Day at Hapuna Beach!  This is one of our favorite beaches on the big island.

 Snorkeling was awesome.  Mom and I even saw an octopus.  The blue fish above was taunting it.

 I purchased an underwater bag for my camera and it worked out great to keep my camera dry and sand free.  I think I could snorkel all afternoon.

 Sea turtle munching some lunch. 

Up on the beach, Elena was having a grand time making sand castles and jumping in the tide pool Carl dug out for her.

Kīlauea Volcano

Today we drove 3 hours South of Kona, down to Kīlauea Volcano.  Above is the Halemaʻumaʻu Caldera spewing volcanic gases.

 The steam vents (smoke on the horizon) were very active thanks to the recent rain. 

Elena loved exploring.  Here she is pointing out a lava bubble.

 Walking through the lava tube!!

 A short break for a family photo :)

 Elena loved stretching her legs and running on the pathway through the jungle.

I think Carl enjoyed the run too :)

Waipi'o Valley

Akaka Falls

 We drove over to east side to see some waterfalls.  This is the Akaka Fall.

 Elena loved the waterfalls and the tropical rain forest that surrounded us peaked her curiosity. 

A' Bay Beach

 One of our favorite Big Island beaches is A' Bay Beach.

 Elena and Papa creating a volcano before we even went to see the volcano.  Elena enjoyed pouring water in the center.

Elena enjoyed her "boat" and giggled when Carl rocked the boat :)

From A' Bay one can see Maui'i and the beach is known for having sea turtles.  We were fortunate to see two turtles swimming over the course of our visit.  Both were enjoying the leaves washing ashore.

Old Kona Airport Beach

We spent this morning at the Old Kona Airport Beach.  Just as the name implies, this beach is just off the old runway.  The beach has a shallow, protected area great for relaxing, watching the surf crash and observing the marine life.

 I loved having an underwater bag for my camera.  In this picture you can't really tell, but this is an underwater picture.  Thanks to the sheltered area, shallow waters and heavier sand--the water was crystal clear.

 Elena swimming to me.  She only uses her legs but she really motors around!

 Scouting for marine life!

For the past month or so, Elena has been intensely interested in facial expressions while reading books.  During our vacation, she tried out her happy and sad faces.  Above Elena is being goofy with her happy face and it looks a bit more of a frown, maybe a happy frown--but so cute!

Pool Time in Kona!

Can I tell you how nice it is to have our own private pool?  It really makes me want to rethink water conservation in So. Cal and have a pool installed.  Of course water conservation isn't the only reason we won't put a pool in--it's just too expensive for us to install and maintain.  A girl can dream, can't she?

Although Elena protested her floaty at first, she really enjoys the buoyancy. 

 Elena and Grandma swimming in the pool.

 Elena jumping in!  (Grandma's hands are just out of the camera shot)

When she swims, she looks like a frog.  When she jumps in she yells "ribbit".  Adorable!

Today's sunset.

Aloha!

Testing the Underwater Camera Bag

 

Blub...blub...blub

This is what Carl looks like underwater :)

North Kohala: Pololu Valley

Today we took a scenic drive up to the North Kohala coast so we could hike down Pololu Valley.

 The area is very lush; probably my favorite part of the big island.  It started out a bit cloudy but we dodged any rain and instead hiked back up in the blazing sun and humid air.

 Elena rode on Carl's back on the way down.  Below you will see she took her turn hiking back up.

 At the bottom, we took a rest on the drift wood swing.  A nice hiker offered to take our picture.  Then we had snacks along the rocks and watched the ocean waves float across the shoreline.

 Though she's hanging on to my hand, she was very leery of the waves.  She was careful not be caught by the water.

 Careful steps on the lava rocks!

 Elena is cautiously running away from the waves :)

 Up the trail we go, lead by Elena!

Aloha!

Hapuna Beach

After visiting Pololu Valley and the quaint town of Hawi, we drove down the coast to Hapuna Beach for some beach time!

 I love this picture!  

We were in the ocean having fun.  I'm so glad I took a chance on an underwater bag for my camera.  The pictures, as long as I have my camera set on the correct settings, turn out nearly as nice as without the bag.  I love not worrying about getting water or sand in my camera.

 No beach experience with Carl is complete until the sand castle is built.

First Family Vacation

The last vacation Carl and I had was our honeymoon, three years ago.  Before we had Elena it seemed like we were taking a few mini-vacations (long weekends) and a least a week vacation every year.  We have been busy with life, visiting family and vacation funds limited since I wasn't working.  One of the perks of going back to work is a vacation.  And we decided to head back to Kona, our honeymoon spot.

 Elena wasn't the most stellar girl flying as she has been in the past.  She had a few mini meltdowns but enjoyed playing with Lina the 2 year old sitting behind her.  Both girls had fun playing peek-a-boo, chatting and sharing stickers.

 Aloha Hawai'i!
Here is our view of downtown Kona from the house. We're up on this hillside facing west---so the panoramic view is phenomenal.

 Elena enjoying lunch on the lanai with a view of the Pacific Ocean.

"Yummy in my tummy!"  Peanut butter and jelly sandwich and corn, couldn't ask for more :)

Sunset from the house.

I love renting a house instead of the hotel rooms--it works really well for kids and family when they visit :)  Tomorrow, Donna and Pat will drop in for a few days and later in the week, Rick and Rae Ann will be joining us.  I'll try to post more frequently while we are here.  Stay posted!  Ma'halo!