My Everything.....

My Everything.....
My 3 children at our latest beach excursion!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Day 1 of our Hawaii Trip

Romantic Getaway in Hilo, Hawaii
View of the Pacific Ocean from our private lanai

Thought I should say a little something about our first day in Hawaii since I jumped into Day 2 last night.  The first two nights of our trip we stayed in a private bungalow near Hilo.  When we arrived it was late at night so we couldn't really see anything, but the sounds were amazing.  We could hear faint sounds of waves nearby and beautiful singing from what sounded like some sort of tropical bird.  The weather was perfect, a little misty and warm with a slightly cool breeze.  We rented a one room bungalow and slept with the windows open....it was refreshing.

Another angle of the view from our bungalow
When we awoke the next morning, I was in awe!  The view was simply breathtaking!  Our bungalow was right on the ocean and even though it was a somewhat rainy morning, it was still magnificent!  We were staying near Hilo, the rainiest side of the island.  However, because it was the rainiest, it was also the most abundant with greenery and florals....it was beautiful!!   This is the side where you will find most of the amazing waterfalls as well.

Here is the link to view the details of the vacation rental.  I highly recommend staying here for a romantic getaway.  The owner of the property was a huge help in letting us know about local cuisine and what attire was needed on the volcano hike and trek to Mauna Kea.  The room was great!  It was one big room with a modern bathroom, walk-in closet and small kitchenette (sink, mini- refrigerator & coffee pot only).  There is a wet bar and grill to cook on outside.  My only suggestion would be to bring your own coffee and filters if you are an avid coffee drinker like me!  I would have loved brewing a pot of coffee and soaking in the calming sounds of the ocean each morning while sipping my coffee, but there weren't any filters or coffee available.  That is one thing the owner did not think of, everything else was perfect!

Bungalow in Hilo, Hawaii

View of the salt water pool and neighboring bungalow











The Beginning of our Volcano Hiking Trip!!!

The very beginning of our hike, walked around looking at the steam vents and then off to make our 11 mile trek!!!
Steam coming from the vent of Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes.  It was an amazing sight at night, the crater glowed red and you could see flashes of red blinking off and on from this new vent.  Unfortunately, my camera didn't have the right lens to capture the amazing sight.



I have lots more pictures from our first day....we drove down Crater Road and saw all the amazing lava flows.  you never really appreciate what nature offers you until you get up close and personal!  It was amazing to see how the lava flowed down into the ocean.  We actually got out of our rented jeep and walked on the hardened lava and to the edge, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Here are just a few below.....

My husband walking on the lava flow down to the Pacific Ocean.  He is a big man (6'4") so you can see how  enormous the land is!

Looking down over the edge into the ocean, gave me butterflies!!!


After we spent over half of the day viewing and hiking the National Volcano Park, we ventured back to visit Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm/Factory...yum!!!  It was on a Sunday, so we weren't able to do an official tour of the facility, but we did get to drive through the farm and see all of the Macadamia Nut trees and did get to shop (more importantly) in the Factory Store.  We picked up several boxes of Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts and several bags of Roasted Macadamia Nuts.  Most of these were given away as gifts, but I hate to admit.....I think I might have eaten 2 boxes of the Chocolate covered ones all by myself.....not in one sitting though!!!

18 comments:

  1. Love the pics you are sharing. Eventually I will be sharing pics from my Hawaii vaca. It was a cruise tho and we didnt' get to see NEARLY as much as you did. Looking forward to the continuation of your trip posts.

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  2. Thanks Kim! Looking forward to seeing your pics posted on your blog! How was the cruise?

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  3. Great pics! I'm following from Bloggy Moms. If you have a chance, visit mine at http://sonyashappenings.com

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  4. How gorgeous! I would love to see the lava flow in person. Found you on Bloggy Moms, and great to meet you:)
    ~Courtney
    http://www.mommyladyclub.blogspot.com

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  5. Hi! Following you now from Bloggy Moms via GFC!
    Visit Pinay In Texas Cooking Corner when you get the chance!
    ~Tina~

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  6. Awesome pictures. I LOVE Hawaii. I used to live there ;)

    ecwrites.com

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  7. Thanks Elizabeth! Where did you live? We were seriously contemplating moving our family there.....so laid back and peaceful, but sooo expensive!!!

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  8. I love the picture. I'm your newest follower from Bloggy Moms. Have a great day.

    http://pacifierspumpstheworld.com/blog/

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  9. your newest follower from the Weekend Hoppers with Family Approve. :) Love your trip details, will be diving in to see what other good things are in your blog. You can find me at:

    www.accidentallyangela.com

    Thanks, hope you have a wonderful week! Angela

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  10. OH wow this is totally cool. Hubby and I have been married going on 13 years and we have not taken a trip like this. Hopefully when my youngest gets old enough we can do something like this. Love your pics!

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  11. Soo nice!! I am loving your blog! And so looking forward to reading more! Hope you have a great Tuesday!!

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  12. so glad i found you on the hop new follower...you are in paradise.

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  13. Love your pictures! I can't wait to make it to Hawaii some day. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere near the edge!! That's where my husband and I are completely different. He's a BASE jumper. He's used to "living on the edge". I like to stay grounded. Thanks so much for stopping by the S&R weekend hop and for posting the button! You rock!
    Michelle
    Heartfelt Balance Handmade Life

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  14. I wish I could be there with you! BEAUTIFUL!!

    Hop'pin by from 'Follow me, Chichadee Blog Hop'. I'm following your blog now, wont you please come and follow me back?? ~KM

    Krafty Max Originals

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  15. Hey Pennny, Terie here from GTMO... email me at yirabella (at) gmail.com and I'll send you more information and pictures, etc... Love your Hawaii pictures. We met in Hawaii and this site brings back so many great memories.

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  16. So jealous!! Hawaii is DEFINITELY on my list of places to go!! My favorite picture is the one of your husband walking on the lava. GORGEOUS photo.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I really appreciate it. I'm your newest follower as well.

    Jackie @ http://madjackie.blogspot.com/

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  17. Love the pics! I can't wait to be able to go on a "pretty" vacation. :)

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