Hawaii - Day 3

December 28, 2009 - We started our day with a long scenic drive from Kona to Punalu'u Beach. It took about two hours of winding road and 30 m.p.h. speeds, but it was very interesting to see the changing landscape. We traveled through lush green coffee plantations, desolate lava fields, and grassy hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was well worth the drive because Punalu'u Beach is covered in fine black sand and home to many sea turtles. Surprisingly it wasn't even very crowded and we enjoyed several hours of swimming and wildlife watching. It was definitely a beach right out of a movie.

After getting our fill of sand and water we piled back in the car for the ride back to Kona. We made a stop in Na'alehu at the famous Punalu'u Bakeshop. We enjoyed yummy sweetbread, malasadas, and ice-cream before we realized we were running short on time. Upon returning to Kona we had a quick 45 minutes to shower and change before heading back out to the Sheraton for the Firenesia Luau.

The luau was a fun night. The kids had a great time learning to be warriors with their poi balls and fire sticks. The adults enjoyed the all you can drink mai tais and buffet. The show was more theatrical than authentic luau but they did the hula and it was exciting to watch the fire dancers. We finally made it back to the condo late that night with the kids entertaining us with their ukuleles the whole ride home.

Jacob and Olivia at Punalu'u Beach

More sea turtles today! Jacob and Michael swam with a few while snorkeling.

Jacob watching the turtles from his perch on the rocks.

They turtles even came out to sleep on the beach. We made sure not to touch and stay back an appropriate distance.

A turtle munching his lunch in the background while the family poses.

Beach Beauty

I know you can hardly see us in this picture but I wanted a picture of the sand more than us.

There are plenty of shots of palm trees and ocean but I thought this was pretty. We had the ocean on one side and this lily pond on the other with the black sand beach in the middle.

Big brother lending a helping hand.

This is the beautiful view at the Sheraton where we went for the luau.

The whole family - Uncle Sean, Auntie Brandie, Jessica, Michael, Olivia, Grandma Vickie, Grandpa Larry, and Jacob

Doing the hula

Some more hula at the table. Olivia and Jacob entertained everybody while we waited for dinner and the show to start.

The musical portion of the evening.

Getting ready for the buffet line we stopped to check out the Kalua pork.

We couldn't help but buy the professional luau portrait!