We sat out on deck as we approached ‘the big island’ (Hawaii). The sunlight was golden across the deck and as we got closer, we could see gigantic waves hitting the shore and shooting many feet into the air.

We anchored ship in the harbor and took a tender to shore. We have a tour booked this morning that took us to a National Historic Park (Kaloko-Honokohau) where we did a short hike along the coast. We saw petroglyphs, green turtles and fish traps built by natives many centuries ago. We were surprised to see the vegetation similar to that of a dessert climate. Interestingly though, this island has over 10 different climates (according to our guide).

Next we drove from sea level to over 3,000 feet and stopped at Mountain Thunder Coffee Company for some samples of the famous Kona Coffee. Delicious! We first tried Kona Coffee at Disney, believe it or not. My friend Kelly (our local Disney expert) sent us to the Kona Cafe for breakfast at the Polynesian Resort at Disney. Thank you Kelly Feeko. It did not disappoint.

We then took a hike into the Kona Cloud Forest sanctuary. Our guide explained that every afternoon the top of the island is in the clouds, giving it yet another climate that is very green and lush. We walked through an area that had unbelievable trees, tropical plants and flowers. We took Groot with us on this hike and agree that our favorite tree was the Rainbow Eucalyptus. The tree was tall and big around with a very unique bark that I’ve never seen before (multi colored yellows, greens and brown stripes). We were thinking the tree was a few hundred years old, but not so. Due to the tropical climate, this tree was planted only 31 years ago. Amazing! No “Miracle Grow” in this forest. We have to remember, in the Northeast US, our trees go dormant in the winter so it slows the growth process in comparison to Hawaii. Our guide also showed us a tree that had been cut and no rings to count to determine the age. Interesting.

We went back to the port and walked around the town. Had a lovely lunch at a restaurant right on the water. Our tour guide had recommended Kalua pork, so I had a Kalua pulled pork sandwich. He told us their pigs eat fruits and nuts so the pork is very tasty and he was right.

We walked through the nice little town, in and out of small shops and enjoying the views of the ocean. A young man walked out of a hair salon where he works and asked if he could touch my hair. Yes, I get that question more than you know. Lol. And yes, I did let him run his fingers through my hair.

We stopped at a homemade ice cream shop where Bob got vanilla macadamia nut and I got chocolate macadamia nut ice cream. Delightful, especially since they grow the macadamia nuts right here.

We boarded the ship and sat out on deck so we could watch as we sailed away from Kona. The sun was setting and washed the side of the ship in golden light. What a beautiful way to end our day in Hawaii. As we sailed away, you could see the island’s tall volcano get smaller. The giant waves still crashing against the shore and then dusk surrounding us as we entered the big Pacific.

Aloha Hawaii! Until we meet again.