The Big Island - Honokohau Bay & a Luau

Hawaiian bird near the Farmer's Market

First order of business, renting snorkel gear. We chose Snorkel Bob's since it was right across from our condo, and it was a great decision. Super friendly and under $100 for two sets for the whole week and the equipment was in great condition. Seems like a good deal since snorkeling is our favorite pastime when it comes to water.

Next, the Farmer's Market. Not huge, but a colorful fusion of trinkets and produce.

We picked up the essentials: apple bananas (so much better than regular bananas), mangoes, and coffee.

Late breakfast at the restaurant downstairs from our condo, Island Lava Java. It was exceptionally convenient and the food was good. Plus, it's right by the water, so it's nice to watch the ocean while you dine.

Our first snorkeling venture was to Honokohau Bay. The water wasn't warm, but it wasn't freezing. Once we got in, we got used to it pretty quickly. The snorkeling was a feast for the eyes. Lot of coral and fish. However, it was an overcast day which means that light for photography is tricky.

Parrot Fish

And the beach was fun because dogs are welcome.

My favorite dogs were an old one with a leash attached to a young, hyperactive dog. The feisty one would try to run around but he couldn't go very far because the older one would just lie down. The good-spirited juvenile frustration was fun to behold.

Afternoon jaunt to Daylight Mind for a coffee and some writing. It's in the same complex as Kamana,  overlooking the ocean. It was a great spot to write. Or get a drink at happy hour. Whatever you're in the mood for.

The evening was spent at a Luau, which was a wonderful celebration of Pacific Island culture.

We had a feast. The pig cooked in the ground was amazing.

Dancers performed choreography representing many different Island cultures.

Each performance had different music, costumes, lighting, props, etc.

A live band played all the music, and it was just and all-around great time.

We walked home along the water under the lights of the Kona hills.

The Big Island - Kona

The Color of Water

We took a ten day trip to Hawaii! The Big Island, and only the Big Island, spending half our trip on the beach-laden west coast before road-tripping to the rain forest east coast. It was the perfect combination, making for plenty of rest, relaxation, amazing food, and adventure.

We flew non-stop into Kona, picked up our rental car and checked into our Condo at Kona Ali'i Condos.

Famished, we walked across the street to a cluster of restaurants to Kamana Kitchen for some delicious Indian cuisine. We partook in the lunch special.

Good stuff.

Our first beach was Magic Sands.

And it was sunset.

After our swim, we picked up a pizza for dinner at Longboard Legends Pizza. It was huge and lasted our entire stay and made it into some picnics along the way.