We decided to take a quick weekend get away in Oct to one of our favorite places, the Big Island of Hawaii. Although we had been to the Big Island twice before, we had never stayed or visited the south side of the island. Even though the whole island is not that big, I found that this time the choice of where you stay can change the focus of your trip and your subsequent experience quite a bit.
We rented a seaside (sort of, you can hear the ocean waves crashing on shore if windows are open and see the ocean some distance away) condo unit near the black sand Punalu'u Beach. Our flight arrived at Hilo at 8p. By the time we got the rental car (really long wait and slow process) and drove an hour to the hotel, it was already dark. Next day, we drove to Two Step near the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park to go snorkeling. "Two Step" got its name from the two steps you took and the ease it affords you to get into the water. Unfortunately, we only found the "Two Step" when we came back in from our snorkeling and after Yiling got quite a nasty cut under her foot from the sharp rock on her way out to the water. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed the bright colored fish we saw there. We drove by the Painted Church nearby and picked up some papayas and fresh fruits there. We also found some bargain priced estate Kona coffee for sale just outside Costco on a van in Kona. We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sight of sea turtles resting on the black sand beach next to our hotel.
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| We got upgraded for the entire trip. Although it does not come with lie-flat seat, United First is still better than the cattle class at the back of the plane. The meal is also a bonus |
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| Our 1-bedroom condo is quite big with a big family room and fully equipped kitchen. The unit is in a time-share/hotel complex where management can rent your unit out for a commission |
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| After snorkeling, we visited this beautiful and quiet St. Benedict's "Painted Church" nearby. The whole wall and ceiling were covered in beautiful murals |
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| The beautiful scenery outside is made more pretty when framed by the pretty arched doors |
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| We are enjoying the famous Hawaiian BBQ at Big Jake's Island BBQ |
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| For some reasons, this black sand beach next to our hotel is a favorite resting place for many green sea turtles |
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| The area around the turtles are roped off to keep off the tourists and give the turtles some peace and quiet |
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| Watching how the waves keep crashing onto the shore one after another can be mesmerizing |
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| This is probably the biggest turtle we have seen on this trip |
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| This spot is also culturally significant for the natives |
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| Sunset seen from our balcony |
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