"Kona Resorts" - Hawaii Day 8

Suz and I spent Day 8 touring hotels and shopping. We headed from the Fairmont Orchid to the Kona Village Resort. The Kona Village Resort is one of the most interesting resorts I've been to. The resort has been around since the 1960's. The rooms are actual bungalows located on top of the hardened lava over looking the ocean. The bungalows do not have air conditioning, phones or television. Meals are included, which is unheard of in Hawaii. (drinks additional) Plus, they have a great family friendly feel. I thought it was awesome!!

Just remember "no life guard on duty"

Great bay area for kayak's

No, lifeguards, but you still have protection.

The bungalows at the Kona Village Resort

No fishing!

Our next hotel was the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu. This resort is AMAZING! I had been told from many of my co-workers that this is the # 1 resort on all of the Hawaiian islands. It is true!!! No wonder the movie stars flock to this resort. From the lobby to the pool, to the restaurants, and the beautiful beach, this resort is HIGH CLASS and breathtaking. Here is a quote from the resort website: "Opulent luxury, no pretension. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf course, full-service spa, incomparable dining and six pools will keep you there. The friendly, attentive service will make you never want to leave." OC Metro, February 2008...... I totally agree!

Quiet Pool at the Four Seasons

Random shot of a flower pot on the grounds of the Four Seasons

Pool # 2 at the Four Seasons
This shot makes me want to be there right this minute!

Loved this. Shhhh...the Turtles are resting!

Perfect for the generational family getaway!
There is a chair for everyone!

Old School Classic Beach Car!

Once I could tear myself away from the Four Seasons, Suz and I headed to our resort for the night, which was the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. Along the way we stopped at the Kings and Queens outdoor mall's. This is one of the best places in Kona for dining and shopping, however I discovered the stores were mainly stores found at home. However, King's did have some very high end shops such as Couch, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Tommy Bahama's.

The Marriott was another beautiful resort and the perfect resort to end my stay in Hawaii. We arrived near sunset and here are a few of my favorite sunset shots.

The cabana on the beach.

Sunset Surfing

A mom and her naked toddler walking the beach at sunset.

A couple strolling along the beach at sunset.

This was my final night on the islands. My heart is never far from home, but it was hard to leave such a beautiful place. I spent my final day lounging at the pool. I think after 8 days, it was time to relax at the pool. :) Around 7PM, I started my journey home, which took 3 planes and 12 hours. Was it worth it? YES!!!

Top 5 things I learned...

1) Waikiki is full of entertainment, resorts, nightlife, and restaurants. You also have Pearl Harbor, China Town, rain forest's, high-end shopping and beautiful beaches. I suggest 3-4 nights in Waikiki.
2) You need to make it to the North Shore, which is an amazing drive through lush green landscapes and breathtaking beaches. Plus, don't forget Ted's Bakery and Giovanni's Shrimp Truck along the way.
3) The Turtle Bay Resort is the perfect escape from the city life of Waikiki. It is also located near the Polynesian Cultural Center. Which is another must see!
4) Landing in Kona, on the big island, is like landing on Mars, because of the dried black lava as far as the eye can see. However, the resorts are gorgeous, and 20 minutes away is the green lush mountains and valley's that bring the island to life. The volcano is a helicopter ride or 4-5 hour drive from the Kona area.
5) The top resort in Waikiki is the Kahala Resort. The top resort in Kona is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

I'm headed to Mexico, so check back in a week for updates. Adios!

"Kona Safari" - Hawaii Day 7

I knew that Kona had to be green and lush somewhere. I mean, its an island! So, on Day 7 we took off with Hawaii Forest and Trail to North Kohala. The drive was about 25 minutes from the Fairmont to the historic Kohala Mule Station overlooking Pololu Valley. We spent about 6 hours on a 6 wheel PinzTrek. Our guides were fabulous!! Here are some of my favorite pics!

Our Departure

Our Gang

Our Trail

Our View

Our Adventure
(Risking my life for a great shot)

Our Guides
(Showing us the tarot plant fields)

Our Ride

Our Island

Later that night I enjoyed the music of "Full Circle"

Plus hanging with friends, Lily and Suz

Oh...and my friend Elvis

I guess I'm not his only fan

I'll be back tomorrow with the #1 resort in all of Hawaii!! Make sure to check it out. :)

"Over to Kona" - Hawaii Day 6

I left the JW Marriott in Oahu around 9AM to catch an 11AM inter-island flight to Kona. It cost about $130 round-trip on Hawaiian Airlines. The flight was only about 45 minutes. (iPod on...iPod off...)

When I first landed in Kona I was excited to see the cute outdoor airport. This is the Hawaii, I had expected. They even had hula dancers performing for passengers waiting to board their flights.

Kona Airport

I was picked up at the airport by town car. Though, my driver was awesome, my drive from the airport was less than impressive. All I could see was dry black lava as far as the eye could see. Plus, there was a fog called "Vog" (volcanic smog) covering the island.

Volcanic Cave along the freeway

However, once I reached the resort....I was in awe!!
Suzanne, and I in front of the Fairmont Orchid.

The grounds were amazing. Tropical flowers, and waterfalls everywhere.

View of the pool from the lobby of the Fairmont.

View of the koi ponds in front of my room.

View of the beach (lagoon) at the Fairmont.

Isn't this what everyone needs when relaxing at the beach.

Not just a plain lounge chair for me. :)

Note: VOG
Note: Black Sand Beaches
Note: The white rocks are used for graffiti...

Such as this...
(It actually said Chris Loves Amy,
and I was too lazy to change it.)

The flowers were breathtaking!

We were lucky enough to stay on the concierge level at the Orchid. If, you can afford it, I would recommend it. It includes valet parking (normally $21 per day) plus food, drinks, and internet, throughout the day.

Check back tomorrow to hear about the GREEN side of the island. I risked my life for a great shot, so make sure to check it out. :)

"Horses, Dessert, and Surfing" - Hawaii Day 5

On Day 5 the group toured the Turtle Bay Resort. This resort is secluded on 800 acres of the North Shore. The North Shore has some of the best surfing in the world. The property has a golf course, and two private bays. I'm pretty sure that every single room has a view of the ocean. The pool area was great. You could sit at the pool and watch those brave enough to surf.

View of the Turtle Bay

View from the pool of some surf watching

Horseback Riding at the Turtle Bay Resort

Another Road Less Traveled...

View of the Turtle Bay from a top my horse "Coconut"

Standing in front of Ted's Bakery

Home of the BEST Coconut Pumpkin Pie in the WORLD!!

On our way to the JW Marriott,
we stopped at Sunset Beach to watch the pro's.

Scott felt like he learned enough from the pro's to try it himself?

What do you think of his form?

The worlds best Dole Whip (Pineapple Smoothie)
was found at the Dole Plantation. (You must stop here)

Our final night was spent at the JW Marriott Ihilani
This resort is GORGEOUS!! (5 Star)

Another end to a perfect day!
I finally figured out how to take a picture of the sunset. :)
This is a view of the lagoon from my room.

"Journey to the North Shore" - Hawaii Day 4

Day 4 started early!! We departed the Outrigger at 6AM heading to the North Shore and a night at the Turtle Bay Resort. I enjoyed Waikiki, but I was anxious to visit the mountains and garden part of the island. The entire ride, which is about 2 hours, was breathtaking!!

Sunrise in Waikiki

Moana Surfrider, the oldest hotel in Waikiki.
It is a luxury resort operated by the Westin. Gorgeous!!
This is my favorite resort in Waikiki.

Hanauma Bay - Nature Preserve
Note: Closed on Tuesdays - Small cost to enter the bay
Perfect for snorkeling!!
20 Minutes from Waikiki

Senator Fong's Botanical Plantation & Gardens
A Road Less Traveled...

Our group received a guided tour from Patsy Fong
Senator Fong's Daughter-in-Law
She pulled a melon off the tree and gave it to Geoff to eat right there.

Patsy gave me a lime for my 30 mosquito bites. It worked!!

Secret Island at Kualoa Ranch
(50 First Dates was filmed here)

Secret Island is perfect for a beach wedding.

Entrance to Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch - A 4000 acre working ranch
Site of ABC's Lost, and multiple movie's such as:
Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, Jurassic Park, Windtalkers, and Godzilla

I'm hiding from the dinosaurs. Shhhh!

I recommend the movie tour,
but those on the ATV's also seemed to be having fun! :)

On our way to the North Shore we stopped at
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck. YUMMY!!
I also had one of many Pineapple Smoothies. Double YUM!

We arrived at the Turtle Bay Resort located at the North Shore
and headed straight to dinner at Ola's.
Again, it was an amazing dinner! All 5 courses!

Time for bed!
View of the sunset from my room at the Turtle Bay Resort.

Next up is horseback riding and the Dole Plantation. Check back soon. :)