Leis + Sunkissed Days: Our Trip to the Big Island

March 9, 2017

I’m baaaaack! Omg it feels like I haven’t blogged in foreverrrr. I had every intention of blogging while we were in Hawaii but sun, sand, and Mai Tais got the best of me. Can ya really blame me? And then we got back on Monday and I’ve been catching up on sleep, approximately 2.5 tons of laundry, and planning Olivia’s birthday party this Saturday. (Send help + coffee!) But before time gets away from me, I want to share some pics from our trip and my thoughts on Hawaii and our hotel. And I will also be writing a post on toddler travel tips and essentials– coming soon! 🙂

The Big Island

Okay, so let’s talk about Hawaii (if you missed how I convinced Hubby to go to Hawaii, read that post here). We wanted to get away and found a great deal staying at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii. Everyone kept asking which island we were going to and that’s what it’s called: Hawaii aka the Big Island.

The Big Island is the largest and newest of all the Hawaiian islands and it’s still growing because of the two active volcanoes. We stayed on the Kona side of the island and I swear it felt like we landed on the moon when we got there because of the black lava rock that is EVERYWHERE.

The first couple of days were kind overcast and drizzly and I worried that I wouldn’t get the tan that this pasty mama needed. But by the third day the sun was out in full force and we were able to spend time in the water.

Hilton Waikoloa

The Hilton Waikoloa had this manmade lagoon where ocean water flows in freely and brings fish and even huge sea turtles along with it. It was easily the coolest thing about the hotel. I liked how we could let Olivia play in the sand and water without worrying about huge waves or an undertow. You can snorkel, go paddle boarding or rent a paddle boat. I tried paddle boarding for the first time and LOVED it!

splashing

Tank Top

The Hilton Waikoloa Hotel grounds were beautiful and well kept and it was the biggest hotel property I’ve ever been to. By the end of every day we had walked nearly 20,000 steps (thanks FitBit!) just walking around the property. The hotel also has a tram and water taxis to get you to the three different hotel structures. While that was helpful, the hotel was way too big and no easy way to get from one location to another without a 20 minute walk.

There were several different pools and water slides and we never had a hard time finding a spot to sit at any of the pools or lagoon. While the Hilton has enough dining options that you don’t ever have to leave the hotel, we thought the food at the hotel was average at best. Not to mention SUPER DUPER expensive. So we did venture out quite a bit.

White Dress | Sunglasses

Exploring

We rented a car for a couple of days so that we could explore the island. (We totally rocked a minivan!) We drove up to Umauma Falls and walked around a bit. Umauma Falls was pretty but kinda anticlimactic. You just walk up a hill, see the falls, and then walk back down. But it was nice to see the more lush, green part of the island.

We went to Lava Lava Beach Club on the last night of our trip and it was hands down our favorite spot. Had we gone there sooner we might not have ever left. It’s right on the beach with the most spectacular view of the sunset. They have live music, outdoor games, and it’s kid friendly. If you’re ever on the Big Island, you have to go there.

Seeing the sunset is a must when in Hawaii and Hawaii did not disappoint. These pictures just don’t do it justice.

daddy daughter big island hawaii sunset

More places to go + things to do on the Big Island

  • Island Lava Java: this place was recommended to me by a couple of people and it was one of the best breakfasts we had on the island. It also prompted me to go out and buy a bottle of coconut syrup because apparently I’ve been missing out my whole life. SO YUMMY.
  • Kings’ Shops + Queens’ Shops: Two outdoor malls that are across the street from each other and have cute shops where you can buy clothing and souvenirs. We also saw a free Hula show here!
  • Shops at Mauna Lani: my friend told me about this mall and how they have a free Polynesian show on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm. We went because I was not about to pay for $125/person for tickets to a luau. It was perfect because it was only about 30 minutes, which also happens to be the maximum amount of time Olivia can sit still. 🙂
  • The Blue Room: This Parisian/Hawaiian restaurant was in the Shops at Mauna Lani mall and was delish! Order the coconut chicken and you won’t be disappointed.
  • Big Island BrewHaus: We found this spot from a quick Yelp search and it was a very cool, farm to table restaurant. I had the black bean falafel burger that was the bomb dot com!

kortni jeane

Matching Suits

I feel like I just wrote so much and yet I barely scratched the surface. If you have any questions or need any recommendations for the Big Island, please let me know!

XO,

L

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  • Sumeila March 9, 2017 at 7:45 am

    Wow it all looks and sounds amazing !

    I LOVE all the pictures of Livy 🙂

    By the way, you hair really grew!! its so long – beautiful!

    I am glad you enjoyed yourself and thank you for sharing Sis.

    Luh You!

    -Sumeila

  • Marty March 9, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    Looks and sounds like your family vacay was a success! You looked fantastic in your cute outfits; so did Olivia and the hubby🤗. Are planning your next vacay? Glad all went well.

  • Jerry DiPego March 9, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    Looks like a wonderful time for you peeps!

  • Lindsay March 12, 2017 at 8:53 am

    What a spectacular vacation!! Your pictures are breathtaking and your family looks so happy. Love the matching suits and all of your outfits : )