Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving, Island Style

Even though we got back from our trip to Hawaii last Sunday, after such an amazing week in paradise, I think it’s fair to say that my heart and mind are still running on island time!

From snorkeling with sea turtles to hiking across dried lava fields and ascending the 13,796 ft. summit at Mauna Kea, we had an all-around wonderful time celebrating my in-laws' 40th anniversary. I absolutely can’t wait to head back next summer to see my sister-in-law get married and be a bridesmaid in her wedding! 

Here, a quick photo recap of our jam-packed yet still blissfully relaxing vacation. 






Our Big Island resort, Kings' Land by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, located north of Kona, was the perfect place to kick back for the week. It even came complete with a few non-human visitors, from stray cats to wild goats! 



This trip marked my first time seeing a sea turtle up close, along with trying my hand at stand-up paddle boarding. Keeping my balance on-board was definitely a bit challenging at first, but ultimately not as hard as I originally thought it might be.



Our Captain Zodiac snorkeling and wildlife excursion included a stop at the serene Kealakekua Bay, plus a trip past ancient lava tubes. Can you make out the face of Goddess Pele in the rock?  




Also on the agenda was a trip across the island to the area in and around Hilo, where we explored the Pacific Tsunami Museum, sampled tasty treats at Big Island Candies and took in gorgeous views at Akaka Falls State Park.  




Our journey up to the 13,796 ft. Mauna Kea summit offered lunar-like landscapes and some of the most stunning panoramic views I've ever seen. Worth battling the chilly temps and rough drive? Definitely!   


Last but certainly not least, no trip to the Big Island would be complete without spending a day at Volcanoes National Park, even one that happens to be rainy and cold. Although we weren't able to see any glowing lava this time around, watching smoke rise from a volcanic crater was beyond cool.


Of course, no matter how much fun we may have had in Hawaii, home will always be where our kitties are! 

Whether you're traveling or staying close to home this week, I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great start to the holiday season! Stephen and I are looking forward to a low-key, restful day, along with a pre-holiday trip to see Jekyll & Hyde at the Kennedy Center tonight.

How are you celebrating? 

18 comments:

  1. Looks like it was an amazing trip!! So glad you had fun!!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  2. Beautiful photos! How nice that you have another trip planned for next year. I love Volcanoes Park and always think of it when the topic of Hawaii comes up. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  3. omg, your pictures are amazing! i'm in love. they convince me more that i MUST go to Hawaii. looks like an amazing time!

    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

    I'm traveling to my parents home tonight where I'll bask in family love and non-stop cooking and eating tomorrow. can't wait! :)

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  4. I went to Maui last January and your pics are so reminding me of that trip. I didn't do the paddle board, but we did go snorkling and it was so much fun. Hawaii is so awesome and I am so happy you went and had a great trip. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

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  5. Wow, such an amazing looking trip! I can't wait until we get to go back to Hawaii someday.

    Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving!

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  6. BEAUTIFUL photos! I'm so mad that I never made it to Hawaii when I lived on the west coast.

    Happy Thanksgiving, lady!

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  7. hawaii looks like such an amazing time!! i really want to swim with sea turtles and watch waterfalls.

    hope your thanksgiving is great.

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  8. Happy thanksgiving!! These photos are awesome I hope tto go to Hawaii someday! I watch Hawaii 50 every Monday night! It's a nice escape!

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  9. We are in town...oh wow Heather your trip looks amazing...thanks for sharing the pictures...gorgeous!

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  10. It looks so pretty and relaxing

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  11. Gorgeous pictures! I still haven't been to Hawaii and would love to go. :)

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  12. Looks like such an amazing trip! Beautiful photos! xx

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  13. Your trip looks amaaazing!!! Honestly - though I've been to Hawaii, we didn't do nearly as much as we should have (or really anything) special that we should have done....we laid out by the beach and pool all day and I'm sad that I missed the volcanoes and paddle boarding and snorkeling and all that great stuff! I'm so glad you had such a great time!!

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  14. WOW! these photos are amazing! I would definitely be relaxed with all the gorgeous scenery around me! Even the volcanoes! :)

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

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  15. I love seeing your pics on Instagram and now this recap of everything in more detail! Glad you had a good trip :)

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  16. LOVE the photos! Especially the kitty ones :o)

    So glad you're back and that you had a nice time.

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  17. Looks like a fantastic trip, great pics!

    Elly @ Caribbean Living

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