Summer Vacation 2026- Hawaii (Part 10- Big Island)

We woke up to a really windy day. The boys were supposed to go on a canoe and snorkel, but it was cancelled because it was too windy. 

So they snorkeled at the resort instead. This sweet turtle came up onto shore. 

We spent the day hanging out on the beach. Then we had the complimentary cocktails on the patio before a really fun nighttime adventure. 

 

Ready to snorkel with Manta Rays. We had to wait for the sun to go down first. 

We were all a little nervous, but once we got in the water it was amazing! They are the most gentle creatures and it was not scary at all. We all did not want it to end!

After the night snorkel we changed really quick in the car and then went to Manta for dinner. This was definitely one of my favorite dinners in Hawaii. It was SO good. 

While waiting on dessert we went down to the viewing area. It was cool to see the manta rays from the shore too. 

The kids dessert was so cute! A brownie manta ray!

It was such a great day on the big island! Swimming with manta rays has been on my bucket list for a long time and it far surpassed any of my wildest dreams!

Summer Vacation 2026- Hawaii (Part 9- Big Island)

 We had a pool day today. The resort was full with kids and he pool was rowdy so the kids had a blast!

We had late dinner reservations so we full enjoyed the sunset. It was gorgeous.

We went to Lava Lava Beach club and ate dinner with our toes in the sand while listening to live music. It was great.

We arrived back at the resort pretty late. The resort was so peaceful and beautiful at night. 

It was a great relaxing day after a long travel day the day before. 

Summer Vacation 2026- Hawaii (Part 8- Big Island)

 Last morning coffee in Kauai with a gorgeous rainbow in the background. 

We saw a rainbow every day on the north shore which was so fun.

We made it to the Big Island just before sunset. We had the most fun welcome with fruit, welcome drinks and a fun chocolate volcano. 

More beautiful views from our patio at the resort as well. 

We had late dinner reservations at HaLani at the resort and grabbed a few drinks at the Surf Shack beforehand while watching the sunset. 

Ready to experience more of the Big Island tomorrow. 

Summer Vacation 2026- Hawaii (Part 7- Kauai)

On July 4th, we woke up early for our two BIG adventures. Enjoyed coffee in my very favorite spot.  

Our first adventure for the day was a helicopter ride over Kauai. We were all a little nervous since the wind is so unpredictable in Kauai. This was the kids first helicopter ride. Michael and I have previously ridden a helicopter from Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Our pilot started doing helicopter rides to the Grand Canyon, so that was pretty cool. 

Conor and Patrick were up front. 

The most beautiful part was definitely the Napali coast.

It was fun to ride over the Waimea Canyon after seeing it a couple days ago. 

Back at the resort. The kids were ready for some pool time before our next adventure. 

Since it was the 4th of July the resort had live music and it was really lively at the pool. 

Next on the bucket list was a surfing lesson. We had a World's Junior pro instructor who was only 16 years old. He grew up surfing and was a great instructor. The waves weren't really big today, but the kids still had a great time learning. 

Then back to the resort for sunset, pool drinks and a fire show. 

We had the best sunset!

Watched the last of the sunset from our room.

Michael and I enjoyed the last night at this resort with a delicious meal at 1 Kitchen at the hotel. We could see fireworks outside while dining which was really fun. 

Pretty epic day!