Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Dreaming of the Big Island of Hawaii
What do you do when it’s April in Seattle and it’s cold and dark and the rain just won’t stop? Why not armchair travel to the Big Island of Hawaii? That’s right, I’m casting off the gray and clouds that threaten my skies and dampen my spirit and dreaming of my favorite Hawaiian Island. Yes, I’ve decided once and for all that my favorite of all the Islands is the Big Island of Hawaii and here’s why!
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
When I first saw it I swooned. This remote black sand beach is frequented by resting green sea turtles, rimmed by coconut trees and free of crowds. I wish I was there right now!
Akaka Falls
You walk the easy trail through lush tropical forest and arrive at this beauty. Pinch me again.
Snorkeling
I’m not a great swimmer but it was at Kahalu’u Bay, that I was first persuaded to try snorkeling. Easy access, shallow waters, lots of fish. Lifeguards. O the joy!
Hawaii Botanical Tropical Garden
Wander on nature trails through tropical rainforest, enjoying more than 2,000 species of tropical plants from around the world, passing streams and waterfalls on your way to Onomea Bay on the rugged Pacific Coast. We did that once. Once is not enough.
Kona Coffee Farms
Visit the farms and watch them process coffee beans with a cuppa fresh brew in your hands. Yes, please!
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau
Don’t try to pronounce it. Just go. And see why this ancient walled city on the southern Kona Coast was a Place of Refuge. And you’ll see more turtles too.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Walk the trails, stop by the Visitors Centers, but most of all look for the steam and lava erupting from vents in the Park.
Finally I leave you this parting shot from the top of the island, sunset on Mauna Kea.
I’m feeling better already. Is it too early to start planning next year’s trip?
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
OK, I admit. I am very envious of your trip. I doubt I will ever get there, short of winning the lottery. But at least I got to see some of it with you, Susanne. A wonderful experience.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I feel very fortunate to have visited such a wonderful place; and I love pulling out the pictures on a rainy day. 🙂
Oh my – it all looks wonderful. Those turtles! Thanks for brightening my evening on what has been a very gloomy day here 🙂
You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Lovely. Now that we live on the East Coast, Hawaii is out. I did visit Maui twice in the early 80’s when it was still pretty undeveloped. Never got to the big island. Thanks for the pictures.
It’s definitely easier getting to Hawaii from Seattle. I’m glad you got to see Maui when you were still on the west coast. thanks for your comment! 🙂
No, it’s not too early to plan next year’s trip! Can we join you?!! I just love all your travels, real and armchair ones, too! Thanks for faithfully posting. It’s always a breath of fresh air. Love you dear friend.
Thank you so much Lola! Yes please come with us!! Miss you and love you too!
Looks fabulous!! Thank you for the wonderful pics and time! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!