The Big Island

Traveling…what can you say? You either put in long days driving or flying to get to your destination. To some it’s an adventure, to me it is usually an uncomfortable necessity. Fortunately, I have a short memory when it comes to travel. This morning I woke up to the sounds of exotic birds, walked out to the lanai and looked out over a beautiful green landscape, our drive and flight behind us. We’re in Hawaii on the Big Island. A new adventure is beginning, life is good.

Briefly, we joined my brother Dale and his wife Judy in a drive to Seattle where we stayed the night and caught separate planes to the Big Island. The drive was good, our flights were OK. It still took two days and we arrived very tired but in good spirits.

This is our first exploration of the Big Island. We have been to Maui and Kauaʻi, but haven’t had the chance to venture further. Dale and Judy explore the islands at least once a year, sometimes twice, and so we know we are in good hands.

We landed and picked up our rental car. Dale and Judy’s plane landed a couple hours later and we met up and were off to our condo at Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort.  We settled in and then headed downtown and had dinner at Island Lava Java. Once our hunger was relieved we drove to Safeway and bought some staples. Returning to the place, we went to bed early.

Hale o Keawe, a heiau (temple).

The next day we eased into tourist mode by exploring Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The park is a very spiritual place for the Hawaiian people. Within the park we were able to walk and enjoy the Royal Grounds and Pu’phonua (Place of Refuge). The history of the two locations is very unique and interesting. 

The Royal Grounds was the location where the Chief and Priests held ceremonial gatherings, athletic events and contests.

Wood carvings at the heiau.

Pu’phonua had a very interesting background. When a maka ‘ãinana (commoner) breaks a kapu (law), then they must be killed. To avoid death, they must travel across the island and then swim to Pu’phonua where they would be safe and a priest would absolve their sin.

We spent about an hour and a half checking out all of the cool carvings, ponds and rock structures.

About the time we left, the temperature had reached 90 degrees and it was very humid. Dale pumped up the air-conditioning and we drove to the Painted Church.

The Painted Church is a small Roman Catholic church that has become a tourist stop because of the murals painted throughout the interior of the sanctuary. 

Two Ki'i (Hawaiian gods)

By the time we were finished checking out the church, we were ready for lunch so we drove into town and ate at a place called Splashers.

Our final stop of the day was to Costco to pick up some more food. As with every Costco we have ever been in, this one was packed. We bought some food and Linda learned how to pick a good pineapple.

After all this, we drove home and did some pool time. This brings me to the part where I mention my brother’s navigational skills. During our two days of driving I think we have made approximately 24 U-turns getting back on course. Good thing we have unlimited mileage on the rental car. 

Two Ki'i and a goddess.

Butterflies on the lava sand

Spring fed freshwater fish ponds.

Āle'ale'a, a mausoleum and hula platform.

Beating Dale in a game of Kōnane.

The Painted Church

View from the Painted Church.