All Good Things Come To An End

Unfortunately, our trip has come to an end!

The rest of our vacation was just as wonderful as the beginning. Not that I had expected anything else!

After our adventures along Hamakau Coast, we decided to explore Puna a bit more.

We had driven the Red Road before, but with kids... we never really were able to truly stop and explore. So, we headed south from Pahoa, towards Uncle Roberts, to make our way up Red Road.

We popped into Uncle Roberts for a beer, it was dead. So after consumption, we figured we would move on. Then we wandered through cliffside streets looking at homes, until we ended up in SeaView. Where we continued to look at vacant lots and homes for sale.

We continued up the road, and came to Pohoiki, Wai'opae, Ahalanui, and Kapoho. All places we frequent regularly, as they are roughly 20 min from the house. Old Gov Rd, that continues into Beaches, is not paved. Generally everyone takes the hwy, back into Pahoa and take the easy way around. However, with no agenda. We decided to take the long and bumpy way home.

The drive is beautiful, and something that is one of those hidden gems that most people never get to explore.

Thursday, we went to the other side of the island to Waikoloa, Puako and Makalawena Beach. We decided to hike into Makalawena while it was still early. There were 4-5 other people on the entire beach. This is part of what makes it so magical there. The other part, is the fact that is truly one of the only white sand beaches on the island. There are tons of wonderful beaches, each unique. But Makalawena is a beach people dream of!

After hiking into Makalawena, the clouds started to build and rain was in the near future. I spent some time in the water swimming, and we eventually decided to hike back out. We were anxiously awaiting some cocktails.

We headed back down the highway to Waikola, to hit up Lava Lava Beach Club for cocktails, views, and lunch. Most people think Hawaii is really expensive, however I feel that there are plenty of wonderful places that are really reasonably priced... cheap even. After a few cocktails, delicious burgers... we had our fill. On to the next beach!

Next up was Puako Beach. This place holds a special place in my heart. Mainly because we were married on this beach. But the other perk, is the fact that rarely is there anyone there. I prefer unspoiled beaches devoid of others. Puako fits the bill on this one. The view is great, and I feel satisfied that down the road a few miles are people packed on to other beaches. While I take in the solitude and beauty without others.

After we escaped the west side of the island, we boogied up through Waimea for our route back. Thursday evening is when the USGS and Civil Defense has their lava meetings at the high school. I had plans to go with Marcie that evening. Traffic was abnormally good, considering it was commuting hours. I managed to get ready as best as I could in the car, and then we met up with Marcie up the road.

We enjoyed our time listening to everyone talk, Billy showed up in his standard surf gear to speak. It was great to hear what was going on first hand, rather than watching the

videos online. Added bonus, I always enjoy spending time with Marcie!

On the 5th, was the Pahoa Holiday Parade. I had a meeting with some city officials in regards to a project they were pondering. I figured I would offer my services and meet up with them, to see how I could help the community.

The parade was entertaining and the people were wonderful as always. I had a great meeting, and look forward to being able to help out the community in the future. I do have to say.. Hawaiian parades are unlike any other I have seen. It was also very strange to see Christmas stuff up everywhere, while being in a tropical paradise. Not that tropical places dont celebrate. But I can say that Christmas doesnt have the same tune with palm trees.

Saturday we went into Black Rock Cafe to watch football for a few hours, listen to talkstory from the locals, and just get out of the house. We had reached the point in our trip where we were in a groove. Not doing much but just hanging out around the house. We also knew our trip was winding down, and there is a level of depression that sets in. We both missed our boys, but both hate coming back to Oregon.

Our last day, we went into town to pick up our new rental car, that we would drive across the island the next day. Then we decided to make one last trip out to Wai'opae for snorkeling.

While we were there, this seemingly young couple of asian decent came up to us. They didnt know english that well and were looking for "warm water". After their confusion, we established they were seeking the Warm Pool - Ahalanui and not Wai'opae. They thanked us and started the small hike back out. The girl... women.. I dont know.. she looked 12. She was probably 7-8 months pregnant. The "guy".. who I literally thought was a 13 year old boy ushered her along kindly.

Not but a few minutes later, we decided we should probably go back as well. We had a lot to do, before we could leave the house at 7 am. When we reached the bend in the road, near where all the cars were parked... we saw the young couple attempting to hitch hike. Yes, it is common in Hawaii, amongst locals. But, no bites for these two. As a mother.. I thought there is no way she should be making that walk. I know very well it is possible. However, it was quite warm that day, I did not see that they had any water with them. It was about 3-5 miles up the road. Who knows where they were going beyond that. I thought they had a car, people dont just stumble across Wai'opae. So I quickened my step after discussing whether we should give them a ride or not. I am against giving rides to strangers. Perhaps its due to the fact as a women we are told we never should pick up strangers.. or because my husband and many friends and family members are all in law enforcement. Either way I had my muscles with me.. and they were both pretty small people. I felt confident I could take them on my own if need be. So, we offered them a ride, and I felt pretty good about it.

In our short drive, we learned they were visiting from Japan, and they had been on the island for one month, and hand another month or two before they were headed back home. They were staying at a Pinapple Plantation. My understanding is, it is a lot like a hostel... but you work on the farm for your lodging. I think ultimately the conversation raised many more questions, than those answered. Such as pre-natal care... but whatever. They were quite lovely people and felt they could find their way home once they reached Ahalanui. I really hoped so.. but if not, there were a good 20-25 cars at warm pond and surely someone could help them.

We headed back home, got on with cleaning and preparing to leave the house. Made one last dinner, ate in the quiet one last time. It was strange.. because as much as we looked forward to seeing the boys.. this calm somber washed over us. We knew we would be back, but this just felt right. Going back to Oregon just seemed way too depressing.

The next morning we left early. My husband was afraid of getting stuck in traffic and missing our flight. I of course could think of worse things in this world. But I got up early with him, despite my disdain for mornings. Traffic was pretty good, considering and by the time we reached the other side of the Island.. we had a good two hours to burn.

We did a little last minute shopping, and then headed down to the harbor to take in the views.

I will be honest.. it was hard for me to enjoy myself.. knowing I was leaving so soon.

Not a bad view when you are in the airport...

The very view I tried to enjoy before heading to the airport.

Just the saddest faces ever! Please dont make us go home!!!!!!