The Big Island

As much as we love Hawaii, this was our very first visit to the Big Island.  We were not disappointed.
 

First sunset upon arrival at our beachfront condo

Dawn on the lanai, having coffee

Happy morning as we plan our outings

One of many evening "birdwalks"

Identified 17 new tropical birds

The view along the mile long shore path from our condo

Starting our first island hike 1400' down to the burial site of Captain Cook

Thunderstorms threatening, rocky trail, complete solitude

Kealakekua Bay, where we will snorkel to the left

Cited as the best snorkeling on the island - and it was fantastic, 1000s of gorgeous fish

And then the boats arrived with tons of other snorkelers

Captain Cook Monument

Hiking back out to go swim and rinse off the salt

Next outing, 100 miles south at 4000' to hike into the caldera of Kilauea. BUT 16 of the 20 trails were closed because of the recent eruptions.

Steam vents all along the crater rim

The lip of the crater and it's starting to seriously rain

Sopping wet but still happy

The caldera

Soaking wet, we depart to seek sun and beach to dry out

Randomly stopped here on the way back from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Well...beach and perhaps sun soon. Meanwhile a great hair day.

Turtles also waiting for sun

The wind at least helped us dry out

Pretty lagoon in the black sand beach park with lily pads

Next a long hike on the road to Kekaha Kai State Park and over lava fields to some secluded beaches.

First, the beach at Mahai'ula Bay

And then over several miles of lava to....

Makalawena beach, one of the most beautiful we've ever seen

View from our lunch and swimming spot

Exquisite beach in a nice shady spot under a tree

Getting ready to dip in the ocean

Another day, more beach exploring. This is Hapuna beach

After several miles walking here, we move on to a more secluded snorkeling beach...

Waialea beach, for lunch and a nice snorkeling excursion

Early the next morning: our entry spot on Honaunau beach for a superb snorkel. This beach is next to the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical National Park. It is the two step beach

Polynesian carving in the park

Another dreary lunch spot

Looking out over a black lava beach

 

 

 

 

 We feel so lucky and happy to have had these ten days on the Big Island, with snorkeling, hiking, swimming and beach exploring.