Part of the reason we were able to go to Hawaii now is because some friends of ours, Dick and Jodi, recently retired to the Big Island, so we were able to stay with them (the other part is we were able to use our frequent flier miles for tickets). Dick was John's boss when I met him, some ten plus years ago, and he also brought John with him when he moved to Texas, and then they worked together in Atlanta just before we moved and Dick retired. So, we go back a good ways, and we had SUCH a great time hanging out with them and chatting, laughing, catching up, and, well, more laughing (or maybe it was just me?). They were great hosts, showing us all around the island and doing something different every day. We had a fabulous time, in case you haven't gathered that yet. So, Dick and Jodi, MUCH mahalo to both of you for an awesome time!
The first day we were there, we went to the beautiful Akaka Falls. The first thing I noticed about Hawaii is all the different types of trees, plants and flowers that you just don't see anywhere else. It was stunning. So even the walk to the waterfall was beautiful!
These trees, called banyan trees, are all over the Big Island, and they are HUGE. See us standing in the middle of it? Just to give you a little perspective (and that's Dick on the right taking a picture).
Then we walked through the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden at Onomea Bay. This is the kind of stuff I'm talking about - look at this flower!
Walking through the Botanical Gardens, which was along the ocean. Beautiful!
Another photo walking through the gardens:
Then we visited Luapahoehoe, which is where a small school was located, and in 1946 a tsunami came and swept the school, as well as the children and teachers, away. This is the memorial to those who lost their lives. These types of memorials are common in Hawaii, whether it's a formal memorial like this one, or on the side of the road, but there are always lots of rocks and necklaces and flowers involved.
This is in Luapahoehoe, looking out to where the tsunami came in.
Hawaii was full of signs that you just don't see around here. Here's one of them that made me laugh:
That wraps up Day One in Hawaii. And yes, it has taken me this long to go through all the photos just from the first day. (But keep in mind that since John is home and job-searching, when he is on the computer I can't edit my photos or blog, so it takes a little longer than usual!).
So, I'm going to ask for your opinion. I'm going to go through the photos anyway and edit them so I can get them printed, but are ya'll interested in every day in Hawaii, or would you rather just have a re-cap in one post? I don't want to bore my readers, and even though we had a blast and it was wonderful, if you weren't there experiencing it, I don't know if it would be the same. So you tell me. Day to day posts or one big post?
I am adding a Hawaii Album on the left, though, so you can check there for more photos either way.
I think you are a great writer and photographer, so if you experienced it, let's see it! Day by Day please. Is this because I'm just a twinge jealous and trying to live vicariously through you? Perhaps!
Posted by: Liz | March 05, 2008 at 10:46 PM
girl the more the better - silly question!
Posted by: Ashley | March 06, 2008 at 12:31 AM
I want to see it all. I may never get to Hawaii and I, also, can see it through you. Keep it coming!!
Posted by: MiMi | March 06, 2008 at 01:50 PM
keep em coming!
Posted by: Renee Wilmath | March 06, 2008 at 03:43 PM
I'm so glad you and John got to go away together and to visit with old KC friends too. I'm enjoying seeing your excellent photos of God's amazing tropical creation!
Posted by: Renee | March 06, 2008 at 06:05 PM