and then on to the Big Island...HAWAII!

I left Kauai and caught Hawaiian Airlines over to The Big Island, Hawaii.  My sister Sue was already there and met me at the airport.  It turns out that the tropical storm we experienced in Kauai had just moved over to Hawaii and when Sue arrived she was welcomed with thunder, lightening and torrential rain.  Luckily that is all behind us and we have clear skies and temperatures in the high 20's.  Beautiful.

Sunset at the Kona Coast Resort...perfect place..

Unwinding with a cool one...what a day...so glad to be here!

Sue and I drove up island to Waimea.  Lush ranching country.  Such a contrast to the stark lava fields.

Hapuna Beach State Park.  Gorgeous beaches and not crowded at all.

We also drove to the town of Hawi on the northern tip of the island.  Just past Hawi we came to the town where the statue of King Kamehameha is displayed.  They were having a hula class in the building behind the statue.  Tempted to join in but we gave it a pass.

We stopped at a market that was set up not far from our resort.  Good music.

Seeking out the shade where we enjoyed a frozen fruit stick.

Then on another day we headed south on the island and stopped at this bakery.  It's a must do here and the tour buses even stop here.  After sampling some of their goods we realize why.  It's just...sooooo..good!!

On to Black Sand Beach to see the turtles but no turtles this afternoon.  We missed the show as apparently they were around earlier in the day.  Just these two hot babes!

Pretty lagoon at Black Sand Beach.

Then on to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau State Park or "the Refuge" as it's known.

What babes we are!

No disrespect here!

And then on our way back to the resort we stop by the Painted Church.  The inside of this church is painted with biblical scenes.  Then it's to the market to pick up wine and fish.  We have had Ahi ahi and Ono.  So fresh and good.  Just throw it on the BBQ.

Then we drive to Mauna Lani to check out some beautiful hotels on the beach and also the shops.

Finally we stop at the Harbour House for dinner before catching our 'red eye' flight back home.  Until we meet again, aloha!