Back in Hawaii...in heaven.



 

After a long and early journey from Seattle to San Francisco to Kona, we finally made it. The majority of our trip thus far has been a constant barrage of "when will we be going to Hawaii?"

 

We had an airplane full of excited travelers on their way to paradise and a hilarious captain named Tony who kept us entertained throughout the flight. When preparing to land, Tony the captain warned, "Now the Kona airport is not your typical airport. It's very old fashioned. Like grass huts and no jet way type of old fashioned. I'm serious, there are grass huts and you will walk down a flight of stairs to the tarmac and walk to the grass huts. So please be careful walking down the stairs. Don't fall and ruin your vacation before it starts."

 

We were greeted with flower leis by Grandma Shary and were promptly whisked away to the Kona Harbor for lunch with her son Allen (my step-brother) where we were able to order some POG (a passion orange guava drink) and local food. From there we drove through the harbor, parked the car, changed into swimsuits and walked to the beach for the kids first swim in Hawaiian waters. And they were peeing their pants with excitement. It seems that the reality of waiting for the next best thing while on vacation has been the hardest part for Christian. He's always so bummed to hear that we have to "drive" there or "walk" there. He just wants to be "there" already! We walked down a lava rock path landscaped with Kiawe trees to a little sanctuary of a beach where we could watch the planes land, just as we did only an hour earlier.

 

As we walked up to a spot that was too rocky to swim in, we were surprised to see two green sea turtles swimming in the shallow water. Their fins raising out of the water as if to say hello. The kids were elated. We walked farther down the beach to a sandy spot and my little fish babies were in the warm water and learning to ride the waves like they've been doing it their whole lives. After about 20 minutes another turtle arrived very close to where we were swimming and washed itself onto shore to take a rest. Another amazing opportunity.

 

We finally had to pry the kids from the ocean waves so we could run to Wal-Mart for supplies. I've never enjoyed Wal-Mart, but this one was awesome! So many local treats. We stocked up on Li Hing Mui, Iso Peanuts, Red Coconut balls, Chocolate Macadamia nuts, Arare, etc. Then, as we headed to Na'alehu, we took a drive through downtown Kailua and stopped at another sweet spot so the kids could try out their new snorkel gear. And there to greet us again, was another green sea turtle right near the shore for the kids to swim with. So cool. We stayed for a while, having to pry the kids from the ocean again, then had to leave in order to get on the road for the hour and a half drive to Na'alehu so we could arrive in time for the kids to see the farm and house while the sun was still up. I had forgotten what a beautiful drive it was. So lush and tropical flowers everywhere. We arrived in time for sunset and to show the kids around a bit. They have calmed down so much since arriving and after having toured two big cities. It's nice to be out in the country and enjoying all nature has to offer.

 

Today was a day at Punalu'u beach (all day, kids never got bored) and again, we had to pry them from the ocean. Then back to the farm for a potluck bonfire.

 

There is much more to come, but bed is calling me and the bugs are swarming the laptop screen, so this is it for now. (click one to see all pictures.)

 



 

 

Early morning traveling...zombie momma.

Seeing and feeling the Hawaiian sun after a long flight.

Walking off the tarmac.

You don't get to walk past the nose of your plane too often.



Our lei greeter!

So happy to have arrived!

Uncle Allen's big Jeep

 

Teriyaki Chicken for lunch

 

Drinking our POG



Our turtle greeting.

Enjoying the waves.

Another turtle greeting.

Hello there!



 

Phone was hacked again.



First day in Hawaii and exhausted.



Morning dew.

Dragon Fruit smile.



Plumeria

Kyra getting creative.

 



Getting musical

So pretty

Cracking Mac Nuts



Grandma Shary and my dad's house.

Bamboo

Ready for more beach time.

The boat shed is now a dance studio.

Bonfire with friends!

The farm.

Can you see Christian's hot dog stand invention?



Punalu'u Beach Pond

Gorgeous black sand beach.

Black crabs on the black sand.

They're ready!

The contrast between wave and black sand.

The pond area.

Amazing root structures.

View of the beach from the pond.

Tricky bridge.

Postcard view.

Vines growing up a coconut tree.



Treetops

Low hanging branch...I almost didn't see it!

Boogie boarding.

Getting pruned.

 

I guess we all knew this was gonna happen...