Big Island

Wow. We had an amazing trip the the Big Island. Although a completely different vibe from Oahu, we found it equally beautiful. The Big Island is the home to multiple active volcanoes and is actually close to the size of Connecticut; we decided to spend the first night on the Kona side (home to the ultra Ironman) and then we spent the last 3 nights up in the Volcanic National Park in some military cabins on the Hilo side. The Military Cabins were built in 1916 and eventually converted into "Rest and Relaxation" for the armed services (although they have a long standing history as a POW camp, Navy Housing, and a post WWII Eisenhower family vacation spot). The army has down a wonderful job converting the place into a great vacation place with restaurants, a bowling alley, tours, a movie theater, etc. We did not use many of these facilities with the H lady but it would be perfect for older kids! We also loved the hiking... there were hundreds of trails. Honestly, not that many 1 year olds can say they have hiked in a volcanic crater!

(The most Southern Bakery in the US!)

(Guava Donut)

(Crater)

(Hi Sweet Girl)

 

(Steam Vents!)

 

 (Volcanic Pools... always heated naturally to 80 degrees)

(Native Nene Bird!)

(Volcano) 

See... how can you not love living in Hawaii? We are so lucky! We were happy to return to the "Gathering Place" island full of shopping, restaurants, and people! R and R has been fabulous. We are sad it is ending this week but SO excited for January to get here in just four short months.

xoxo,
allie