The Big Island

After our stint in Waikiki, we made our way to Kailua-Kona via Island Air on a 45-minute delight of a flight. Once airborne, our flight attendant doubled as tour guide and pointed out the islands, beaches and landmarks 5,000 feet below. We were almost disappointed that the flight was so short.

But making it to Kona had its definite perks. We initially made the mistake of not hiring a car and though it is possible to get around, nothing is particularly close when you have to walk. Fortunately, our hotel-cum-condo stay was located near a slew of tiny roadside beaches where we were able to catch glimpses of sunset, of wildlife, of food trucks:

 

Kind greetings everywhere you look:

The world's tiniest Catholic church:

Leis in vending machines :

Two days into our adventure, Gemma shuttled us around in her hired car for an epic day trip before we eventually were able to get a car of our own. The geology. The landscape.