Heidi and I took a puddle jumper with her mother Susie and grandmother Deedee from Maui to the Big Island for two days this past week. Dave, our host on the island had lots of big plans for us from deep sea fishing to snorkeling to bbqs up in the mountains. Things all came together just a few days earlier with getting the timing right for my dad and Cheryl to meet us for the two days as well.
Dave met us at the little commuter terminal in Kona and we headed straight for the harbor. The boat, named Koko, is an old style tuna fishing boat from the 20's with a big smoke stack in front coming straight up in your line of sight. The offshore water in Kona was calm as usual, all the winds being blocked by the huge volcanoes, and we trolled lines behind us. Our captain Dennis found a small pod of Pilot Whales about three miles offshore and asked if Heidi and I wanted to jump in. We were ready in a flash! At the end of the boat trip we had swam with pilot whales, an oceanic white tip shark, spinner dolphins, and we had seen a manta ray and rough tooth dolphins from the boat.
Dave's house is located up in the hills above Waimea. The area is very green and we discovered fruit laden trees almost falling over needing to be picked on his property. My dad and Cheryl found there way there with my impeccable directions and after a huge dinner Heidi and I tested out the hot tub in the early evening cool air.
My dad, laughing at the horse hiding in the bushes
The next day was a four wheel drive adventure down to explore Waipio Valley. This is a place I couldn't show Heidi last visit that I really wanted her to see. It didn't disappoint. Wild horses playing on the beach, beautiful waterfalls, big waves, and a great picnic with everyone. It was a great way to end out very quick Big Island visit. It is not bad having such a getaway only a 35 minute scenic flight away. It was also very fun spending time with part of my family and part of Heidi's.
Wild horses on the beach in Waipio Valley
*A night heron flies off its perch towards the deep valleys ahead