Wow the busy month of June for the Sanders Family! After my parents returned home from their visit / fishing trip in Juneau we were off to Hawaii for a vacation and to visit Mark's mom Viki. We left early on June 12th and got into Hawaii about 8:30pm Hawaii time. Below is a day by day, play by play - again there are a zillion pictures!
We flew in to Honolulu, Hawaii first and had a little layover before we flew to Hilo, Hawaii where Viki lives - as soon as we landed we had to change Caitlin into a dress to cool her down. It was very warm for all of us! Caitlin was not wet from the rain or anything like that - it's sweat!
We flew in to Honolulu, Hawaii first and had a little layover before we flew to Hilo, Hawaii where Viki lives - as soon as we landed we had to change Caitlin into a dress to cool her down. It was very warm for all of us! Caitlin was not wet from the rain or anything like that - it's sweat!
Poor girl was really hot~
DAY 1 (Saturday)
DAY 1 (Saturday)First thing to do in the morning at a new place - explore! Grandma Viki has sheep, a goat, dogs, cat and chickens~ Very exciting for a little girl~ plus she had her very own pink trike to ride around!
Two of the sheep - Yo Yo Ma and we'll have to get back to you on the other's name!
The baby sheep - Annie Fannie
The Goat - Sugar Baby
These are not Viki's roosters but nearby there is a rooster farm!
Two of the sheep - Yo Yo Ma and we'll have to get back to you on the other's name!The baby sheep - Annie FannieThe Goat - Sugar Baby These are not Viki's roosters but nearby there is a rooster farm! Talk about a lot of roosters!!
After exploring we were off to the Farmer's Market. There was the freshest fruit and veggies and the most beautiful, unbelievable flowers there.
Mark found some local coffee to take home!
Then we were off to find the water. There is a little place called Coconut Island not to far from town, it has the perfect little beach area for little ones to play in with no surf! Plus there are turtles swimming right there! Mark snorkeled out to the little islands while Caitlin and I played in the sand!
DAY 2 (Sunday)
After exploring we were off to the Farmer's Market. There was the freshest fruit and veggies and the most beautiful, unbelievable flowers there.
Mark found some local coffee to take home!
Then we were off to find the water. There is a little place called Coconut Island not to far from town, it has the perfect little beach area for little ones to play in with no surf! Plus there are turtles swimming right there! Mark snorkeled out to the little islands while Caitlin and I played in the sand!
DAY 2 (Sunday)Beautiful Weather = Photo opportunity with our leis!
Then we were off to Volcano National Park to see the volcano!
Then we were off to Volcano National Park to see the volcano! (Caitlin was more interested in the water bottle at this point!)
We were able to visit the Visitor's Center and get a few pictures.
Caitlin exploring her changing surroundings. . . .
Then it was off the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach for relaxing in the sun, snorkeling and the beach! This beach also had the perfect little shallow pool for Caitlin to play in -the water was a bit cool but she still went in it!
Mark was all over the snorkeling. He went once by himself, once with me and once with his mom. This water was filled with tons of fish - all sizes and all colors, even turtles!
And there were 6 turtles hanging out on the beach!
We just had to take our pictures with them - it's not often you get to be around one of God's amazing and rare creatures!
By the end of the day the waves were really picking up - I still can't believe we were snorkeling in this water! Look at those waves hitting the rocks!!
Caitlin got to go for a walk to see the turtles with Grandam.
After a long day at the volcano and then the beach we drove down the coastline to Punalu'u for ice cream! (This is the Southernmost Bakery in the USA!)
We saw some amazing coastlines along the way.
That night it was time to cut the banana's off one of the numerous banana tree's at Viki's!
DAY 3 (Monday)
First things first, collect fresh chicken eggs for breakfast!! Caitlin was all over it and she only broke a few eggs in her excitement! The look on her face is priceless!!
The chickens learned to follow her, she fed them and shared her goodies!! 
We took a drive in the opposite direction from the previous day (around the island but away from the volcano's) and visited a few huge waterfalls. 
Happy Girl!
We were able to visit the Visitor's Center and get a few pictures.
Caitlin exploring her changing surroundings. . . .
Then it was off the Punalu'u Black Sand Beach for relaxing in the sun, snorkeling and the beach! This beach also had the perfect little shallow pool for Caitlin to play in -the water was a bit cool but she still went in it!
Mark was all over the snorkeling. He went once by himself, once with me and once with his mom. This water was filled with tons of fish - all sizes and all colors, even turtles!
And there were 6 turtles hanging out on the beach!
We just had to take our pictures with them - it's not often you get to be around one of God's amazing and rare creatures! By the end of the day the waves were really picking up - I still can't believe we were snorkeling in this water! Look at those waves hitting the rocks!!
Caitlin got to go for a walk to see the turtles with Grandam.After a long day at the volcano and then the beach we drove down the coastline to Punalu'u for ice cream! (This is the Southernmost Bakery in the USA!)
We saw some amazing coastlines along the way.
That night it was time to cut the banana's off one of the numerous banana tree's at Viki's!
DAY 3 (Monday)First things first, collect fresh chicken eggs for breakfast!! Caitlin was all over it and she only broke a few eggs in her excitement! The look on her face is priceless!!
The chickens learned to follow her, she fed them and shared her goodies!! 
We took a drive in the opposite direction from the previous day (around the island but away from the volcano's) and visited a few huge waterfalls. The first waterfall we visited was Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots.
Smile Mom!Happy Girl!Hanging with Dad!
These are the Boiling Pots. They go for miles, they are a large group of old connected lava tubes and ponds of water that flow through when the rains are really heavy.
These are the Boiling Pots. They go for miles, they are a large group of old connected lava tubes and ponds of water that flow through when the rains are really heavy. The second stop was at Akala Falls.
This first waterfall is one of two at Akala Falls - HUGE!
Yes this was a bit nerve racking for all parties involved, Caitlin just wanted to run free or be looking down a very large cliff. . . . I am hanging on tight to Caitlin but still . . . .
So we tried 3 sets of arms. . . . but at least we are all looking the same direction!
This was the second water fall - it was HUGE too, most of it was covered by greenery but you could really see how big this one was. . . totally worth the hike!
After driving along the old scenic highway, we stopped at a more local beach (not sure of the name) where there were surfers and boogie boarders in the water. We hung out on the beach and went for swims in the water but this beaches waves were a bit large for Caitlin's liking!
Back at Grandma's house, ready for dinner, but taking every opportunity to play on the trike!
After dinner we headed out to the lava tubes. The lava tubes are where you can see the lava going into the ocean. On the drive out there, you could see the steam from the lava hitting the water in a large plume. You drive over this old road that is covered in old lava and then hike out in the dark on this old lava field to the edge of a cliff and then watch the lava falling into the ocean up close.
Unfortunately, neither Mark or I was up to speed on using our camera and we couldn't figure out how to take pictures at night with the different lights. In this picture you can kind of make out the cliff line, with lava on top and lava falling off the edge. This is something I would totally recommend seeing in person if you have the chance. Pictures really don't do it justice (especially ones I took!).
DAY 4 (Tuesday)
Yes this was a bit nerve racking for all parties involved, Caitlin just wanted to run free or be looking down a very large cliff. . . . I am hanging on tight to Caitlin but still . . . .
So we tried 3 sets of arms. . . . but at least we are all looking the same direction!
This was the second water fall - it was HUGE too, most of it was covered by greenery but you could really see how big this one was. . . totally worth the hike!
After driving along the old scenic highway, we stopped at a more local beach (not sure of the name) where there were surfers and boogie boarders in the water. We hung out on the beach and went for swims in the water but this beaches waves were a bit large for Caitlin's liking!
Back at Grandma's house, ready for dinner, but taking every opportunity to play on the trike!
After dinner we headed out to the lava tubes. The lava tubes are where you can see the lava going into the ocean. On the drive out there, you could see the steam from the lava hitting the water in a large plume. You drive over this old road that is covered in old lava and then hike out in the dark on this old lava field to the edge of a cliff and then watch the lava falling into the ocean up close.
Unfortunately, neither Mark or I was up to speed on using our camera and we couldn't figure out how to take pictures at night with the different lights. In this picture you can kind of make out the cliff line, with lava on top and lava falling off the edge. This is something I would totally recommend seeing in person if you have the chance. Pictures really don't do it justice (especially ones I took!).
DAY 4 (Tuesday)We drove across Saddle Road to the other side of the Island - the Kona side! Talk about a change of environment. Hilo is a lot more wet and overcast, Kona is dry and sunny - Hilo is a jungle, Kona is a desert!
We spent the first day playing on Hapuna Beach. It was white sand, sunshine and crystal blue water!
Caitlin really enjoyed this beach - she wasn't afraid of the water or waves here as long as you were with her!!
Hanging with Dad in the water!
DAY 5 Wednesday
FISHING! We all headed out fishing on Wednesday on the Thrillseeker. . . .about an hour into it we had to turn around and drop Caitlin and I back on dry land! The wave action in Hawaii is a bit different than Juneau! Mark and his mom headed back out to catch some fish.
Hanging with Dad in the water!
DAY 5 WednesdayFISHING! We all headed out fishing on Wednesday on the Thrillseeker. . . .about an hour into it we had to turn around and drop Caitlin and I back on dry land! The wave action in Hawaii is a bit different than Juneau! Mark and his mom headed back out to catch some fish.
Capitan Bob driving the boat. . . .
Vick ready for the strike. . . .
The water doesn't look too bad does it. . . .pretty clam and really blue!
Mark is really ready for the big one 
(It is sad to say, but no they didn't catch anything. But maybe next time. They did have a great Capitan and a great time!)
Me being pregnant and Caitlin being one, only adventured a little ways before heading back to the surface!
Mark and his mom adventured pretty far!
This is where they stopped but you can really see the old lava flow . . . crazy!
Apparently they had to bend and crawl around to get here. And if you wanted you could go further!
Next stop, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory!
We took the tour of the facility. . . .
Drove the long road to the factory (reading the facts along the way) and of course had to stop and test a few different nuts! 
All the while, this little pumpkin was tuckered out in the car with Grandma!
So we of course had to head to a park and let her run her energy out after a nap!
It is so cute to see her run now! She actually say "I'm runnin!"
Back at the house it was time to meet Molly Moo the cow!
Then Mark and I went and had an adult dinner while Grandma babysat for us!! (We were excited, we don't get that too often with all the grandparents in a different state than us!!)
We had dinner at the Seaside Resturant.
They have a large fish farm here with like 8 different fish they grow. One of the fish right outside the window was Karp (spell?) - they were huge!
I had the prime rib and Mark had the Ono :)
Vick ready for the strike. . . .
The water doesn't look too bad does it. . . .pretty clam and really blue!
Mark is really ready for the big one 
(It is sad to say, but no they didn't catch anything. But maybe next time. They did have a great Capitan and a great time!)DAY 6 Thursday
Kaumana Caves! After heading back to the Hilo side of the island we hit these caves. The are basically in Viki's back yard. They are old lava caves that you can adventure pretty far down into!
Kaumana Caves! After heading back to the Hilo side of the island we hit these caves. The are basically in Viki's back yard. They are old lava caves that you can adventure pretty far down into!
Me being pregnant and Caitlin being one, only adventured a little ways before heading back to the surface!
Mark and his mom adventured pretty far!
This is where they stopped but you can really see the old lava flow . . . crazy!
Apparently they had to bend and crawl around to get here. And if you wanted you could go further!
Next stop, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory! We took the tour of the facility. . . .
Drove the long road to the factory (reading the facts along the way) and of course had to stop and test a few different nuts! 
All the while, this little pumpkin was tuckered out in the car with Grandma!
So we of course had to head to a park and let her run her energy out after a nap!
It is so cute to see her run now! She actually say "I'm runnin!"
Back at the house it was time to meet Molly Moo the cow!
Then Mark and I went and had an adult dinner while Grandma babysat for us!! (We were excited, we don't get that too often with all the grandparents in a different state than us!!)We had dinner at the Seaside Resturant.
They have a large fish farm here with like 8 different fish they grow. One of the fish right outside the window was Karp (spell?) - they were huge!
I had the prime rib and Mark had the Ono :)Adult time was very fun!
DAY 7 Friday
Mark found some interesting crabs while attempting to fish (he had found some line on a tree and a lure hooked on a rock . . . quite the fisherman, always trying to catch fish anyway possible!)
Then it was time for swimming!
And BUBBLES!!
And some more searching for turtles!
Another walk with Grandma to watch the fishermen.
We found turtles!!!
After a long day at the beach we headed back to the house for a BBQ. Viki invited a few of her friends over for dinner and Mark whipped up some of his Alaskan seafood to share with them. It was really cute to see Caitlin with a set of twin girls almost the same age! No pictures but next time! 
It was a pretty big park with lots of little ponds and bridges all over. Caitlin loved to explore!
We got home (back to Juneau) early on Sunday morning. It was a wonderful trip that was packed with all sorts of adventures! Thanks for such a nice time Viki!
DAY 7 FridayWe headed back to Coconut Island for a relaxing day in the sun.
Caitlin and Mark cruised around for a walk.
Mark found some interesting crabs while attempting to fish (he had found some line on a tree and a lure hooked on a rock . . . quite the fisherman, always trying to catch fish anyway possible!)Then it was time for swimming!And BUBBLES!!And some more searching for turtles!
Another walk with Grandma to watch the fishermen.
We found turtles!!!After a long day at the beach we headed back to the house for a BBQ. Viki invited a few of her friends over for dinner and Mark whipped up some of his Alaskan seafood to share with them. It was really cute to see Caitlin with a set of twin girls almost the same age! No pictures but next time!DAY 8 Saturday
We took things easy, this was our last day in Hawaii. We spent the morning at the house, then headed to the park to let Caitlin run out her energy and then packed things up to go on the airplane!
It was a pretty big park with lots of little ponds and bridges all over. Caitlin loved to explore!
We got home (back to Juneau) early on Sunday morning. It was a wonderful trip that was packed with all sorts of adventures! Thanks for such a nice time Viki! 
2 comments:
whoa! You weren't lying about it being a long post! But the pictures are amazing! You captured every day and remember all the names of the beaches and places (mom and dad would be proud ;) I can't believe those 6 huge turtles you you saw on the beach! those are insane! THey are amazing to look at thats for sure, and you have pictures to prove it :) I love all the little dresses caitlin wore, so cute! And you look amazing lacey! I love the little belly :] I wish I was up there in person tho to see and feel the baby! Maybe in september....we should look into that! Oh and the macadamia nuts are delicious! they were a little melted after sitting in the mailbox but still tasted amazing! Love you guys lots! Glad you had an amazing time and made it back safe! I can def see why viki lives there, there was so much to see and so many beautiful beaches and parks!
LOve you!!!!
Auntie Chelsea
OH MY Auntie Karen and I spent some time this eve going back over your whole blog:) we had a greattime traveling with you all over the world:) we Loveyou Tons! guela and auntie Karen
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