While on the Big Island, Dusty, Becca & Gramps did the Big Island Spectacular Helicopter tour... WHOA! We agree 100% with the Travel Channel who called this tour "The best helicopter thrill in the world."
In a 2 hour time frame, we were flown over Volcano National Park. Even with the vog, we got some amazing views of LAVA FLOW (above).
Witnessed lava as it entered crystal blue ocean water (above).
Ventured towards Hilo and flew into deep, lush vallies loaded with waterfalls (above).
And just sat back and took in the spectacular coastline. Our final view on the tour was a snowcapped Maunakea...... ridiculous sensory overload. We took in 11 of the 14 known climate zones in 2 hours!!!!!
We finished our helicopter tour with hands down the best sushi any of us have ever had. If you are ever in Kohala, Hawaii... you got to go to Sushi Rock! Whoa! So good. Puts a whole new meaning behind the hawaiian word ONO! Big thanks to our Pilot Tim for the recommendation.
Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour photos
Getting to the Big Island was an adventure in itself. We took a 8 or 9 seater Pacific Wings airplane. Our pilots sat right infront of us... too funny! Even with the vog, we got some great views leaving Maui headed towards the Big Island. AND no one got motion sickness.
Maui to Big Island Photos & Capt. Cook kayaking
While on the Big Island, we also spent a leisurely day kayaking & snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. This bay is the very area Captain Cook first arrived in Hawaii. A few years later, it would also be his final resting place. Hope you enjoy our photos!
For our 5th Anniversary we took a scenic coast drive to Kailua, a beautiful town on the Windward side of Oahu. We took our time and made lots of stops along the way. Above is an area called Bellows Beach... so nice!
Once in Kailua, we headed to a hike we heard about called Maunawili Falls. So refreshing to be outside in such green nature. Sato (with Dusty above) especially enjoyed today. Makena (with Mommy below), as usual, had a great time, too!
