The Island of Hawaii: a very relaxing week in Hawaii

"Hawaii is a paradise born of fire." ~ Rand McNally

The inspiration for this trip actually started with a work conference for Shayna. We decided for this one that we would bring the whole family. It ended up being a week of (mostly) relaxing which is just what we needed after our very busy trip to Japan (we litterally got back from Japan on 6/30 and left for Hawaii on 7/12!).

Day 1:

We had a super early wake-up call and headed to the airport at 0500. It was an easy check in and breakfast at our favorite spot.

The flight was also great and we landed early at 1030.

Everything happened so quick which was total a shock as we are used to island time. It was quick getting our bags, getting a shuttle, and getting our rental car. We were at the resort Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa before noon!! It was also a miracle that our room was ready!

We checked out our beautiful ocean view room, then got lunch at Hawaii Calls.

Then we headed to swim all afternoon.

It was super fun being there on a Saturday because there was a DJ. But first it's Mai Tai O'Clock!

Later in the afternoon, I checked into the conference and we headed out to dinner at Macaroni Grill. Then an early bedtime after a gorgeous sunset on the beach.

A few thoughts about Waikaloa:

Gorgeous location, like an oasis.

Feels isolated as it's about 40 mins to Kona.

Everything is so expensive.

There are not many food options but the local store is fantastic!

Very very windy most days but the wind keeps it cooler and humidity down, overall perfect weather.

Pools were relatively simple, but we loved the 3 pools, 3 hot tubs, and slide!

Yummy poolside mai tais and shave ice.

Love the common area of the resort and views from this area. I spent a morning working with a view!

Perfect sunset views.

Grounds are beautiful.

Lots of birds and mongoose.

What an amazing first day!!!!!

Day 2:

Started off for me at the conference from 0700-1100.

Mike and the kids found a great breakfast spot called A-Bays.

Then we met up and got lunch at the market and then swam all afternoon.

We walked over to the Hilton and had a beautiful sunset dinner at Nui at the Hilton.

Day 3:

Today was Mike’s birthday so I played hookie from the conference.

We got breakfast at A-Bays. And when it's your Dad's birthday, you get dessert for breakfast!

We then headed to the Punalu’u Bakery for treats. The bakery was so busy but the malasadas were worth it!

Then we headed to Volcanoes. It’s a long 2-3hr drive, but so very beautiful!

We had to buy our new national park pass and then headed straight to the visitor center. I forgot our rain coats and it was cold, windy and rainy in some places that day. When we arrived, the park was so busy!! It took several circles to find parking and then magically I found a spot! We bought some jackets and a magnet and then headed to lunch at the Volcano House. It was a great lunch with great views!

Then to the rim to hike a little more. We only had time for a short mile-long hike. It was so windy and cool this day!

Then we headed to Punaluu Black Sand Beach to see the turtles. We saw 2 and one more come ashore while we were there.

Then it was a beautiful 2 hour drive with beautiful sunset views back to Waikoloa.

We stopped at McDs for the kids' dinner and Mike and I went back to the resort for dinner.

Day 4:

Started with an early morning conference for me and breakfast for Mike and the kids.

Then swimming all afternoon.

Followed by dinner at Macaroni Grill - again, not many food options here, but we all love Italian and it didn't break the bank!

Then to my colleague Rachel’s house for cake and to watch the sunset in Kona.

Day 5:

More early meetings and conferences while Mike and the kids got breakfast.

Then we went to a bakery in Kona called Arise as I had a gift card to use. Super yummy treats!

Then back to swim all afternoon, dinner at Hawaii calls, and sunset on the beach.

Day 6:

Today started off with more conference and meetings while Mike and the kids got breakfast.

After my morning work the girls and I went to the mall to go to the Crocs store and market to get lunch.

Then we spent the rest of the day at the pool and had dinner at Hawaii Calls.

After swimming, we went back to the room to watch sunset and to pack a little. Then back to the pool and hot tubs for a late night swim.

Day 7:

We had an early morning wakeup and then headed to the market for breakfast at 0700 and then to the airport.

Check in was super easy and our flight to Lihue left on time.

Of note, it is super cruel to have a layover on Kauai!!! I really wanted to stay there!!!

Then an onetime departure to Sac. We got home at about 2000 and went to Chik Fil A for dinner.

It felt so good to be home after another amazing trip!!!