I can hardly believe this is our 5th Valentines Day as a couple; how time does fly. Each Valentines Day has been special and unique in it's own way. As you all know M. is very thoughtful when it comes to these things. However, this Valentines Day was particularly special even though it didn't go all as planned. Here is our story. . .
This year we were privileged to spend our Valentine's Day in Kailua-Kona (this is the west side of the island which is much drier and hotter the majority of the time). The much anticipated journey to Kona this time around took much longer than usual due to construction but we still made our usual pit stop at Tex's to enjoy their "ono" malasadas. The temperature difference from Hilo to Kona was quite significant. We started in Hilo around 78 degrees and ended up in 92 degree weather. We enjoyed this, but sadly our car did not. Unknown to us, a fuse had burned out and our car was overheating fast. We gratefully made it to our accommodations safely but our car was pretty tuckered out. We counselled our wise Father-In-Law and let it sit for the night. Meanwhile we enjoyed beautiful Kona and our hotel Uncle Billy's. Not a 4-star hotel by any means, this is known more as a local spot. It was good enough for who it was for. :)
After a nice evening we awoke with a firm foundation to fix our car so we could attend our planned adventures that day. We had booked a para-sailing excursion but because of the impending swell it was cancelled. So we had some time. M. had researched potential problems that could result in a car overheating and a damaged fuse came up in a forum. How did we survive without Google? We purchased several fuses and said a prayer. Sadly no Auto Shops were open to clear the "check engine" light and run diagnostics. We took a risk and journeyed back into the Kona desert (seriously it's a lava desert with cacti and everything).
We stopped at the Queen and King shops in Waikoloa and then found a rough beach off Mauna Lani Drive next to the Fairmount. It was a particularly windy day so the beach was not swim-able to say the least. We found an old beach path that led right into the Fairmount resort (five star resort). There was no "off-limits" or trespassing signs to be seen so we made our way into the resort and enjoyed ourselves. I'd for sure recommend this spot to any touring parties.
We stopped at the Queen and King shops in Waikoloa and then found a rough beach off Mauna Lani Drive next to the Fairmount. It was a particularly windy day so the beach was not swim-able to say the least. We found an old beach path that led right into the Fairmount resort (five star resort). There was no "off-limits" or trespassing signs to be seen so we made our way into the resort and enjoyed ourselves. I'd for sure recommend this spot to any touring parties.
After overstaying our welcome we found some decent bathrooms and changed into our Luau attire - typically Aloha Shirts, fedoras, and sunburns. We fit right in.
*When we reached the bathrooms the "check engine' light turned off. We were so grateful for answered prayers*.
The Luau took place at the Waikoloa Marriott which is another great resort I certainly recommend. On it's grounds there is some really neat sights such as historic fishponds, petroglyphs, and water slides (new world and old worked in one). We spoiled ourselves a bit and got deluxe seating which allotted us front row seats, first dibs at food, and a beautiful Lei. We had way too much fun taking pictures and M. enjoyed the food responsibly (you know him). They had a lovely "Emu" ceremony (where they uncover the pig cooked underground) outside and then they moved us back inside due to the monsoon. M. was even chosen to face a warrior and grab the braided leaves from his presence; he was very brave.
*When we reached the bathrooms the "check engine' light turned off. We were so grateful for answered prayers*.
The Luau took place at the Waikoloa Marriott which is another great resort I certainly recommend. On it's grounds there is some really neat sights such as historic fishponds, petroglyphs, and water slides (new world and old worked in one). We spoiled ourselves a bit and got deluxe seating which allotted us front row seats, first dibs at food, and a beautiful Lei. We had way too much fun taking pictures and M. enjoyed the food responsibly (you know him). They had a lovely "Emu" ceremony (where they uncover the pig cooked underground) outside and then they moved us back inside due to the monsoon. M. was even chosen to face a warrior and grab the braided leaves from his presence; he was very brave.
It was such a romantic and memorable evening. I'm so grateful for M. in my life. I'm one lucky girl - the Valentine's Days just keep on getting better and better. We're grateful for the opportunity to work hard and play hard here in beautiful Hawaii.
No Kau a Kau aloha au ia 'oe - For eternity I love you!
We miss you Utah . . .but we've Gone Surfing!
No Kau a Kau aloha au ia 'oe - For eternity I love you!
We miss you Utah . . .but we've Gone Surfing!