We Take Ourselves With Us

Millions of years ago when we first came to Hawaii ( okay, it was 2013 ), we elected to stay only on the Big Island since we had just shy of a week and had never been here.  One of the highlights of our trip was a morning and afternoon spent in Kealakekua Bay, snorkling and swimming to our heart's content while the crew of the Fair Wind grilled burgers that smelled so delicious they drew a whole pod of dolphins into the bay. So, when we returned to Kona, we knew we wanted to repeat this fantastic experience ... and we did!  Because only on the island of Hawaii can one go from snow covered peaks to warm clear tropical waters in less than a day. Not to be a shill for Fair Wind , but it really has this thing buttoned up.  You eat a super yummy breakfast while sailing over to Kealakekua Bay And then you end up here. There's no filter on these photos, folks.  This is the real color of the bay.  Seriously.  Ridiculously.  Amazing...

After spending almost a full 24 hour day flying or waiting to fly, we've attempted to get into the island spirit today by embracing mellow-ness. In this effort, we got a huge assist from our ridiculously generous friends Dana and Amy. (OK, you've really set a new bar for "you're comped." Know that we're plotting our next move!) So, we visited the local farmer's/artist's market, home to lovely jewelry, organic juices, enough Kona coffee to fuel an army of truckers & grad students, and the world's best pork & pineapple hot dog. Since then, we've been lazing by the unbelievably wonderful pool that runs through the resort--and our children, freed from yesterday's metal tubes & narrow rows, are making the most of their new surroundings.

Everything in Kona is outside: the airport terminal, the baggage claim, the L&L Hawaiian BBQ we stopped at on the way to the hotel, the hotel lobby, the hallways, the restaurant. No one needs doors--it's never too hot nor too cold. Always just right! (BTW Gainesvillians, turns out Maui Teriyaki really is Hawaiian fast food!)