Everyone knows that I love posting on Instagram, it’s my ultimate favorite social media channel ever. If I had to pick just one for the rest of my life, it would be that. I’m actually a lot quicker to post something on Instagram and not my blog, but don’t worry, I’m trying to work on that and getting them to the blog. Today, I thought I’d share a little about some of the places that I have visited since I’ve been here.
Can you believe? I’ve been back for a month and within that time, so much has happened. Lets do a quick re-hash.
- A found out he was accepted into his first choice for shore duty; The Olmsted Foundation
- we learned that we’re moving to Slovenia
- got a new tattoo
- and in between my island hopping side trips, adventures were still happening
Guys/gals/everyone, I do not want to go back to ‘Oahu, it’s been so easy to fall into this extremely laid back routine on the Big Island. It’s another reason why I love this island so much; it is my favorite island after all. Plus, it’s been nice to have some extra time with my oldest brother despite him running his business, we’ve had a lot of quality time even if it’s just being in the same space doing our own thing. I’m totally okay with that, come to think of it, that’s how it is with my family. Not much has to be said to appreciate the time that we do have together. I tell ya, we’re pretty easy-going people.
Anyways, let me just highlight a few of the places that I’ve ventured to and ones you should check out if you ever make it to Big Island.
1. ‘Akaka Falls
I can’t even tell how many times I’ve been to ‘Akaka Falls, but seeing it’s beauty will never get old for me. It’s very easy to get to and you’re rewarded with walking through a lush rainforest and seeing not one, but two waterfalls. The other being Kahuna Falls, which you only get a side view of. This time was my first going with only about 40 minutes until closing and it produces so much beautiful natural light. I was mad I didn’t have my DLSR with me, but any camera would do, so cellphone shot it was. Just look at it!
2. Merrie Monarch Parade
I’ve actually blogged about this one last week, which you can check out, here. It was such an amazing experience for me to be a part of it. The Merrie Monarch happens every year in Hilo, full of festivities the entire week. Not only is there the world-renown hula competition, but there are craft fairs featuring vendors from all over the state, immersion into the Hawaiian culture, and don’t even get my started on the great food! If there’s every a time to come to Big Island, check it out during Merrie Monarch week!
3/4/5/7 . Water Slide Adventure
I first learned about this place through social media, of course. And we managed to trek out there a couple of weekends ago, I’ve always wanted to do it, but it wasn’t one of those adventures that wasn’t high on my list. However if the opportunity came, I wasn’t going to turn it down. The day we decided to go, it was beautiful and clear all over expect here. It was cooler, misty, and quite a bit of fog in the area we were in. But that didn’t stop us from continuing forward. I’m actually going to blog more about this one later this week, but I’m happy to check this off from the books. I’ve never been on an adventure quite like this one, but it was very rewarding by the end. Yes, I’m being hush hush about the location, do your research, you’ll find it very easily.
6. Kaumana Caves
This was definitely an unexpected stop, we were making our way back from hiking a trail, so it was a much needed pit-stop. We didn’t get to adventure too far into the tube because neither one of us had a head light and someone needed to use the bathroom. We probably spent about 15 minutes here, but it’s such a beautiful area right at the entrance of the cave/lava tube. There’s lush overgrowth at the entrance and you can snap some solid pictures. One day I’ll have to make it back and go deeper into these caves.
8. Pu’u ‘O’o Trail
The hikes right off Saddle Road are different from the ones I’m accustomed to on ‘Oahu. It’s a completely different terrain walking through lava fields and coming across rainforest areas. Who knew?! But it quickly became one of my new favorite hikes on Big Island and they’re definitely less traveled, just how I like them. I gained a new appreciation for this trail and area in general. I know many would rather steer across steep ridgeline on the Ko’olau Mountain Range and get that ocean view, but these trails offer a new perspective and beauty. You can get a close-up with a lot of native plants and birds. Plus, when the fog clears, you’ll get a beautiful view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. #winning
9. Rainbow Falls
We called this adventure our urban hike because we walked through Hilo Town to get here. Just like ‘Akaka Falls, I have been here a number of times and it still never gets old. And every time I come here, I wonder if anyone has ever jumped off the top; the answer is yes. There’s Youtube videos to prove it all, I would never do it, maybe back in my high school days, but definitely not the case anymore. For now, I’ll just enjoy sitting at the top of the falls and just admiring the view.
Have you been to any of these places?! If you haven’t, make sure to add them to your list!
There’s still time to enter my first ever giveaway! Don’t miss out on it, a Hilo Lauhala Clutch is up for grabs!
So awesome!! We will get back there eventually!!
@militarywifeandpuglife:disqus yes! And you’ll have to share all your adventures!
I love you for this! I’ve been to the Big Island before, but I have a girl’s trip planned next month, and this will help us figure out what to do!!
@AlejandraFR:disqus Oh yay! I’m going to try and knock out more big island-esque posts. I’m not sure why I haven’t done it before … I’ve been here so many times! And don’t hesitate to ask me anything, I don’t mind helping you out. Yay for the girls trip!
We love Big Island, too! We’ve been three times and are going again this weekend with my parents! We’ve done all of these except the waterslide and Monarch Parade. Have you done the night dive with mantas? That has been hands down our best-ever Hawaii experience!
Nice…! I’ve pinned this down so next time I go… Hey, you never know..!
I can’t wait to go back and visit the other islands. Hawaii has honestly been my favorite place I’e been the past few years. Congrats to your hubby on his first choice, that is so cool!
Gina
Pink Wings
oh. my. gosh.
this is amazing! soooo beautiful!!
So neat! I’m sure a lot of those places we’ll have to skip of course due to the little guy but I’m excited to visit some of the beaches like Black Sands and Green Sands. The little dude is more than excited about Kilauea. He never stops talking about it.
Slovenia! That is amazing what an adventure that will be Malia!!! Can’t wait to start reading your posts about Slovenia!