We made it!

After a fairly painless flight of 6 hours from Vancouver to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, we picked up our rental car and drove North for 20 minutes to Waikoloa Beach.

We are staying at the Waikoloa Colony Villas (VRBO # 334360).

4 nights turned out to be the perfect amount of time to unwind from the flight, get our bearings, and hit Costco for some supplies.

One of many things I did not know about the Big Island, was it is home to a large population of feral cats. Lydia is loving it! This is what we wake up to every morning.

Of course, Lydia has given them precious names. One is named Hissy Cat for obvious reasons. Lydia’s first love-hate relationship. I think these guys are putting the word out that there’s food here because they seem to be growing in numbers daily. Be a harsh reality for them when we leave tomorrow. Actually, there are feeding stations all around the island so I don’t think they will miss us too much.

Highlights of our stay so far, have been sunset strolls along the beach, Petroglyph Park and discovering the ocean and all its wonders including snorkelling with sea turtles and a variety of fish and playing in the surf. Lydia loves all the tropical flowers and is quick to point out every beautiful flower we pass, pick up downed buds and adorn herself or the condo.

 

Tomorrow we will take what is known as the Saddle Road and head to the East side of the island to Hilo. On route we will stop and see Waimea (ranch town) and Muana Kea (mountain). After 3 nights at the Stables At Hakalau (VRBO # 3806458 ha) in Hilo we will head South and explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Green Sand Beach while staying at the Turtle Hut II at Punalu’u (VRBO # 251908). The remainder of our stay on The Big Island will be back in Kona on the West side where we will spend 3 weeks at the Kona Ocean Villa (VRBO # 72654).

So far the weather has been wonderful with highs around 27 degrees with a nice breeze.

Here’s my last view of Nanaimo off the stern of the BC Ferry.

 

And here is my first view of Waikoloa Beach in Hawaii