Monday, May 23, 2022 (Our Trip to Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii - PART 2)

Monday morning we all packed overnight bags, along with a cooler bag of food and headed off to explore the southern most part of The Big Island, including Volcanoes National Park. To have more time in that area, I booked a condo at Sea Mountain, another resort that is part of VI.

We headed south on highway 11, with our GyPSie Guide again, narrating our tour as we passed any areas of significance...and there were plenty! Although the highway runs along the coastline, it is up high. We stopped at a pull-out to take in the view...what a beautiful piece of property this is! There are wild goats all over the island and they seem to like to feed mostly along the shoulders of highways and roadways so you really have to be careful when driving.

We stopped next to a macadamia orchard...

Not ready for picking yet...

We stopped at a viewpoint...

(Click on photo to enlarge)

In the distance is Ka Lae, the southernmost part of Hawaii...

Beautiful flowering trees...

Our GyPSie Guide recommended a stop at the Punalu'u Bake Shop...Welcoming over 200,000 visitors from near and far every year, our bake shop is the most visited bakery in the state of Hawaiʻi. Located on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in the town of Na‘alehu, midway between Kailua-Kona and Volcanoes National Park, our visitor center is a must-stop! You know you’re close when you smell the sweet aroma of our world-famous sweet bread, malasadas, and baked goods.

Well alrighty then! A snack would be nice right about now! It was a busy spot with a number of tour vans stopped but the line-up for the bakery items wasn't too bad. We picked our goodies (can't remember exactly what we had but they were definitely decadent and yummy!) and ate them in the shade by the car.

Haleokane Lookout...spectacular scenery!

We left highway 11, taking Ninole Loop Road going to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach...

Punaluʻu beach is the most famous black sand beach of Hawaii. Two reasons for the popularity of this beach are the gorgeous black sand beach *and* the fact that you can often see endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles basking in the sun on the beach.

We actually passed Sea Mountain where we are staying tonight, but thought we'd check out the black sand beach now since we don't know how long we will be at Volcanoes NP.

Me and Leslie on the far left catching up to Dave left of center standing near the shoreline...

Looking to the right of the inlet...

A short 28 second video...

Steve eventually joined us for a selfie...

From here we continued along Ninole Loop Road back to highway 11 and Volcanoes National Park. After paying $30 for the 7 day park entrance (fee per vehicle), we stopped at the Kīlauea Visitor Center to get our bearings and pick up a park map. We also managed to catch a talk from one of the Rangers about the best spot to see the eruption...Devastation Trail. So we hopped back in the car and drove to the trailhead. 

We found this map interesting as it shows the lay of the land and the circled area is Volcanoes National Park. The Mauna Kea Volcano in the distance is 4,205 m/13,796 ft high. As a preview of tomorrows tour of the island we'll take highway 200 which runs along the base of Mauna Kea from Hilo (at sea level) to Kailua-Kona reaching an elevation of almost 2072m/6800ft! 

As far as I can tell, the actual "Devastation Trail" that goes off the parking lot is closed, instead you are directed to walk on Old Crater Rim Drive. Obviously a lot has changed with the recent eruption. Just glad we heard the Ranger's talk about where to go for the best views...

Panoramic view as we near the crater...

Signs direct us off the road and onto a gravel, roped off trail....

Kilauea volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is currently erupting at its summit - flooding the floor of Halemaumau Crater with fresh lava flows. The latest eruption started about 20 minutes after 3 p.m. Wednesday - September 29, 2021; currently, all lava is confined within the crater. The eruption came after a day of increased earthquake activity at the volcano and summit.

Thankfully the sulfuric smoke is being blown away from the viewpoint...

Occasionally you could see a reddish glow to the smoke coming out where the white smoke is on the centre-left of this picture... 

A closer look....

With a limited viewing area, we left so others could have a chance to see it. Back up to the road, we continued walking...until the road was closed.

Keanakākoʻi Crater...

Keanakākoʻi, meaning "cave of the adzes", likely formed during the 1400s, during the great summit collapses of Kīlauea. Until 1877, Hawaiian kahuna kākoʻi (carving experts) sought the crater's superior and rare basaltic rock for making koʻi, or adze heads. Bound to a sturdy ʻau koʻi (wooden handle), this valuable tool was used to carve vital objects like canoes and houses. But the famous adze quarry was covered by lava, first in 1877, and again during the fissure eruption in July 1974. Today, the crater is 115 feet deep.

The park closed portions of Crater Rim Drive for public safety after Halemaʻumaʻu began to erupt in March 2008. During the summit collapses of 2018, the road was damaged further. A portion of Old Crater Rim Drive is now open to foot and bicycle traffic to a point just beyond Keanakākoʻi.

 After a hot walk, we were glad to get back into the air-conditioned car. We drove a little ways along Chain of Craters Drive but decided to turn around and do the rest of that drive tomorrow...it's about 20 miles to the coast and the end of the road. We stopped to take a look at another crater.

Some of the lava fields look like buckled asphalt parking lots...

We drove back on Crater Rim Drive to the other side of crater. We stopped for a look at the Steam Vents...At Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff), you can feel hot water vapor as it billows from the ground in steam vents. This striking phenomenon is created as ground water seeps down to rocks heated by magma deep underground. The rocks are so hot that it vaporizes the water, returning it to the surface as steam.

The views of the crater are quite distant from this side...

Viewing into a steam vent...

It seems to be a wishing steam vent with all the coins...

Another steam vent in the distance...

Looking directly across towards the viewpoint we came from...

Panoramic view...

And that concludes our tour of Volcanoes National Park for today! One more stop as we head back along highway 11 to Sea Mountain in Pahahla....Vol+cano Winery...

Ancient Hawaiians visited the Keauhou ili to retrieve canoe logs, gather feathers to use in feather capes for high ranking Ali’I and to worship Pele. Because of its close proximity to Kilauea caldera, Keauhou was traditionally an area of significant cultural value. The area is part of the traditions that involve the foundations of Hawaiian creation. After the Great Mahele land division of 1843 foreigners acquired land and began western agricultural businesses in the area. By 1860 ranching began to gain momentum and was the main land use in the area. Although ranching still occurs in the surrounding area the 64-acre winery parcel became available in 1985 and original owner Doc McKinney started Volcano Winery in 1986.

Fantastic volcano photos adorn the walls...

We picked out a couple of bottles of red wine and were on our way to Sea Mountain. It is in a very secluded and remote area and guests are told to do their grocery shopping in either Kona or Hilo before coming. We brought enough provisions for dinner tonight and breakfast in the morning, since we are only staying the one night. Here is a bit of info they said about the resort..."It is very easy to get lost on your way to Sea Mountain, especially if you are traveling at night. It is very dark, the street signs are small, not easily visible and the area is not well lit." It was still daylight when we arrived just after 4:00. We checked in with two very friendly ladies in the office who gave us directions to our condo. 

The condo was very nice, with one bedroom and bathroom on the main floor and a loft with with bed and bathroom upstairs. One thing we forgot to mention about the other condo is there is a $10 a day charge to use the one portable air conditioner in the unit which happens to be in main bedroom (there's a lock on the cord plug.) Here there was no charge and it is in the living room. 

The view from the small deck off the loft...

Time for bevie on the lanai...

Leslie and Dave were in the kitchen preparing dinner when I said I was taking a picture of the "happy cooks"...this is the pose they gave me! 😂

Our route today...

After dinner, we all relaxed watching a little TV and then called it a night. Tomorrow we continue with our tour of Volcanoes National Park and then the drive to Hilo...and back to Kona. 

Tuesday, May 17 to Sunday, May 22, 2022 (Our trip to Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii - PART 1)

Tuesday (May 17) morning we were all set up in front of our laptop at 10:10 for our virtual COVID test...a Zoom call with Acculab. It was quick, easy and convenient and with the results negative (Phew!), we received official e-mail confirmation. Proof of a negative COVID test is a requirement when flying into the USA but not the land border...very odd!

We've been on pins and needles because I'd developed a cough and Steve a sore throat about a week ago. We'd been testing ourselves with the home kits and had been testing negative, however apparently they're only 80% accurate. We are flying to The Big Island, Hawaii tomorrow for a 2 week vacation! It is our 40th Wedding Anniversary and what better way to celebrate! And best of all...our friends from Alberta, Dave and Leslie, are joining us! They both had COVID the week before but are now, thankfully, testing negative as well. 

Our next hurdle were our flights with Alaska Airlines. We've been seeing reports that dozens of previous and ongoing flights have been cancelled or delayed at Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle due to staff shortages from COVID and that's where we catch our connecting flight. (Thankfully we had no issues with any of our flights 😊)

Having proof of our negative tests, we both packed our suitcases...we are heading into the Sandman Hotel Vancouver Airport this afternoon to spend the night and leave our car in the long-term parking area (15 days parking included with the accommodation rate of $206...a sweet deal!).

Dave and Leslie's flight from Edmonton arrived around 12:30 and when Les texted to say they had arrived, we headed off to meet them at the hotel. 

With big hugs...and after taking our luggage to the room...we all went to Moxie's for a beer and snack. The restaurant is located right in the hotel...how convenient is that!  Look at that big smile on my face...hardly excited! 

After Moxie's, we went up to our room to continue catching up and have a few more bevies...Steve and I brought along some beer and wine (of course, LOL!)

Dinner was back down at Moxie's...and after a nightcap in our room, we said goodnight to Dave and Leslie. An early night...as we have an early morning!

We were up Wednesday (May 18) morning at 3:30 a.m...and downstairs at 4:45 waiting for the Airport Shuttle. Check-in at the Alaska Airlines counter was quick and easy, as was getting through airport security and US Customs (yes, we go through US Customs at the Vancouver Airport).

Our 8:05 a.m. flight to Seattle was on-time and short. We had about a 2 hour layover, so we grabbed some breakfast and then took the train to "N" Gate which was in another terminal. Thank goodness Leslie happened to check with Alaska Customer Service since the departure gate on the boards indicated the wrong gate!

The flight to Kailua-Kona was just over 6 hours...and seemed to take forever! Yay, we are finally seeing land! The arrow to the right of the cruise ship is where we were staying.

We finally landed at 2:45p.m. Hawaiian time, or 5:45 BC time...we gained 3 hours, now we have to get used to that. After getting our luggage we took the shuttle over to Budget Car Rental....like lots of others, so there was quite a line up!

Eventually Dave, Leslie, and Steve (the drivers) emerged with car keys to a Kia K5, a nice car with a huge trunk and lots of leg room. With the help of a GPS, we found The Sea Village...the literature said to watch for a huge Ficus Tree. (Our car below the tree)

We were assigned room 2101 and I have never been more disappointed! I was so looking forward to spending time on the lanai with a view of the ocean, as booked...but we were ground floor, stuck back in a corner, with absolutely no view! We immediately went back to the office to ask for a different room but she said there was nothing she could do...we'd have to come back first thing in the morning to see if another room was available, and there would be a $100 charge!!! Not a good start to a 2 week vacation that we had been so looking forward to!

After a quick trip  to Safeway for adult beverages, frozen pizza and salad for dinner and some breakfast stuff, we were finally able to relax....

The Stanley Cup playoffs started tonight between two Alberta teams, the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, duking it out for a spot in the western conference finals. Of course we are all routing for Edmonton...Dave and Leslie's home team! Unfortunately, it didn't start off well...the Oilers lost.

After a restless night, I finally decided to get up Thursday (May 19) morning at 4:40...obviously still on BC time. I also don't think I slept well because I was so upset with the condo we had been assigned to.

So at 8:30 Les and I headed up to the office to see if we could change rooms. To my surprise, they said no...I say "surprise" because I took a look at the VI (Vacation Internationale) website last night after we arrived to find that they had 2 units (both 2-bedroom) available last night...that they could easily have moved us into...and another was one available tonight! 

We ended up talking to the manager...who was the most offensive person (I'm being nice...she was a major bi$ch!) I have talked to, particularly in a vacation/resort environment! She gave all sorts of excuses...cleaning staff shortage, etc. but when we persisted, the one that particularly got me was "just because"! She was holding steadfast on her decision and after voicing a lot of displeasure with her decision, we left. Needless to say, I was totally bummed! 

But we weren't going to let it damper our vacation...we all jumped in the car.  Let the sightseeing begin! Dave suggested we start by going north...sounds good to us!

To give you an overall view of the island. Kailua-Kona is where our condo was located...

We headed north on highway 19...listening to our own personal tour guide. Dave and Leslie downloaded an app called GyPSy Guide...Discover more with our location-based audio tour app. Don’t miss a thing on your next road trip as stories, local tips and directions guide you to the best things to see and do. Our award-winning narrated audio tours play automatically, based on your GPS location. You’ll enjoy the freedom to set your own pace and tour offline, no cell or wifi signal required.

It was great! And perfect for our driving tours of The Big Island. There are tons of various tours you can purchase (the app itself is free) for places all over the world. Well worth it to find out more of the area...all sorts of tidbits of information too!

Our first stop was at Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay). We stopped at the top of the hill going down to the beach...the white sand contrasted with the shades of blue...absolutely stunning but the picture doesn't do it justice!

Beautiful!

Thanks for the selfie Dave!

It's not beach day today, but we will definitely be returning! As a matter of fact, this ended up being our favourite snorkeling spot.

While we were checking out this beach, I missed a call from the office at Sea Village. Thankfully, Lai left a message saying that we could move to a different condo tomorrow...sweet! That definitely put me in a better mood, LOL!

Back up at the highway, we continued north to our second stop, Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park...

Located south of Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island's northwestern coast, Spencer Beach Park offers excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, ample shade under large native trees and a calm, friendly atmosphere. The park is named after Samuel M. Spencer, former chairman of the Hawaii County Board of Supervisors who was responsible for developing the north Kohala Coast.

Spencer Beach is one of the few white-sand beaches on the Big Island. The soft, smooth shore offers a comfortable change from the usually rocky beaches on the Big Island, making it a great picnicking spot. A long, shallow reef offshore keeps out high waves and strong currents. The water near the shore is shallow and an excellent playground for kids. Surfing is not very popular, as the water is usually calm.

It was at this point that we left highway 19 (which heads inland to Waimea) and continued north on highway 270.  Our next mission was to find a spot for lunch...we chose Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi at the tip of the Island. The building housing the restaurant and gallery has a long history...if you'd like to read about it click on this link, Story.

Leslie, Steve and I had our first Mai Tai...(the excessive humidity is causing major havoc with my hair! 😖)

...while Dave decided to just have a beer...

With our tummies full, we continued along the highway to check out the Original King Kamehameha Statue...

Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, was the founder and first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. A great warrior, diplomat and leader, King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810 after years of conflict. Kamehameha I was destined for greatness from birth. Hawaiian legend prophesized that a light in the sky with feathers like a bird would signal the birth of a great chief. Historians believe Kamehameha was born in 1758, the year Halley’s comet passed over Hawaii.

Our final destination was at the end of the road...Pololu Valley Lookout...

The drive along Hawaii’s Akoni Pule Highway is one of the most scenic routes in the state. On one side the volcanic mountain of Mauna Loa rises steeply above you, while on the other you can gaze across the Pacific Ocean. Continue to the end of the highway to find yourself at one of Hawaii’s most dramatic vistas, the Pololū Valley Overlook.

Look across the valley’s wild cliffs to the northern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. This corner of the island looks untainted by human settlement, and the tropical rainforest growing from the volcanic mountain is reminiscent of prehistoric times. Look down the valley to see the location for much of the 1997 film The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

There is a trail that goes down to a black sand beach and although the trail isn't long, a half mile, it is very steep. It starts at around 400 feet in elevation and switchbacks down to sea level. 

The trail is said to be of moderate difficulty but it's not for everyone. The path can be very steep in many parts and there is a very long drop if you fall off the trail. We do not recommend this for amateur hikers, families with children, or the elderly. If you have a fear of heights, skip this one for sure.

We all love hiking but it's waaaay too hot and humid for a hike today, so we all agreed to forego it...maybe another time! 😂

We returned to the junction of highway 250, just before Hawi, and took the route through Waimai back home.  This side of the island is so green and lush...a stark contrast to the lava fields on the drier west side...

This is the route we took today. Unfortunately when I zoomed out to be able to capture it on the screen, the location of the King Kamehameha Statue disappeared...it's the white dot between the Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi and the Pololu Valley Lookout...

Back home, we enjoyed a cocktail on the lanai...as you can see, nothing but a view of bushes. Looking forward to that changing tomorrow!

A gecko, better known as the Geico Insurance salesman even came by for a visit! 

Friday (May 20) morning, after spending 2 nights in unit 2101, we moved over to unit 3219 (that's in building 3, second floor...there are only 3 floors). Unfortunately they didn't waive the $100 charge. 😡 All went smoothly but OMG it was hot! So as soon as we were all unpacked, a cold beer on the lanai was in order! 

Thanks for the photo Leslie!

A much better view...Yay!

Lunch today was at Kona Brewing Co. ...

It is a popular spot, so we had a bit of a wait but it was well worth it...

After lunch, we dropped the guys off at the condo and Les and I headed out for groceries...now that we are settled, it's time to stock up! It took a lot longer than we anticipated and was extremely frustrating deciding on quick easy meals with the high food prices there. But we did it and were back home shortly after 5:00.

Unfortunately, we missed the first period of the Oilers-Flames playoff game but the outcome was good...the Oilers won!

Saturday (May 21) morning we decided to walk into town...about a mile. We would often stop at this bridge near our condo to watch the waves and surfers...

Another beach along our walk...

(Click on photo to enlarge)

It turned into a bit of a bust because it was so hot and humid that when we got into town, Leslie, Steve and I sat in the shade of an open-air coffee shop waiting as Dave ran (yes ran...he is a runner 😲) back to get the car.

After that walk, it was time for a dip in the pool...

After lunch, we went for a short drive south and then dropped Dave and Leslie off back at home while Steve and I went into town to pick up a couple of things.

We also checked out a shopping mall and a bit of Kailau-Kona...

While I was checking out some clothing stores Steve found this Banyan tree behind the mall...

Hairy looking vines hang from the top while the trunk appears to be made up from many small trunks...

Steve got this shot just before the owner came out and asked if he'd like a photo with the birds...

Old gas pumps...

Sunday (May 22) morning we found out that there had been an earthquake through the night. We both woke up just before midnight with the intense shaking...said what the heck was that, then fell right back to sleep...LOL! Later on we heard that it had been a 4.7 magnitude earthquake.

This morning we went for another little sightseeing tour...going south this time with the GyPsy Guide tour.

We stopped at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park...

The Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park spans the shoreline of almost all of Kealakekua Bay (except the south-eastern shoreline). The most accessible part of it is on the north-eastern edge of the bay where you can find Nopo’opo’o Beach Park with a parking area, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, showers, and a water fountain.

The small beach in the park next to the pavilion is known as “Napo’opo’o Beach” and was stripped of its sand by hurricane Iniki (back in 1992). It now consists of a collection of rocks and, while not great for hanging out, it is reasonable for a quick swim and a good place for snorkeling.

Dave and Leslie have sad memories of their last visit here as they'd assisted in trying unsuccessfully to save a drowning victim at the far end of the beach...

Steve got a little wet taking this shot!

View as we drove further along the coast...

Our route this morning...

Back home, we had a bite to eat for lunch and then got ready for the hockey game at 2:00. With the heat, Dave abandoned his jersey quickly...and it was draped over the back of a dining chair.  After that, it came out for all games! Go Oilers!

We managed to watch the first 2 periods before we had to leave for our dinner reservations...but all was good, the Edmonton Oilers ended up winning!

Dave and Leslie are taking us out to a renown restaurant in Waimea for a special Anniversary Dinner. Merriman's uses only locally sourced ingredients...including island beef, pork and fresh caught fish.

Great picture of Leslie and Dave!  Awesome Mai Tai's!

All staff working...from the host, to our servers, to the bus-boys removing dishes...knew it was our
Anniversary. We were even offered a flute of Champagne to toast it...

Such a special celebration...we cannot thank you enough, Dave and Leslie! Great choice of restaurants...about an hour's drive, but well worth it!

Well, that concludes the first part of our vacation. With many pictures over a wonderful 2 weeks, we have broken our blog into 5 or so posts. Hope you enjoyed the start of our trip...stay tuned for much more!