The Big Island of Hawaii

Our sweet jeep for the rugged terrain of the Big Island.
Really, we didn't need the 4WD for exploring, but
it was really fun to take the tops off and drive the island!

Tuesday, we travelled to the the Big Island of Hawaii.  Through Spencer's program we were able to get a great deal on a room at the Hapuna Beach Prince Resort.  It was a beautiful resort in the northwest tip of the island.  As I've mentioned in earlier postings, the Big Island is the youngest of all of the islands of Hawaii.  It is the only island with active volcanoes.  It is also the most diverse of the 3 islands we have now visited.  Landing in Kona, you are in the middle of black rock everywhere- just like there was a recent volcanic activity, and the only life you see for miles is random areas of grass growing on this black rock.  Then, our resort appeared in this beautiful green section and looked out over a really nice bay with clear turquoise water with a soft beige shoreline.

black lava rock everywhere- here areas of grass growing on it

view from the resort

view of the resort from the beach

Spencer had worked the last few nights, so we took the opportunity to just relax the rest of the day.  The resort's beach area was great, and the pool was very relaxing!  

Twilight from the pool

I will say that the best meal I've had the entire month was at this GREAT place in Kailua-Kona called Island Lava Java.  I had a spinach wrap that included the following roasted vegetables- eggplant, summer squash, butternut squash, mushrooms, zucchini, onions, carrots, and red & green bell peppers with hummus and macadamia pesto.  Oh my- I would do anything for this recipe.  It was AMAZING!  Spence had more fish tacos- very tasty.

BEST wrap I've ever had- LOVED it!

Fish tacos with black beans and homemade fries