Relaxing on the Big Island

Your Hawaiian Retreat

Relaxing in the summer breeze. Reading. Eating home made yogurt provided by the hosts. I never wanted to leave the Mango house

Hot Ponds

Ocean water is trapped into ponds by a natural barrier and the tides. Turtles and fish swim with you in the warmth. The ponds are surrounded by a gated community but the locals are allowed access via a rough path that only 4 wheel drive vehicles with good clearance can make. Our hosts at the Mango house took us in their truck.

After swimming and relaxing in the sun we finished the day with fresh coconut milk and flesh.

Thanks Hugh!

Volcano Winery

After hiking through a volcano crater what is better than tasting some of its wine. A short drive from the crater and we were tasting some nice Hawaiian wines.

Symphony Dry, Symphony Mele, Volcano Red, Volcano Blush, Hawaiian Guava, Macadamia Nut Honey

Hawaii Volcanoes Natl Park

We were able to hike through volcanic craters from less than a hundred years ago, and look into the glowing and fuming active crater.

Make sure you check the air quality before you visit though, as there are some days when the vog (volcanic smog) makes it harder to breath and explore.

Lava Tree State Monument

After hiking volcanoes and swimming in hot ponds, sometimes it is nice to get some shade. We arrived after a rain and the place was still misty and cool. Parking was easy and the lava trees were neat.

Akaka Falls State Park

A nice walk and an awe inspiring waterfall.

Punaluu Beach

Snorkeling in the ocean with colorful fish, then on the black sands around 50' away from a large turtle doing the same. Bliss!

Bring your own snorkeling gear - or hope the little shops to the side are open.