In November I spent a glorious two weeks on this very unique and special of the islands~ Hawai'i! One of the first things I really wanted to share; Hawai'i is the island, the nickname "Big Island" refers strictly to it's actual size. Not to be confused with the "Main Island- or- Gathering Place", which is O'ahu, and a very different place!
The first part of my visit was in the Keauhou/Kona area, on the west side of Hawai'i. Living and staying with a friend there I felt like a "local", and it was very nice! I enjoyed some great dinners in Kailua-Kona, did some shopping, and sat with a coffee watching the world go by! This island is the perfect place for relaxing and letting your worries slip away!
My adventures really began the next week with the arrival of my good friends from Minnesota! They had not yet experienced Hawai'i, and I was eager to show them this island "my way"! I met them at the airport and off we went to the Kohala Coast, and our home for the next nine days... the flawless and breathtaking Fairmont Orchid! Upon arrival we were promptly escorted directly to the "Gold Floor", and our private check-in. Now this is the type of service you all deserve, and I highly recommend it as the "only way" to truly pamper and spoil yourself!
The first part of our first day was spent in the Waikoloa area, and introducing my friends to my precious "babies"- the dolphins at Dolphin Quest. I was blessed to share with them the granddaughter and daughter, of my very first dolphin experience the wonderful "Pele". She swam behind us, while the trainers showed off some of the new moves of "Lehua"- her granddaughter! This is an extraordinary experience, one I have taken part in many times. They are amazing, smart, and very unique creatures these dolphins, and my memories of them are very special.
Our next adventure was one that I was eagerly awaiting! It was time to visit the east side of this island and the very active volcano~ "Kilauea". The only active volcano now in the Hawaiian Islands, and has been (almost) continuously erupting since 1960! Most recently this volcano has started a flow towards the town of Pahoa on the east side. The Hawaiian people have great respect for this site, and the Goddess of Fire~ "Madame Pele"~ who is in control of it! Often people travel to the area for prayer and gifts, in the hopes she will be pleased and stop the flow. The story and culture of this place is very special, and the beliefs are strong. It's one of the many things that keep me close to these magical islands.
On our next great adventure we went to the stars! Almost 14,000 feet elevation and the top of Mauna Kea! Our tour was with the most amazing and experienced people; the guides of Hawai'i Forest & Trail. We started through the "Saddle Road", a gorgeous landscape and area between the two great mountains of this island... Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. After a brief stop on one of the lava fields, we started up towards the visitors center. Before there we did stop at one of the herding stations in the foothills of these great mountains for a delightful picnic dinner! Once we had reached the visitors center at 9,000 feet, it was time to start the climb to the top and all the famous telescopes! After four miles of unpaved road- and very bumpy- we headed the final four miles! Very smooth and clean, and it was I was told to protect all the equipment on top. (I never could figure out why it was not just paved the entire way... but I guess that was all a part of the experience!) What I can say for sure is, it was all quite worth it! If you are planning a visit to Hawai'i~ you must do the "star gazing"!
The next thing I really wanted to share is our day with "Fair Wind", aboard their beautiful catamaran of the same name! We left the Keauhou Bay location at 830AM, with a lovely deluxe continental breakfast. Then cruised onward to Kealakekua Bay just about 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona Town for some snorkeling. The bay is famous because of Captain James Cook; said to have found it first, although many say others had been there long before him. He was welcomed at first by the villagers living there. But after a situation over one of his boats, he also died there. The history of this place may not be crystal clear~ but the water is spectacular, as is the snorkeling! After a while in the water we began to smell the barbeques, and our lunch being prepared for us! This company has been around for a very long time~ and it's no surprise to me! In Hawai'i (for me anyway) it's all about the people and the aloha. These are the nicest, most experienced, friendliest and fun people~ and you would be crazy not to share one of your days on his island with the folks from "Fair Winds"!
After traveling to these islands four to fives times a year- every year- for twenty plus years, and every year since I was only nine... one might think I would be bored with it. This latest adventure and time spent on the island of Hawai'i only reinforced my passion and my love for these islands and the people! I learn and experience something new and wonderful every single time! It only makes me feel even stronger about the fact that using the expertise of a true Certified Master Hawai'i Specialist is definitely in your best interest! Why wouldn't you...?
Just the experienced and educated opinion of this Travel Professional!
Anyone can take a trip, whether it be a cruise, Disney, or Hawaii. But if you really want to experience and enjoy everything your trip has to offer, you need to plan it with a travel professional. Our trip to the Big Island was our 4th trip that the Supreme Queen of all Travel Professionals, Teri Young, planned for us, and the second one she personally led. We got to enjoy and experience the Big Island through Teri's eyes. Everything was carefully and lovingly planned, every detail covered, and our magical trip to Paradise was beyond our dreams. Teri Young has Aloha spirit flowing through her veins. When you plan a trip with her, you are treated like royalty, cared for like ohana (family). Teri, thank you, todah rabba (Hebrew), mahalo for everything you did, always do . . . thank you for you. Love you to the moon and back, Larry & Linda
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