Jules and I started with a few days in Maui. Mostly to grab cheaper flights farther from Thanksgiving, but also because we love it there.
From there it was over to the Big Island to meet up with the crew.
We were immediately met with a stunner of a sunset.Next morning we took a boat down the coast to Captain Cook for some snorkeling. Before we'd even left the harbor we were treated to some gorgeous spinner dolphin action. The snorkeling was only okay (normally incredible) but the day out was wonderful.Walking to dinner.
And then onwards to the house that we had rented over Thanksgiving itself. Right away there was yet another awesome sunset.
Funky little creatures on the rocks.This turtle, immediately dubbed Terrence, often had a grand time eating in a rockpool out front. In fact, we saw many turtles doing the same over the next few days.This little cove right in front of the house turned out to be superb for snorkeling. Loads and loads of fish of many species.Getting in and out was a little spicy, but that only made it even more fun. I loved jumping in and climbing out.We had a Magnum PI theme evening with everyone dressing up. Lots of laughs and fun as a result.And I particularly enjoyed it!
And then back to a hotel for the last couple of days of our stay. This time the goal being to avoid the busiest times for flying back home.
More sunsets.And a sunrise!
On our departure day we started things off with an early morning helicopter flight around the island.
Checking out the various volcanoes that make up the island was a real highlight for us. So cool to see things like this.Look at these huge lava flows. They're all over the island (indeed, the entire enormous island is all formed by volcanoes. These more recent (like 200 years ago) flows are so clear.This one is obviously more recent! In 2022 an eruption took out one of the roads. They can't repair it because the lava is still hot under that crust. And will be for 30 years!!An active volano! We were sad to miss seeing an actual eruption (maybe another trip!) but this was still incredible to see.Active volcano! There was an eruption just days before and much of that lava is very fresh!Later we saw some stunning valleys and waterfalls along the wet side of the island.
