Day 1 - Immediate change of plans - Kona.

Kim and I planned to spend our first 2 nights in Hawaii in a very rural part of the island on the northern coast - the Waipio Valley.  That all changed when we arrived and found that Tropical Storm Darby was threatening the eastern and northern parts of the island.  Even the place we were going to stay said they would refund our money worried it just wouldn't be safe.  

We did some quick recalculating and found availability in a resort in Kona.  

Once we got settled after a LONG day of travel (11 hours of flight time), we found ourselves relaxing into the island

Dinner at Ray's with a beer and sunset on the Pacific

The next morning (Saturday), we were up at the crack of dawn.  By 6:30, we were outside walking the resort and seeing the sounding coast and gardens.  I finally got to take a crack at using David P's camera (thanks Big-D!).  

Rocky coastline

Cooled lava from 1000s of years ago.

Part of the gardens and Hawaiian ruins near the resort. 

Kimmie enjoying the lava rock.  She didn't cry, but she was really excited! 

Keauhou Bay with the mountains and storm in the background.

We decided we would brave it and see if we could find a place to go snorkeling before the storm came in.  There are some state parks around were you can rent gear and just go out on public access areas. 

Unfortunately, all the public beaches were closed and no one was renting gear (a good idea I guess).  We did manage to see some cool things while wading in the surf.

Also, for those that don't already know this, Kim MUST put her feet in the water wherever we go somewhere new.  The Kahului Bay didn't disapoint.  

Sea turtle!!!

Literally at my feet swimming around!

We had fun walking through a local market.  The flower vendors were amazing.  The fruit stands were unreal! 

We finished up our excursion with a stop at Umeke's Poke Bowls (pronounced Poke-ee).  fresh caught raw marinated ahi tuna  with onions and chopped macadamia nuts, veggies, and rice.  OMG!  I could eat this every day!  The homemade strawberry lemonade in the mason jar was a nice touch.  

The storm has shifted slightly.  We could possibly get more of it on our side of the island, but no one seems worried at all.  

Not a bad first 24 hours.