Big Island 2013

The family took a trip to the Big Island January 22-27. Matt and I had to attend a conference, so we decided to turn it into a mini-vacation. We had a wonderful time! A bonus was that we got to meet up with an old friend, Kristin, from our doc programs so we had a friend to share all the fun with and help out with Alma. We stayed at the Sheraton Kona Resort at Keauhou Bay. There were so many things to do at the resort. Alma would have been happy just to stay there the whole week.

The landscaping was beautiful. Alma really enjoyed exploring. We had to really keep our eye on her though due to all the lava rock and we were right on the ocean. She could have literally walked right into the ocean with no problem - no fences, nothing.

She was so disappointed to find out this sit-up bench was not a slide. 

The baby pool had a rock beach and a rock floor to emulate the rock beaches on the Big Island.
All the babies loved it!

We had a large lanai which gave her plenty of room to run around (and to have her morning coffee). 

We really only got to go explore one day when we were there. We drove around the whole island that day from Kona to Hilo and back. Our first stop was Akaka Falls.

 After all that driving around, Alma needed a break and some running around. Our next stop was a picnic lunch at the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. It was perfect for Alma. We got to see a White Siberian Tiger eat lunch and chase a peacock!

Then we headed to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for a perfect end to our day. We got to walk through a Lava tube.

Then we spent some time a the steam vents.

And showed up just in time to see a beautiful view of a glowing volcano at dusk.

Our last night we got to have dinner by the ocean with our little lady. What a magical place! Hoping to go back soon.

P.S. This place has amazing sunsets! Highly recommended!