Big Island, Hawaii day 4

Today we move to the other side of the island . . . so from Kona (west) to Hilo (east).  I have been told the weather on the west is much different that the east so excited to see the difference.  The hotel we are at is so massive that we decided to explore the grounds before we checked out.  I'm sure going to miss this view every morning.

The grounds at the hotel are beautiful.  We even found another pool we did not know about.  Colin wanted to spell out his name with the white coral like so many others had done . . .

My dad and Colin went for a quick swim before we checked out.  One thing that has been funny and always made us laugh are all the statues . . . there are hundreds around the property.  Every morning as we walked around all the animal and sometimes people statues have rocks placed under them as if they have 'pooped'.  Colin found it hysterically, and I admit I always laughed.  It became a game each morning and we never caught anyone doing it.  I asked Colin to do it for the photo . . . he was nervous!

One last time to stop and feed to koi . . .

. . . there were hundreds and some were huge.  We checked out and off we went . . .
Next Stop:  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
We made a quick stop for lunch on the side of the road.  Why is it when you need a picnic area you never see them?  Back on the road and I guess I could smell the wonderful bread because we zipped in to the Punalu'u Bake Shop who has their claim to fame as being "southernmost bakery in the USA!"  Wow, did they have some yummy treats.  There was no line so my dad and I looked around and of course as we went to get into line there were a ton of people . . . and wouldn't you know it the person in front of us bought the last donut we wanted!  Instead I settled for a coconut turnover and some other yummy treats.  It was back on the road to our next stop:  Punaluu Black Sand Beach!   It was beautiful!

Final Stop today is at the Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . . .

The drive was about 125 miles but it took at least 4 hours.  The roads were curvy and narrow with speed limits around 35-45 mph most of the way.  Thankfully the weather was beautiful and  it wasn't raining.  For the next three days we are staying at KMC . . . this is quarters 97 . . .

. . . I feel like I have stepped back in time.  The house was a great 2 bedroom, 2 bath, full kitchen, and living area and the price was very inexpensive for Hawaii.  I keep thinking I am in the movie Dirty Dancing for some reason; I am not sure why.  I don't know why but that is what pops in my mind.  Across the street was the bowling alley so guess who just had to go bowl?

Everywhere we went I just laughed . . . it really is a great place to stay!  It just seems everywhere we turn there is someone or something that makes us laugh!  I can't wait to start exploring the area tomorrow.