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.

Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach
Punalu'u Beach

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.
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hawaii volcano national park
a quick stop on the way to take in the gorgeous coastline

hawaii volcano national park
50 shades of blue
hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park
Embracing the wind (photo by Michael Phillips)
hawaii volcano national park
Messing around in the car (it was a 2 hour drive one way)

hawaii volcano national park
Landscape around the coast reminded me of Australia

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park
Photo by Michael Phillips
hawaii volcano national park
See what I mean about these clouds?
hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park
hawaii volcano national park
Volcanic tube - over 500 years old

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park
Rainforest in the park

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park
hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park

hawaii volcano national park
Volcanic steam vent
hawaii volcano national park

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.






Honolulu Zoo


Today's post is all about the Honolulu Zoo - I wish I had more pictures to show you, but unfortunately I haven't carried my camera around since this outing (my neck was starting to ache - I really need to buy a new camera bag).  I love all the color around here, so about half the pictures I took at the zoo were of plants; I always find myself taking so many pictures of trees!  We are headed back to California tomorrow; while I will miss the tropical air, but it will be very good to be home.
 
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Oahu

This week I've been spending my time with my pops and my grandma in Hawaii, and here's a little peek into our vacation:

Waimea Bay

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balcony view

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Germaine's Luau

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China Town

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International Marketplace

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'Iolani Palace

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Mauna'ala (Royal Mausoleum)

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Queen Emma's Summer Palace
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Aloha Tower

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Ala Moana

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Waikiki area

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