (Highway 220) and come across two gorgeous waterfalls, 442 feet tall Akaka Falls and 100 feet tall Kahuna Falls. When you arrive at the Hawaii state park located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast a 0.4 mile hike will lead you to these waterfalls through a lush rainforest.

When I last visited the falls it was a little wet, so having a poncho handy isn’t a bad idea.

When you get to the falls follow a paved footpath and you will come across Kahuna Falls. If you continue around a bend you will discover what is said to be Hawaii’s most famous waterfall, Akaka Falls.

Lava Rock

I have told you about what not to do with lava rock, now let me tell you something fun to do with it! Hopefully you remember my advice to not take any lava rock home with you because it has been cursed by Pele and will cause bad luck.

What you should do one day in Hawaii with the lava rock is find some white rocks and spell something out on top of the lava rock. When you drive through Kona you will see the sides of the highway are covered in these writings. Here, my sister wrote “broseph” on some lava rocks on the island.

Kona Farmers Market

The Kona Farmers and Crafts Market is a fun way to immerse yourself in the culture of Hawaii and do what the locals do. At the market you will find a vast selection of locally grown produce, Kona Coffee, flowers, hand crafted arts and crafts, and an involved outdoor setting. Do not be afraid to try some of the crazy fruits you will come across at the market. They are surprisingly delicious!

The market is open Wednesday- Sunday, 7AM-4PM and located on Alii Drive in the center of Kailua Kona.

Snorkeling and The Rib Craft

Hawaii’s clear water, tropical reefs and wide array of sea life make it ideal for snorkeling! If you have the opportunity to go for a swim in the ocean with your snorkel in hand you will not be disappointed.

But if there really is only one way to snorkel that’s by hopping aboard a rip craft. Many resorts offer trips or you can rent one out for a few hours at the marina. 

By snorkeling with a rib craft you get the opportunity to look for dolphins, and a lot of the time you find them and get to swim alongside a pod! 

The rib craft can bring you to many locations around the coast in a MUCH faster amount of time then it would take you to swim! 

Also, boating is just fun! You can jump off the sides and take in the beautiful scenary.