Waikoloa? - Why not koloa!

 

This trip was planned, changed, expanded, and approved by the state of Hawaii, the CDC, Costco Travel and the Dietz/Bagley family. And, it was sooo worth it.  

All smiles after our Vax card check in SFO

The state of Hawaii and United Airlines made things much easier by checking vaccination cards during our layover in San Francisco.  We were given a blue wrist band and so were able to move through the Kona Airport without any further checks.

Hilton Waikoloa Village on the west coast of the Big Island

One more set of Anti- Covid wristbands and we are golden

The Hilton Waikoloa welcomed us in and gave us a wonderful week in a beautiful setting. We expected crowds and craziness but got peace and tranquility instead.

Two choices, tram rides or lots of walking.

The main pool.  There was also a salt water lagoon for snorkeling and stuff

E finding the perfect way to relax and show off her fabulous nails

It wasn’t long before we had mastered the trams and boats in the resort, the pools and lagoon, and the price of breakfast. 

Sarah took this lovely evening photo

A day trip to Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park started off in an unusual way.

On the Saddle road to Hilo

 

How to ruin a fireman's whole day 

We encountered a car fire on our way to the windward side, which turned out to be a training crew's fire truck. Some things go wrong, even in paradise.

Beautiful Rainbow Falls in Hilo.  Got skunked again on seeing the actual rainbow

Rainbow Falls did not disappoint except that it was cloudy so no rainbow, and the path to the top was closed. We were undaunted even though we could not get to one of the most incredible Banyan trees on the island. Oh well, next trip, right?

At the national park we were amazed to view the new crater for Kilauea. Many of the earlier viewing areas were available to us, some were no longer there.

Halema'uma'u Crater.  Completely transformed by the 2018 eruption

Locals still leave sacrifices to Pelehonuamea

To us, vacations can always include snacking. No diets while we’re having fun. Malasada doughnuts and shave ice were everywhere and we went for the best.

Punalu'u Bake Shop, southernmost in the United States

Shave Ice from "The Original Big Island Ice Company."  Best in the United States.

Even sea turtles need a rest and they let us enjoy them (from the proper viewing distance of twenty feet). Tom snorkeled and either saw four fish or three fish with one swimming by twice.

The fam enjoying the turtles at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Our final day we walked around Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Park.  "Place of Refuge"

E took one last group photo.

Aloha and Mahalo.

Hawaii is a very spiritual place with a history of love, war and forgiveness. And, sunsets.  Aloha. 

Tasty Travel Tunes

It's Nice to go Trav'lin - Frank Sinatra

Waimanalo Blues - Arlo Guthrie

Let's Talk Dirty in Hawaiian - John Prine