BIG ISLAND, BIG ADVENTURE
If you know me then you likely know that I have an unparalleled love for the Big Island of Hawaii, which began in January of 2016. The plan was to see the volcano and the photographer in me was pumped.
NEWS FLASH TO EVERYBODY PLANNING THIS TRIP: THE LAVA IS NOT ALWAYS VISIBLY EXPLODING INTO THE OCEAN…or anywhere for that matter. But the volcanic activity is constant and ever-changing and technically, the described scene is always possible. (More about this later though…in another post.)
That aside, long story short, my initial trip was so incredible that we began to plan a summer trip to Maui. The more we talked about our trip, the more others began showing interest and the more people that hopped on-board, the more we thought we should return to the Big Island. All of the islands have beaches and views but all of them do not have Mt Kilauea. By the time the tickets were purchased, there were TWELVE of us going. We booked a beautiful villa and threw together an itinerary based off of our previous trip’s ups and downs.
No kidding, I think it was four days after purchasing tickets, my hubbs received orders to deploy. With too much already invested, I continued on the trip with the rest of the group. I guess that sounds kind of messed up, but I don’t know how to explain the gravitational pull this island has on me. So yeah, I went…and I had the trip of a lifetime.
When I returned and Chad got back from his deployment, I could not shut up about my trip. I don’t know if it was because I drove him crazy or because he was curious but six months later he and I were on a plane to…the Big Island.
Yes you read that right:
Big Island, six months later, Big Island, six months later…Big Island.
At this point I wish I could say I’ve finally become a local but that’s just not the case. However, after three extensively planned trips, back to back to back, I’d love to offer some recommendations (with confidence) for your’s.
I’d like to say these are in no particular order but…personal pref…
When I get around to it, I’d like to make my itinerary that I created/used public. I think it’s really helpful because it’s mapped out in a way that makes the most efficient use of time.
I have definitely had a few people ask me for tips planning vacations to the Big Island and the one thing I cannot stress enough is how BIG the ‘Big Island’ really is. There is so much to see, you must be selective and strategic! At the end of the day nobody wants to feel stressed out in paradise.
My time on the island remains at the top of my list and I’m so excited to share my experiences with you. Please click around and use my trip to help plan yours!