Big Island Adventure

I don't even know where to start, on such an amazing vacation. We had been planning it for so long, and it really lived up to all our expectations.

Day 1) I was dreading this long day. Lay over, time change and traveling with a 4 year old who has never flown before. All in all it was an easy trip. Aside from Atticus really  having a hard time with ear pain during our landings. Poor guy was in a ton of pain, and wasn't convinced flying was his thing. Luckily it only bothered him during about the last 10 minutes of each flight. By the time we landed in Hawaii we had been on the move for 12 hours.

Here is Atticus resting on a bench outside the rental car office. 

Day 2) One would think that after all that traveling, and such a long day our little jet setter would sleep in. Wrong. He was up with the sun. Do to the time change he was ready to roll at 6:30 am. It was actually great because we got to see this beautiful sunrise.

We spent the rest of this day staying close to home, and seeing what was local. We stayed in a town called Naalehu and it's located in the southern most point of the island.

Day 3) The place Atticus wanted to see the most was the volcano. A for real volcano. With lava and everything. Well, we made it to Volcano National Park. Although we didn't get to see the actual lava, because it would have mean an all day drive we did get to explore the park a bit, and check out the museum. Visiting the volcano was Atticus' second favorite thing about Hawaii.

 Day 4) Bright lights, big city, Hawaii style. We took the long drive into Kona. This really is where all the action is. The big hotels, better beaches and tourist shops.  We hit up the big farmer's market and crossed off something else from Atticus' bucket list. Shave ice. A delicious treat, hard to come by in rainy Seattle.

At last!

Just one of the beautiful views.

Day 5) The volcano was Atti's favorite but mine was the day we went to Honaunau. This place is extremely beautiful and peaceful. It is ancient and sacred and tranquil. There is also a little beach right there where we did some great snorkeling and I found a Honu (sea turtle). I was beyond pumped to see this turtle, just hanging out.

Day 6) After so much time in the car, we decided to stick closer to home this day. We headed to the Black Sand beach just a few miles from our house. The weather was a little chilly (by Hawaiian standards) and windy. I would have never guessed how much fun would be had at this beach. When I saw how many Honu were at this because I almost felt silly getting so excited about seeing one the day before. This was the day that Atticus decided to battle the ocean. His Hawaiian name is KeKoa O KeKai. Translated to Warrior of the Sea. We decided it should  be Warrior against the Sea. Over an hour he spent throwing sand and the waves and then running from them. He was soaked, salty, sandy, and completely happy.

Day 7) This was our last full family day, so we stopped at Atti's favorite place on the island, the local bakery. If you ask him, his favorite party of Hawaii, he will say the donuts at the bakery. They were pretty good. My favorite was the taro malasada. After the bakery, it was back up to Kona for a day of fun in the sun and a beautiful beach.

Day 8) Our last real day in beautiful Hawaii just happened to be our 7th anniversary. I can't imagine a more romantic place to celebrate it. We had a relaxing day at our lovely house and them Demian and I headed back to Kona for a amazing meal at Ray's on the Bay.  The view was fantastic, we where there in time for the sunset, and the food was some of the best we've had. It was perfect in every way.

Homeward bound. It's always bittersweet. I look forward to many many more family vacations and memories.

Aloha!