Hawai'i

[khiemtran]

This past week, I've been at Waikoloa Beach on the Big Island of Hawai'i. It was a work trip, but I did manage to get out at break times and during the evenings.


I've never been outside the airport at Hawai'i before, and I was actually quite surprised. I can see why it's such a popular holiday destination. The climate was almost perfect and the locals were wonderful. It's now my favourite place in the U.S.



To say it's relaxing is an understatement. It's hard to get too stressed over work when you have sunsets like this to look forward to each night.



Here's the view from my hotel room. As you can see it's on the edge of a lava field (more on this later).



And when the sun strikes at just the right angle, you can even see the observatories on Mauna Kea.



But, best of all, there was a coral reef to explore just off shore and these green sea turtles could often be found basking on the beach.



Perhaps the most telling experience of the trip was sitting in the "gate lounge" at Kona International Airport. You've never seen an airport lounge anywhere where the passengers were calmer or more relaxed. Why can't all airports look like this?



I guess this why it's called a "gate"...



And, while you chill in the gentle breeze, how about some hula and slack key guitar?

Comments

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

It sounds idyllic! I'm glad you managed to snatch a little time to explore.

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

Yes, it was a very pleasant place to go to work. Although it was a bit hard heading off each day to a cold meeting room, when everyone else was getting ready to go out paddleboarding or out on excursions around the island.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I'd like to go to Hawai'i someday. Really go on hikes and see the countryside.

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's a great place for a holiday. I was really surprised by the variety of terrain in such a small space.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Ditto this!

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

Apparently (according to the in-flight magazine), Google is also gathering StreetView style images of various Hawai'ian walking trails, by means of a backpack-mounted camera. It will be interesting to see what they do with it,

[osprey-archer.livejournal.com]

Turtles! That looks like an idyllic trip, even if it was for work. Lovely beaches and sunset.

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

The turtles were very cool. When I first saw one on the sand, I wasn't sure if it was sure sort of statue or sculpture until I looked closer and saw that it was real.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I'd love to fall down and rest with as much relaxed-ness as those turtles are showing!

Sounds like it was a wonderful trip.

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

Sometimes turtles can be an excellent example to us all...