Hawaii on my mind...

I'm not sure if you are following the destruction of the Hurricane Irma, but it has certainly taken it's toll throughout the southeast. The destruction was catastrophic and I've said many prayers for those affected. While Atlanta didn't get hit the hardest by any means, Hartsfield Jackson did have gusts up to 70mph forcing many flights to get cancelled. Hubs and I were hoping to take a little getaway to South America but as I've explained we fly stand by. That being said, why even chance it with all the chaos ensuing currently. So we've adjusted our plans to a later date. I don't want you to think I'm complaining. I'm not. It's just I've been super excited to get more contact going on this blog. And since South America is whole new ballgame for both of us, it was going to be an amazing post.

To hold everyone over.. maybe I'll do a little reminiscing on our time on Kona. This little island was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I was shocked by how much the climate varies on an island you can drive around in a day.

I'm sad to say that Kona was only a day trip for us. We needed to kill some time and find better flight options for getting back to the mainland after a short stay in Honolulu. Total flight time to Kona was around an hour so we figured, why the hell not?

First off, the descent to the airport is just incredible. There's a tiny cove with a beautiful beach (yes, we managed to find it again later) and honestly, just the view of the ocean is enough to keep this girl happy. So after we landed and got our rental car, we started on our way. First stop, naturally, Ross. We found a shopping center and pulled in to get the essentials- beach towels and sunscreen. Always a must. While checking out, we asked a few of the locals what's the best stops to make on a day trip. One guy suggested Greenwell Farms for a coffee tour. For those of you who don't know me... other than water, I have two favorite beverages coffee and wine. I was so excited to hear Coffee Tours were a thing. I've done many a wine tasting but this ... oh man!

As we pulled up, a tour group was just getting started so we were able to take some time to look around before our group could get started. There were beautiful hibiscus plants every where, I don't know if I've ever seen blossoms that big. Once the tour got started, we walked around the farm and got to learn all about the process of growing coffee. But, I don't want to spoil it for you, especially because I highly recommend this for anyone visiting Kona. Once back at the start of the tour, you get to taste all the different types of coffee they grow. It is crazy how one plant can have so many distinct tastes. Of course, we bought a bag to bring home with us to enjoy!

View from Greenwell Farms on our tour

Hubs checking out the coffee plants

One of the many beautiful Hibiscus blossoms

From there we were told to try out The Coffee Shack located not to far from the farm. All I can say is holy views. If I thought scenery from the farm was stunning, then there are no words for this one. There were tons of lizards running around the deck and you could see lush vegetation going on and on until the shoreline. The coffee was incredible, not surprising, and the food hit the spot! I ended up trying the Papaya Special- half a papaya with fresh coconut, Lilikoi yogurt and fruit which comes with a side of two eggs and a pastry. OMG! I still dream about this meal.

Island friends helping us enjoy our meal

View from Coffee Shack. Definitely will be going back!

After lunch, we decided to find us a good beach. Hubs remembered the cove that we flew over as we landed and decided we should head back towards the airport to check that out. It turns out, the cove was a part of a state park called Kekaha Kai. DISCLAIMER: the drive to the parking lot is about a mile of unpaved volcanic lava that has hardened over time. If you have to pee, do it before you attempt the drive! Seriously though. I'm so thankful Hubs was driving because I wouldn't have made it. I mean even from the passenger seat I was telling debating if we were being ridiculous. Let's just say, Hubs and I had words about it. Finally we were able to park and walked about ten minutes to the beach. At this point, I ate my words. This was the most beautiful beach I've ever seen and there were maybe ten other people there. Also bonus for Hubs, he could satisfy his inner geek and watch all the planes.  We managed to see baby sea turtles in the bay too!

Our private paradise. Photo doesn't come close... 

Lava tubes on the side of the road before we entered the park

But alas, all good things must come to an end. We had to pack up and change before heading back to the airport. Luckily for us, most gyms will let you pay to use their showers ( I guess they get lots of tourists in Hawaii... ). We made a promise to each other that we will venture back to Hawaii again someday to spend more time. There's just so much to see on all the different islands.

And for now, I bid you adieu but hopefully only until next week!

Sunset at the Kona Airport