We started out the visit early Saturday. M. was volunteering at the annual walk-a-thon around Queen Liliuokalani park and we explored while he finished his good doing. We made it right to Coconut Island as a cruise ship passed. We've both never seen one so up close and personal before. James was even brave enough to climb up the retired lighthouse (half way). He's such a brave guy!
Little did we know that James was starving away, so we promptly took him to Ken's Pancake House where we all gorged on Hawaiian style breakfast (his new favorite).
Little did we know that James was starving away, so we promptly took him to Ken's Pancake House where we all gorged on Hawaiian style breakfast (his new favorite).
Although there was the potential to rain, as there always is in Hilo, we braved the storm surge and went snorkeling. We ended up drinking probably a gallon of sea-water each but it was worth it. James totally got to swim with a Honu and we saw some pretty amazing fish. "The highlight of his trip".
After freshening up we journeyed into town and walked around the famous Hilo Farmer's Market and all the cute shops along the Bay. As could be imagined, Jimmy towered over the majority of the population. It was so cute, kids would stop and point! Everyone probably thought he was some baller from the NBA, yeah? James got to try his first authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice and splurge at the "Willy Wonka-esk" candy shop.
We continued our day at Akaka Falls. James didn't believe M. that there are fish that suction up their way up the waterfall so M. had to prove it. True story folks. They climb up the waterfall to lay their eggs.
We ended the day by continuing to consume delicious Hawaiian cuisine. James couldn't get enough, even astonishing the server that he was a part of the "clean plate club" with his massive Hawaiian Sampler Plate. Yum!
We ended the day by continuing to consume delicious Hawaiian cuisine. James couldn't get enough, even astonishing the server that he was a part of the "clean plate club" with his massive Hawaiian Sampler Plate. Yum!
We finished off his visit on Sunday by taking him to our amazing ward and having a crock-pot style Kalua Pig Sunday dinner. Sadly after we shipped him back to Oahu. :(
I'm so happy and grateful James got to visit us while we live here in Hilo. I'm so proud of him and the amazing man he is. Love you Bro!
We miss you Utah but we've Gone Surfing!
I'm so happy and grateful James got to visit us while we live here in Hilo. I'm so proud of him and the amazing man he is. Love you Bro!
We miss you Utah but we've Gone Surfing!