The Big Island

After Maui, it was on to the Big Island where the work part of the trip started. Don't worry, we had plenty of fun too and I left the work part out of this post...

Hawaii – The Big Island is simply put, a beautiful island. From the black lava beaches to the lush green hills with waterfalls, this place is stunning. I only wish we had more time to see more of the island. Other plans prevented us from seeing more than the Kona area west and Hiwa area northwest side of the island.

Flying into Honolulu, before connecting to Kona - note Diamond Head on the right.

The black lava landscape around Kona











The Stand Up World Surf Tour was in Hilo but we just didn’t have time to get over there to watch it. I did manage to go stand up paddle surfing for a couple of hours near Kona and found a fun wave off to the side of a crowded prone surf lineup. Interestingly, on the way to the beach, I got the cutthroat sign from a SUP hater walking on the side of the road when he saw the SUP board on top of my rental car. But it was all aloha when I hit the water and stayed clear of the prone surfers and their peak wave. I shared a side peak with a couple of other prone surfers who were also staying clear of the crowded lineup...and we had no problem sharing waves. I even told them to take whatever wave they wanted and I'd stay clear. Everyone was happy. Sorry...no pics of that session.



A big highlight was renting a convertible for a few hours and driving north to the “end of the road” past Hiwa and hiking down a rocky path to a black sand beach. As soon as we rounded the corner to where the road ended, it was one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen. We ended that adventure with the return drive at sunset down a winding mountain road from over 4,000 ft elevation. The elevation and temperature change was incredible.

See Kris resting on that log?










We also went offroading upcountry in an old 6 wheel drive Pinzgauer to a waterfall hike and swam around one of the waterfalls.


















Other highlights included seeing Chris Isaak in concert. That guy still has it and sounded great.


Snorkeling









The Green Turtle and his buddies made a lot of appearances.

After Hawaii, it was on to California for more work, but I had an open day before work started and I didn't have any plans. What to do? Stay tuned...