My Travel Diaries: The Big Island (Kona & Hilo) '13

Recently my family and I took another holiday visiting our all-time favourite spot: The Big Island. Its the biggest of all the Hawaiian Islands- but the least populated. It is definitely a less touristy and more rugged island that hasn't been commercialized. If you've been thinking about visiting the Big Island-hopefully some of my many photographs will convince you to experience the beauty of this island for yourself.  Lets go! 

In the Kona area, Mana Lani at the Farimont Orchid

Honu (Green Sea Turtle) are found all over the island! 

For all you cat lovers, the Big Island is full of wild, and mostly friendly cats like our little friend. 

Only in Hawaii! The best fruit to buy is from these little stands- it's local and fresh and very tasty! 

Did I mention that Honu are very friendly? 

We got the opportunity to take a tour of the sea horse

farms, through all the stages of their lives. 

We left Kona, and headed over to the other side of the island, Hilo. It's like going from desert to rainforest (literally!)

These frogs may be cute, but they are loud... 

If staying anywhere near Hilo: bring ear plugs! 

We had a fun day touring the volcano, looking at the crater...

...feeling the steam vents (hot hot hot!)

...and exploring the Lava Tubes.

We took a 4 hour hike total over 'Pahoehoe' or the smooth lava fields to see the lava flow.

In total on this trip we did 6 scuba dives exploring the

amazing ocean and discovering many creatures.

Your eyes are not deceiving you! Yes, sharks live near the coast of Hawaii, but these White Tip Reef Sharks are completely harmless and rather seemed to enjoy having us hang around and observe them. Have no fear!

Seeing these bad boys live was just like it was out of a movie, definitely a highlight!

That concludes our two week adventure on the beautiful Big Island. This is a place we have been fortunate enough to visit many times, and hopefully will continue to! Mahalo!

- Madi