this spring we traveled to the big island of hawaii. kona, hawaii. kona is very different than the other islands

but equally fun and beautiful!

we ignored our windy start and experienced our adventures as planned. what we didn't plan was witnessing humpback whales. on 3 separate 

occasions no less! only once did i happen to have my camera ready to go, which is okay because i'll never forget seeing them 

with or without a photo. the first time the whales were actually very close to shore, highlighting how large they are. the splash 

alone as they fell back into the water was colossal!

view of maui from kona 

"hi mom"

beautiful botanical gardens 

view from atop, down below Waipo Valley, hike closed due to dengue fever outbreak 

view of interior of Waipo Valley, stunning

good morning

lighting of the torches is always a favorite

maybe cliche' but i love luau's-this was truly entertaining and fun

fun & educational tour of mountain thunder coffee, pure 100% delicious kona coffee    

these guys were in the lagoon but on our last beach day we had one swim right by us while boogie boarding

this was so amazing, my favorite memory of the trip 

item on the left is a beautiful wooden fighting shield, Papau, New Guinea. on the right, idol, Hawaii Tropical Botanica Garden