Hawaii (Big Island) Photo Diary

My time on the Big Island of Hawaii is starting to feel like a distant memory so I figured I'd better get this photo diary up before that actually becomes a reality. Besides, looking at these photos brings back some very happy memories!

Each day of our vacation was an adventure as there was always something different to see and do. For example, our trip to the Green Sands Beach  (one of only two in the world). The hike/walk to get there took us across some interesting terrain that looked a bit like Mars... or what I imagine Mars to look like anyway.

Once we arrived, we had to climb down the rock side to get to the beach. See that green patch in the centre of the bay? That's where it was!

In the same area, we visited South Point, aptly named because it's the southern most point in the United States.

Of course, Hawaii also has the typical white sand beaches where we spent a lot of time lounging and swimming in the bright blue waters. I particularly loved Anaeho'omalu Beach, located in the Waikoloa area.

On a different day, we paid a visit to the Punaluu Black Sand Beach since I'd never seen one before.

My boyfriend and I visited quite a few snorkeling spots around the Island as well. Our favourite was right by Pu'uhonua Honaunau National Historic Park, which was a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian law-breakers.

This Big Island is also home to an active volcano, Kīlauea. Unfortunately it was raining when we went but it was still cool to see all the steam emanating from the volcano's active centre.

Because of the volcanoes, the Big Island has some very diverse landscapes, from fields of black lava rock to rolling pastures. Other parts (like the Pololu Valley Overlook) are covered in lush, green rainforest.

Since Kona Coffee is world-renowned, high on my to-do list was a plantation tour. We ended up going to Hula Daddy where we learned all about how coffee is grown, picked, and roasted.

And of course, every night we made sure to stop and watch the sunset. Such a simple activity, but it was one of my absolute favourite things to do.