Hawaii —- grand prize for every game show I can think of when growing up: Let’s Make a Deal, Wheel of Fortune, and my personal favorite - The Price is Right. In June 2012, my long time friend Kristin was in a bind. She and her husband had signed up for Hilton Grand Vacations while visiting Disney World several years before. In the meantime, they had accrued plenty of points to stay at about any Grand Vacation destination spot Hilton offered. She had already promised to take her sons to Hawaii. There was just one problem. Her husband couldn’t get away. What’s a mom of three young men to do but ask a friend to take his place. And who was I to turn down such an offer?
I didn’t know at the time that besides lots of fun in the sun, we’d find ourselves in danger on one day and almost losing hundreds of dollars on another.
Big Island, Hawaii —- land of lava rock, gorgeous beaches, and tropical delights for your eyes, mind (and appetite). The flights taking you there from the east coast are long but worth every minute, even if all you can afford is coach (I sat in the back of my United flight and was comfortable enough). Using her club points, Kristin booked a week-long stay in a spacious two bedroom condo (with a sleeper sofa for me) at Hilton’s Kings’ Land Resort, an easy 25 minute drive from the Kona airport.
Upon arrival at Kings’ Land, Kristin wasted no time in asking the hotel’s concierge for help with planning the week’s activities. Her sons at the time were 14, 12, and 10. Before we even opened a suitcase, we were booked for various water adventures all over the island. In addition, our resort amenities included the use of the facilities at the nearby gorgeous Hilton Waikoloa Village. So much to do!!!
Waikoloa Village
Thinking of going to Hawaii’s Big Island? You’ll have plenty to keep you busy. To name a few:
The Akaka Falls State Park, our first stop featuring easy walks to see breathtaking waterfalls and acres and acres of luscious tropical foliage.
Kristin and her fellas, Matt, Andrew and James
Pu’uhohua o Honaunau National Historical Park –a mystical sanctuary with a fascinating story and mesmerizing statuary.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - A Must-Do when on the island. Just months after our visit, Kilauea erupted dramatically, its powerful lava flowing six and a half miles before cooling off in the Pacific Ocean. More recently, extremely active Mauna Loa erupted from November 27 to December 10, 2022. Want to safely experience just how hot an active volcano is? Try putting your hands over the vents found scattered in the park. When we tried it, it was only seconds before all of us cried “Uncle”, blown away by the underground heat’s intensity.
Right On!
Drive the island loop– Highway 11. But - if you see smoke covering the roadway, it’s most definitely a good idea to turn around.
I didn’t listen to my own advice. On June 18th, we took the car ride to the eastern side of Big Island to visit the Volcano National Park via Highway 11. It seemed like a great idea to head south out of the park and continue back to our hotel via the loop road. We hadn’t traveled far from the park when in the distance, I saw what appeared to be smoke drifting across the roadway. As we drew nearer, small areas of bushes and trees appeared to be burning to our east. Undaunted, we naively surmised whatever was happening most certainly had to be under control.
Big Mistake!!
It turns out, we drove into the beginnings of a major wildfire, Pahala. As I stupidly continued into the increasing dense smoke, visibility quickly deteriorated. The smell of the smoke filled the inside of our car quickly. Fast thinking Kristin turned off the ventilation as we continued on, wondering what exactly was happening. Later we learned that we came upon the Pahala Wildfire soon after it first ignited. Fortunately, we were only in the smoke for maybe a half mile. We learned later that Highway 11 was closed to car traffic soon after we passed through the area. The fire burned for two weeks, scorching 5,200 acres.
Traveler Tip – Driving through a wildfire is NOT a tourist attraction I suggest. If you ever see smoke enveloping the roadway ahead of you, do NOT proceed. Turn yourself around and get the heck out of there.
And this wasn’t our only near miss calamity —--
The beaches on Big Island are varied and spectacular. Our last minute decision to jump in the water at one particularly inviting beach nearly cost me….big time.
Nearly the entire vacation was ending and we hadn’t gone to a beach outside of our resorts to go swimming yet. While driving back from a day trip and passing a sign for “Beach”, I said, “Guys, let’s go!”. I turned the car into a near empty parking lot. Yea, we noticed the deserted lifeguard stands. Still, the azure waves ahead beckoned, appearing to say, “Jump in!!”. Eagerly….most of us burst into the surf, laughing, splashing….the water feeling SOOO good. About to dunk under a second time,I suddenly remembered that the car rental keys were safely tucked in the velcro pocket of my LLBean sun shirt. Not a problem except stupid me was still wearing it!!
“Oh sh…”, I’m sure I said as I flew back out of the ocean as if being chased by Jaws. The car keys were actually an electronic key fob. Remembering the message on the fob clearly stating, “Letters will scramble if the key gets wet”, as a way for the car rental company to know if you’ve gone swimming with the keys, I retrieved the fob with great dread.
Sure enough, the letters were jumbled into a wet mess. Salt water - electronics….we could be in real trouble. Would the car even start? Would the five of us be stranded alone here in the now empty parking lot as sunset was nearing?
No one breathed as I hit the button to unlock the car doors. It worked! Glory Hallelujah!!! Even better, the car started right up. Feeling more than a bit relieved, we climbed back in and headed straight back to the hotel. I felt grateful we were able to start the car this time but wondered, “Would the electronic key work tomorrow?” I knew to replace the fob would cost hundreds.
Thankfully, Chevrolet apparently makes quality key fobs. Our car key worked fine for the rest of the rental. When I turned in the car, I admitted to the incident and thankfully, because there appeared to be no damage, I wasn’t charged. Whew.
It was a busy, fun filled week. The boys tried paddle boarding, snorkeling in the open waters, and the youngest enjoyed a day with the dolphins. My personal top recommendation?
The Luau.
Travel Tip - at least once, experience a good old fashioned Hawaiian luau.
Did Someone say "Pig Roast"?
To me the word luau and Hawaii are synonymous. A trip to any of the islands wouldn’t be complete without a good outdoor party under the stars with the trimmings. We chose to go to the Sunset Luau at the nearby Marriott Waikoloa Beach resort, splurging on premier seating.
You get what you pay for— upon arrival we were presented with a gorgeous lei, dazzling in color and smell, an open bar for adults, a fantastic pig roast dinner, and one of the best dance shows I’ve ever seen anywhere.
Hawaii is definitely a special place. Can’t wait to return to explore other islands in the chain. And if someone offers you the chance to go to Hawaii? Using some of the words, Hawaii Five O’s Steve McGarrett often said —- “Book it Danno”.
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