Punalu'u Beach

Black sand formed from volcanic activity, dozens of coconut palms, and honu (or Hawaiian green sea turtles) taking naps in the sun are all found at Punalu'u Beach.  I was absolutely giddy finding these guys on the beach and couldn't stop myself from taking too many pictures and standing and staring for ages.  It's a sight not to be missed if you're traveling to the Big Island.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

A few days into our trip to the Big Island of Hawai'i (we stayed in Kailua-Kona along Ali'i Dr.), we decided it was necessary to take a trip to the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.  Even in crazy winds and sweltering humidity (all on the same stretch of coast), it was a beautiful day.  I'm completely in awe of the clouds covering the island - gigantic and low, you just want to jump up and touch them.

a quick stop on the way to take in the gorgeous coastline

50 shades of blue

Embracing the wind (photo by Michael Phillips)

Messing around in the car (it was a 2 hour drive one way)

Landscape around the coast reminded me of Australia

Photo by Michael Phillips

See what I mean about these clouds?

Volcanic tube - over 500 years old

Rainforest in the park

Volcanic steam vent

The Big Island

Last month I took my first real vacation since I started my current job nearly two years ago.   I went to Hawaii and stayed in Kona with my wonderful roommate Franci and my dad.  It was so relaxing - we went to bed early every night and spent day after day lying on the beach and playing in the waves.  We toured the entire island, a coffee plantation, and the volcanoes.  It was a restorative week and the cherry on top was getting to night snorkel with mantarays that came mere inches from our faces! Every sunset was accompanied by a cocktail or a glass of wine, and for the first time in ages I actually hardly picked up my camera.  I was surrounded by so much beauty and it was nice to just savor it.  I spent every night giggling until I fell asleep, reading books for pleasure, and doing a whole lot of nothing - I'm so grateful for the trip.