A Lazy Day at 'A' Bay eh?!

It's been a windy 24 hours but it eased off this morning so we went over to 'A' Bay to swim.  We've developed a system of what to take, who carries what, and how to pack the back of the SUV with (almost) everything we need.  Today we didn't take the boogie boards to the beach so it was pretty easy.

Ted and Sheila enjoying the sun and surf.

We forgot an opener but a friendly woman nearby offered her flip flop that had an opener in the sole!

Today's biggest problem was solved, now back to relaxing...

Kahalu'u Beach Snorkeling

Right in Kona there's a little bay that has a great protective reef that's starts off nice and shallow and has lots of beautiful fish and turtles.  It's perfect for beginners, kids, and a place to just watch people enjoy the ocean.

They even swam with turtles - Ted's becoming Jacque Cousteau with the camera!

Volcano Day

We got up early and drove over to the east side of the Big Island in order to have a full day to see a few sights around Hilo. The forecast was for a cloudy day so we figured it would be good day to miss the beach and pool.

Akaka Falls

Banyan tree

The local Farmers Market where Sheila bought papayas had some interesting vendors.  After that it was about a half hour drive to the crater..

Site where lava covered entire roadways. See the person atop the lava field in the background .

We stood at the lookout at the edge of the Kilauea crater and it was unreal, unfortunately the pictures don't do it justice at all.  It has to be seen in person.  

Thurston lava tubes

Looking over the edge as waves crashed into the steep side.

At the Volcano Lodge we had a meal and waited for darkness to fall as we watched the crater seem to come to life. Daytime it looks like smoke,  it's evening when it's power shows.

Red Flag Day!

Our good friends Ted and Sheila flew in from Prince George last night so first thing this morning we went to Hapuna Beach to catch some waves.  Turns out it was a red flag day, how fun is that?!

It was a lot of laughs!

Mauna Kea

 Another day, another beach - I guess that's what you do in paradise so we headed out to Mauna Kea beach to check it out.  The public access is through the Mauna Kea Resort road which seems to be the norm around here.

We found our spot and set up for the afternoon.

Best invention is the lawn chairs with the straps to carry them like a back pack.

I went for a swim and Ted put the snorkel gear on and went to try out our new underwater camera.

Not bad for a start!

As I was sitting on the beach I saw this guy swim right up close to shore, very friendly!

Beachside Seats

Yesterday was one of those blue sky days that we dream about waking up to every day on vacation. Ted headed to the Fairmont Orchid for a tennis clinic, I headed to the pool - I'm not risking another broken foot this year.  Late in the afternoon we decided to go over to the Lava Lava for happy hour, a popular place but we were able to score a great beachside lounge table with comfy chairs.

Beach seats make you want to stay 'til sundown!

Local father and son guitar duo

Sunset at 'A' Bay

Anaeho'omalu Bay

We hung around in our own backyard so to speak today, checking out the sights at our local beach here in Waikoloa Beach Resort - commonly called 'A' Bay for obvious reasons.  Before we left the condo though Ted had some dry-land practising to do as he promised the grandkids he'd attempt a headstand on a surf board while he is here in Hawaii.  (I made no such promise!)

                            Then it was time to head over to the beach

Local fisherman was casting his net.

Someone spent the day honing their balancing skills.

Snack shack

Outrigger heading out

Lots of turtles right at the shore.

Another hectic day so we took a break for refreshmments

Rather a unique stop sign on the way out!