Hawaii 2016: The Big Island

My wife has never been to Hawaii, so for her vacation, this was the year. My last time was over 25 years ago, so it was mostly new, for me, too. I have a friend with homes in Kona and near Hilo which allowed us to spend time on both sides of the Big Island. Mahalo (Thank you)!

We saw botanical gardens, vanilla and chocolate (Cacao) groves, coffee, bananas and more. We enjoyed time on both white and black sand beaches, saw the volcano erupting, waterfalls, the observatories at nearly 14,000 feet elevation, and more.

Here are a few photos:





















At nearly 14,000 feet above sea level (and the world's largest mountain if measured from the sea floor) are some of the observatories on Mauna Kea mountain, and Maui Island in the background:



This is the shadow of Mauna Kea over the Pacific Ocean, at sundown.





Vanilla:




Cacao (Chocolate):




Atemoya and Rambutan for breakfast:






There are more... but this was a sample to share. Any location questions, just ask!

 

Thanks for sharing, my wife and I were there in June 2015'. I have an Aunt that lives in Hilo, we visited Kauai last July. I grew up on Oahu.

 

My pleasure, Aloha!

 

I like your pictures! I am going there this Friday for the first time.

 

Mahalo!
Have a great time!

 

Nice pics! I am going for the first time in a few months.