2,452 miles, One island, a thousand memories

When Dave and I boarded our flight to Hawaiʻi's Big Island, I expected beautiful ocean views, great food, and a little relaxation. What I didn't expect was a tsunami siren, a 4.1 earthquake, an active volcano, sea turtles, manta rays, torrential rain, and some of the best coffee I've ever tasted.

In just a few short days, we flew 2,452 miles, drove more than 570 miles around the island, and collected memories that will stay with us for years to come.

First Impressions of Kona

Our home for the trip was the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, perched along the rugged lava coastline. From the moment we arrived, it felt like we had left our everyday routine behind. The ocean views, warm Hawaiian air, and slower pace were exactly what we needed.

We spent time exploring the Kona waterfront, enjoying local shops and restaurants, and of course, sampling a frozen Mai Tai while taking in the view. Sometimes the simplest moments become the ones you remember most.

Coffee Worth Traveling For

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good cup of coffee, and the Big Island did not disappoint.

We visited Mountain Thunder Coffee Farm and later discovered Big Island Coffee Roasters, where we enjoyed coffee flights and some of the best coffee either of us has ever tasted. The care, craftsmanship, and passion behind every cup made it more than just a stop on our itinerary. It became one of the highlights of the trip.

The Volcano That Made Us Wait

One of the experiences I was most excited about was visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Our first attempt did not go according to plan. We drove through rain, fog, and low visibility, only to realize we weren't going to see much of anything that day. Rather than being disappointed, we adjusted our plans and headed into Hilo.

That unexpected change led us to explore the Hilo Farmers Market, browse local vendors, and discover Hawaii Balsamics, where we met a wonderful local business owner and sampled some incredible flavors. We even brought a few bottles home, including garlic cilantro and habanero mango.

The next morning we tried again.

This time the weather cooperated. Steam rose from the volcanic landscape, the views opened up, and we finally experienced the park we had traveled so far to see. Looking back, the delay made the experience even sweeter.

Wildlife and Island Wonders

The Big Island constantly reminded us that nature is in charge.

We spotted nēnē, Hawaii's state bird, along the roadsides and visited the stunning black sand beach at Punaluʻu. There, we watched a sea turtle resting peacefully on the shore, one of those quiet travel moments that no photograph can fully capture.

Then there was the earthquake.

A 4.1 magnitude quake rattled the area during our stay. It wasn't dangerous, but it certainly wasn't something I expected to add to my Hawaii travel memories.

Dave's Manta Ray Adventure

One of the most memorable experiences of the trip belonged entirely to Dave.

During a nighttime manta ray snorkel excursion, he found himself swimming alongside giant manta rays while also spotting blacktip and Galápagos sharks in the dark Hawaiian waters.

Meanwhile, I was perfectly content watching from the boat.

It was one of those uniquely Hawaiian experiences that you'll be talking about long after the vacation ends.

What Hawaiʻi Reminded Me

Travel has a funny way of teaching lessons when you least expect it.

This trip reminded me that the best experiences aren't always the ones we carefully plan. Sometimes they're the detours, the unexpected discoveries, and the moments that don't go according to schedule.

A rainy day led us to Hilo. A second attempt led us to the volcano. A roadside stop led us to sea turtles. A coffee shop became a favorite memory.

None of those moments were the reason we booked the trip, but they became some of the reasons we'll never forget it.

Travel is about so much more than the places we visit. It's about the stories we collect, the people we meet, and the memories that stay with us long after we return home.

The Big Island gave us all of that and more.

Mahalo, Hawaiʻi. Until next time.