Our trip to The Big Island – Part 1

Upon returning from Texas a couple of weeks ago we decided if we were ever going to island hop it’d have to be during block leave or we just wouldn’t ever do it. We lived in Colorado for 3 years and never went skiing due to my Husband’s work schedule and me being pregnant then having a newborn. Not wanting to miss out on all the islands have to offer while we’re here, we made the impulsive decision to hop on over to the Big Island last week. I had quite a bit of work to do so I just packed up my laptop and worked at the hotel and during the long drives around the island. That’s the thing about The Big Island…it’s pretty big We stayed in Kona and to get to the Volcano park in Hilo it took us nearly 3 hours. I compared this to the drive from Fort Worth to Austin, Texas. Except, really, to get anywhere on the island it was about a 2-3 hour drive. Luckily the drives were beautiful and educational. You’re surrounded by lava rock nearly everywhere you turn.

The plane ride was only 20 minutes and provided beautiful views of Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. Also, I love clouds, like, love them.

Our first stop, after hopping off of the tiniest plane I’ve ever flown on, was the rental car place. My Husband had initially rented an “economy” car, after all there are just 3 of us and we’d only be there a few days. I couldn’t help but notice the parking lot was overflowing with Jeeps, and when my Husband walked out the door of the rental building with a huge grin on his face I knew exactly what he’d done. “I got a Jeep, we’re going off-roading.” Awesome.

Once we crammed our luggage into the Jeep, we checked into our hotel. Our friends were staying at this hotel and it looked to be one of the more kid friendly resorts on the island.

After a quick once over of the room and resort, we jumped back into the Jeep (literally for me, it was kinda tall) and headed to check out the elusive Green Beach. Driving down the rocky 20 mile, accessible only with 4 wheel drive, road proved to be a challenge for me and my stomach. I don’t do bumpy well. I didn’t bring my camera to this location because I thought we were simply driving to a beach that I’d be able to drive by again before we leave to snap some pictures. I can assure you I will not revisit this location, willingly. Not complaining, it was beautiful, but I’m just not a bumpy road kind of gal. Luckily, I had my iPhone to document the Mordor-esque scenery. I felt very much like Frodo navigating the ominous sea of lava rock, only we were in a Jeep and don’t have super hairy feet Here’s a short video that I hope fully conveys just how bumpy (and long) this road was.

[ if the video doesn't show up, click here ]

and a photo from my iPhone

Moving on, we finally reached The Green Beach and it was really beautiful. Since I failed to bring my camera, here’s a picture I found online.

Our first day was a long one, our flight was delayed, we didn’t eat lunch until late, dinner even later, then the long drive to and from the Green Beach really took it out of us…Especially our sweet little 3 year old