By Wait, what just happened?
It’s been an epic few days of traveling and celebration here on the Big Island. After all, Fourth of July fell on a Wednesday, so the weekend prior had to be a time of getting out there and seeing a bit of the island.
Some friends and I were supposed to go camping, but that plan was nixxed as soon as we got the phone call that we had a night booked at the beautiful Kona Coast Resort. From rainforest sloggin’ to big living at the resort? I was ready!
We met up at Huggo’s on the beach front for an amazing, almost dream-like happy hour. With my toes in the sand and several half-price Mai Tais and Hawaiian Rainbows, I sat and listened to the live music, ate nachos and enjoyed the setting sun from my front row seat.
After happy hour, we packed it up to enjoy our night at the resort. We drove along Ali’i Drive, passing tourists and locals walking along the flower-laden street, surfers passing with their boards tucked under their arms while skateboarding. We saw the beautiful Magic Sands beach, a smallish stretch of beach great for surfing.
That evening, we enjoyed the view from our balcony, attended a pool party and soaked in the hot tub like ballers. Life, my friends, is SO good!
The next day, we stopped at Kona de Pele’s coffee shop right in the heart of Kona for some straight-from-the-source Kona coffee, some of the best and most expensive in the world. Who could beat brunch with a view?
After filling our bellies, we headed north along 19 to Hapuna Beach State Park. Access to the park was free and it was amazing. It’s safe to say my love affair with the South Pacific is ON and Oceania has a soft spot in my heart.
We spotted a little cove over to the right of the park that was calm waters for snorkeling. Three sea turtles came up to ankle-deep water and swam with us. I couldn’t believe our luck!
Overall, it was a great side trip over to the Kona side of the island! Don’t worry, I’ll be back…
Brave New World Traveler 