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!

Summer Vacation 2026- Hawaii (Part 6- Kauai)

 Woke up to the most amazing view. The view from our room was amazing. It was definitely a dream!

They had the cutest little cafe downstairs. Michael brought us coffee and bakery items up to the room every morning. 

We decided to have a pool day. This spot is on the balcony going down to the pool. 

Down at the pool. The most gorgeous landscape with the best backdrop. 

I will be dreaming about this view for a long time. 

Doesn't get much better than this!

We took a walk on the beach at the resort. It was in a bay, so the water was so peaceful. All beaches in Hawaii are public, so anyone can go on any of the beaches. 

After a fun relaxing day we came back to the room to get ready for a luau. Even the shower had an amazing view!

Made it to the luau. They gave us welcome drinks. 

Caitie really wanted a flower for her hair. 

Caitie went up on stage at the luau and we were so proud of her!

It was a really fun luau and a great night!

Walking into the resort at night all lit up was really pretty too!

Caitie learned how to use poi balls at the luau and had such a blast practicing everywhere. 

Really fun first day on the North Shore.