It’s truly hard to believe that another month has flown by, and we’re already welcoming February. It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year, and now January is a fond memory. As they say, time truly does fly when you’re immersed in joy and unforgettable experiences. For my husband Garrat and me, the past month was filled with exactly that: pure bliss, as we embarked on an incredible 8-day journey to the breathtaking Big Island of Hawaii for our honeymoon. Without a doubt, it was the best vacation we’ve ever had, a truly magical escape that exceeded all our expectations.
While I might find myself exclaiming similar sentiments after many of our adventures, there’s something uniquely profound about Hawaii that solidifies its reputation as a true heaven on earth. Every corner of this Pacific paradise whispers tales of ancient beauty and vibrant life, making it an unparalleled destination for romance, adventure, and relaxation. Our choice for this unforgettable honeymoon was the Big Island, officially known as Hawaiʻi Island, and it certainly lives up to its name. It’s the largest of the Hawaiian islands, surpassing the combined landmass of all the other islands, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences that are simply unmatched. During my extensive research to decide which island would be perfect for us, I consistently encountered the advice that “no matter which Hawaiian island you choose, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time.” Having now experienced the Big Island, I wholeheartedly endorse this sentiment. Our primary reasons for choosing this particular island were its captivating active volcanoes and the allure of its lush botanical gardens, promising a blend of awe-inspiring natural wonders and serene beauty.
Our time there was absolutely phenomenal. We were privileged to witness so many natural wonders that words alone simply cannot capture their essence. Even photographs, as beautiful as they are, struggle to do justice to the sheer scale and vibrant spirit of what we encountered. Nevertheless, I’m thrilled to share our journey through a collection of photos, hoping they convey even a fraction of the wonder we felt. Be warned: this post is extensively detailed and richly illustrated, packed with memories and visual delights. I sincerely hope you enjoy reliving our Hawaiian adventure with us.
For our enchanting stay on the Big Island, we chose The Palms Cliff House Inn, nestled in the charming town of Hilo, HI. This exquisite inn proved to be a tranquil haven, a truly beautiful, peaceful, and secluded **bed and breakfast** that offered an atmosphere of absolute relaxation. Imagine waking up each morning to the soothing sounds of the ocean, stepping out onto your private lanai, and being greeted by an expansive ocean vista. If you’re lucky, as we sometimes were, you might even catch a glimpse of playful whales frolicking in the distance, a truly magical sight that underscores the unique serenity of this location.
The hospitality at The Palms Cliff House Inn was exceptional. Every morning, the gracious homeowners treated us to a freshly prepared, utterly delicious, and wonderfully hot breakfast. These gourmet meals were not only a delightful start to our day but also remarkably substantial, keeping us feeling satisfied and energized well into the afternoon, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in our daily adventures without interruption.
Hilo itself is a delightful town, offering a refreshingly authentic Hawaiian experience, largely untouched by the overwhelming tourist crowds found in some other destinations. This charming coastal town boasts a relaxed pace and a wonderful selection of exceptional local restaurants that truly showcase the island’s culinary prowess. Furthermore, Hilo’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring a multitude of Big Island’s most captivating attraction sites. From the lush botanical gardens that burst with exotic flora to the majestic Akaka Falls State Park and numerous other breathtaking natural wonders, everything is conveniently within reach.
For dinner, we wholeheartedly recommend two local gems that left a lasting impression on our palates: The Seaside restaurant, known for its fresh catches and serene ambiance, and The Ponds, which offers a unique dining experience amidst picturesque aquatic settings. These establishments truly embody the spirit of Hilo’s vibrant food scene.
And for all sushi lovers out there, you absolutely must make a pilgrimage to the Suisan Fish Market. There, you’ll discover the unparalleled delight of **ahi tuna poke**. For the uninitiated, poke is a quintessential Hawaiian raw fish salad, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that dance on your tongue. Our only regret – and perhaps, in a strange way, a blessing in disguise – was that we only discovered this heavenly bowl of ahi tuna poke on our very last day, just hours before boarding our flight home. Had we found it earlier in our trip, I’m almost certain we would have indulged in it every single day. Yes, it was *that* good. But then again, we confess to having a slight obsession with sushi and fresh seafood, so our enthusiasm might be slightly amplified! Nevertheless, it’s an experience not to be missed for any culinary adventurer on the Big Island.
One of our absolute top priorities during our Big Island honeymoon was to immerse ourselves in the vibrant local culture by exploring a **farmer’s market**. We were incredibly fortunate to discover Hilo’s expansive farmer’s market, which convenes twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday. This bustling hub of local commerce quickly became a highlight of our trip.
With over 100 diverse vendors, the market is a sensory feast, offering an incredible array of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, aromatic macadamia nuts, rich Kona coffee beans, delicious homemade baked goods, and unique handcrafted souvenirs. Browsing through the myriad stalls, engaging with local producers, and sampling the freshest produce was an experience in itself. The colors, the aromas, and the friendly atmosphere were captivating. To be honest, I found myself a little envious of the Hawaiians who have the privilege of enjoying such an abundance of fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. It truly underscores the island’s incredible fertility and the strong community connection to local agriculture. Visiting the Hilo farmer’s market offers not just a chance to buy delicious food, but a genuine glimpse into the heart and soul of Big Island life, making it a must-do for any visitor seeking an authentic experience.
Our love for nature led us to explore two of the Big Island’s most renowned botanical sanctuaries: the **Botanical World Adventures Garden** and the **Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden**. Both gardens were undeniably amazing, each offering its unique charm and a spectacular display of tropical flora. However, if I had to choose a favorite, I would lean slightly towards the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. It impressed us with its grander scale and an even more diverse collection of plants, creating an immersive journey through a living Eden. Beyond the sheer variety of botanical specimens, this garden also boasted stunning waterfalls cascading through the lush greenery and, to top it all off, offered breathtaking ocean views that perfectly complemented the verdant landscape.
At the Botanical World Adventures Garden, we marveled at the vibrant colors and unique formations of plants from around the globe. It’s an adventure in itself, with winding paths leading to hidden treasures and educational exhibits that deepen your appreciation for plant life.
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, on the other hand, felt like stepping into a prehistoric paradise. Located within a scenic valley and accessible only by foot, it offered an unparalleled sense of discovery. The sheer abundance of rare and exotic plants, coupled with the dramatic backdrop of waterfalls and ocean vistas, created an unforgettable experience that truly celebrated the raw beauty of Hawaii’s natural environment.
A trip to the Big Island would be incomplete without witnessing the raw, dynamic power of its most famous inhabitants: the volcanoes. **Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are among the most active volcanoes in the world**, and exploring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an experience that truly puts you in awe of Mother Nature’s incredible forces. As you drive through the park, you become a spectator to an ever-changing, dramatic landscape, a testament to the continuous creation and destruction shaping this island.
The scenery shifts dramatically before your eyes, transitioning from stark, rough lava fields that look like something from another planet, to the unexpected softness of black sand beaches formed by pulverized lava, and then merging seamlessly with the endless, vibrant blue of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a truly breathtaking progression of ecosystems, each telling a part of the island’s fiery story. One particularly fascinating part of our volcanic adventure was traversing the Thurston Lava Tube, an ancient cavern formed by flowing lava. Walking through this cool, dark tunnel, imagining the molten rock that once carved its path, was a unique and wonderful experience that offered a tangible connection to the geological wonders beneath our feet. This park is a vivid reminder that the Earth is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving and showcasing its majestic power.
Prepare to be absolutely awestruck by this magnificent natural spectacle! We were utterly captivated by Akaka Falls, a truly massive waterfall that plunges a staggering 422 feet into a lush gorge below. To simply call it “beautiful” feels like an understatement; it is a masterpiece of nature’s artistry. The sheer volume of water cascading over the cliff edge, creating a misty spray that catches the sunlight and forms fleeting rainbows, is a sight that imprints itself on your memory forever. Surrounded by a vibrant, verdant rainforest, the sound of the falling water is a powerful symphony, contributing to an atmosphere of profound tranquility and untamed wilderness. Walking the paved loop trail through the park allows for multiple vantage points, each offering a unique perspective on this breathtaking wonder and the surrounding tropical paradise.
On the southernmost tip of the Big Island lies a truly unique and captivating treasure: **Papakolea Green Sand Beach**. This extraordinary natural wonder is quickly becoming a popular destination for tourists, drawing visitors with its incredibly rare and distinctive olive-green sands. The journey to reach this secluded beach is part of the adventure itself. Upon parking our car, a friendly local immediately approached us to inform us that the actual beach was approximately three miles away. The path, he explained, was notoriously rough and only accessible by sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicles. He offered us a ride in the back of his well-worn pickup truck for a reasonable $15 round trip per person. Given the scorching heat of the day and the challenging terrain, we happily accepted his offer. It turned out to be the **best $30 spent** of our trip, saving us a long, arduous hike and allowing us to arrive at the beach refreshed and ready to explore.
My jaw quite literally dropped when we finally arrived at our destination. The sight before us was simply gorgeous, unlike anything I had ever witnessed. The unique olive-green sand, derived from olivine crystals eroded from a volcanic cinder cone, was incredibly smooth to the touch, and it contrasted spectacularly with the brilliant, turquoise blue of the Pacific Ocean. I could have spent hours there, basking in the sun and soaking in the surreal beauty of this geological marvel. However, with other incredible destinations awaiting our exploration, we reluctantly peeled ourselves away from this paradisiacal spot, carrying with us vivid memories of its unparalleled beauty.
After the mesmerizing experience at Papakolea, we packed up our sense of wonder and headed towards our next coastal discovery, the equally famous **Punaluu Black Sand Beach**. This iconic beach is not only celebrated for its striking ebony sands, formed from volcanic lava flowing into the ocean and cooling rapidly, but it is also renowned as a favored basking spot for a significant number of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu), making it a true ecological highlight.
During our visit, we were incredibly fortunate to encounter a magnificent, large sea turtle peacefully resting by the shore. Its ancient, wise eyes seemed to survey its surroundings with serene calm. As I was carefully taking photographs, mindful of maintaining a respectful distance, the turtle, almost as if sensing my admiration, slowly lifted its head and seemed to offer a gentle “Hello!” It was a truly unforgettable moment of connection with wildlife, and it absolutely made my day. The contrast of the dark sand against the vibrant blue ocean and the gentle giants that frequent its shores makes Punaluu Black Sand Beach a must-visit, offering both incredible natural beauty and profound wildlife encounters.
Among the many incredible experiences on our Big Island honeymoon, one particular highlight stands out as truly magical: watching a spectacular **sunset from the Mauna Kea Observatory complex**. Perched at an elevation of approximately 9,300 feet above sea level, well above the cloud line, the experience was utterly surreal and profoundly beautiful. To be so high among the clouds, gazing out as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking palette of fiery oranges, soft purples, and deep blues, was an unparalleled spectacle. Words truly fail to capture the ethereal beauty of that moment, and even photographs, while stunning, cannot fully convey the vastness and serenity we felt. The air was crisp, the silence profound, and the sense of being on top of the world was exhilarating. This memory of the Mauna Kea sunset will forever be etched in my heart as one of the most cherished moments of our entire trip, a perfect blend of natural wonder and serene contemplation.
Ah, and then there was **Waipio Valley**, yet another absolutely gorgeous site that left us speechless. Often referred to as the “Valley of the Kings” due to its historical significance to Hawaiian royalty, viewing this majestic valley from the lookout point at the top is in itself a breathtaking experience. The verdant cliffs plunge dramatically towards the ocean, revealing a patchwork of taro farms, wild horses, and the shimmering ribbon of a river winding its way to the sea. However, we had been told by locals that an even more spectacular reward awaited us at the bottom: a secluded, untouched black sand beach that beckoned with promises of unparalleled beauty. The catch? The steep, mile-long road leading down is famously challenging, with an average grade of 25%, making it one of the steepest roads in the United States and strictly limited to four-wheel-drive vehicles or experienced hikers.
Deciding to embrace the challenge, we embarked on the descent. The climb back up was indeed grueling, pushing our limits and proving to be quite a formidable test even for fit hikers. But was it worth every strenuous step? Absolutely! The beach at the bottom of Waipio Valley was nothing short of amazing, a vast expanse of incredibly fine black sand stretching between towering cliffs and the powerful Pacific waves. The raw, untamed beauty of this remote location was captivating. I could have sat there for hours, simply watching the magnificent waves crash against the shore, feeling the ancient energy of the valley. It was a profoundly breathtaking experience that solidified Waipio Valley as one of the Big Island’s most spectacular and rewarding destinations.
Still with me? Wonderful! We’re almost at the conclusion of our incredible journey, but there’s one last essential stop to share, offering a unique blend of history and culture.
Last but certainly not least, we dedicated some time to visit **The Kona Coffee Living History Farm**. This neat historic place provides a fascinating glimpse into a crucial part of Big Island’s heritage. It’s an immersive experience where you can truly step back in time to the early 1900s and witness firsthand how Japanese immigrants painstakingly cultivated coffee beans, establishing a legacy that continues to define the region’s world-renowned Kona coffee. Walking through the historical grounds, seeing the traditional farming methods, and learning about the daily lives of these pioneering families was a truly captivating and educational experience. It added a rich layer of cultural understanding to our trip, connecting us to the island’s industrious past and the origins of one of its most famous products.
During our unforgettable eight days on the Big Island, having the freedom to explore at our own pace was paramount. We rented a car and, by the end of our adventure, had clocked over 1000 miles, testament to the island’s expansive beauty and diverse attractions. While I’d love to boast that we’ve visited every single corner of this magnificent island, I’m absolutely certain there are countless more hidden gems and exciting activities awaiting discovery. The Big Island truly offers an endless array of experiences, from volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests to pristine beaches and vibrant local culture.
This honeymoon trip was nothing short of fantastic, a dream come true filled with unparalleled natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and profound moments of connection. The Big Island has captured our hearts, and we are already dreaming of our next visit. We would definitely be coming back to explore more of its wonders and relive the magic. Thank you so much for staying with me through this extensive recount of our Hawaiian adventure. I sincerely hope it was worth your time and perhaps even inspired your own journey to this incredible paradise!