Proposed Day 1. Pick up condo supplies in Lihue
Day 2. North Shore Beaches
Day 3. Allerton Gardens& North Shore Beaches
Day 4. North Shore Beaches
Day 5. North Shore Beaches
Day 6. North Shore Beaches
Day 7. Flight to KOA

Actual Day 1:
Arrived after ~10 hour non-stop to an overcast HNL from east coast with 1.75 hour layover before connecting flight to LIH. Decided to grab a bite at Stinger Rays in the interisland terminal. Went for it all with the Kailua Nachos and decent lava flow. Good thing we ate because Hawaiian air flight had mechanical problems in Maui and was going to be delayed into HNL for 15-20 minutes. After 15-20 another announcement of delay for 30 minutes-people began collapsing from the line on the wall to sprawling on the floor, followed by another announcement of 30 minute delay, began to [-o< we would not get stuck O/N in HNL terminal. Finally they got us another plane, only 27 in the fleet, but had to delay another 30 minutes presumably to locate a (non) copilot. As if this wasn't enough, once aboard the crew indulged a couple dozen high school cheerleaders into a chant , Finally arrived at LIH and over to car rental where the manager atypically decided to give me the not OK to drive off road routine with your 4WD SUV. I inquired specifically where he was referring to because we received no such warning on our 4-prior rentals on Kauai; he stated specifically to not go to Polihale beach and I replied we prefer the regal Princeville area-dahling, and don't know nuthin bout no Pollyho'.

Day 2.
Awoke to overcast sprinkly skies at Pali Ke Kua, decided to check out Hideaways beach in front of the condo. The condo was equipped with a TV/VCR/DVD/CD, mini-stereo, range/oven, microwave, dishwasher/disposal but no air conditioner in the living room and 3 ceiling fans (1 in each bedroom, 1 in living room). The 2 1/2BR condo was good sized with 2 floors and a vaulted ceiling. Both bathtubs and shower stall were large and clean. The lanai had a great sunset view of Bali Hai and was quiet in the morning but we could hear the talkative occupants on the first floor of our unit when they were outside below on their lanai. Snorkel gear, fins, beach chairs and cooler were available with our unit, and they even left us a few Hawaiian music CD's- which proved useful in drowning out the neighbors! The grounds were well landscaped and maintained, with conveniently disguised disposal area. The cement walkway from Pali Ke Kua down to Hideaways beach was better than expected, and the beach was empty when we arrived. A rock encircled tide pool about a 1-2ft deep and about 8 feet in diameter made for a great play and swimming spot for young children on the beach, and although calm enough for swimming, we decided after a dip in the tide pool, we needed so departed to our favorite old standby, Poipu beach.

Poipu beach was full of and fun and saved the day><!!! Later, to our shock some guy showed up in a wetsuit & plopped right next to us on the beach, donned flippers &mask, then struggled to cock a springcoiled-speargun, and proceeded to snorkel, armed right through where everyone else was treasuring the underwater sealife. I motioned for my wife to come ashore in case the hunt was successful. As we left the beach we noticed the spearfisher had nabbed a small octopus. We tourist folks happily settled for the delicious fresh Ahi for dinner from the Hanalei dolphin fish market.

Day 3.
Awoke to another dreary overcast day in P'ville and fortunately by the time we got to Poipu, the skies were clear. Did the Allerton Gardens tour which was narrated by a volunteer who moved to Kauai in time to catch hurricane Iniki. The tour was more extensive than the one we attended at Limahuli Gardens and had a larger more contemporary and introduced plant collection (e.g. birds of paradise, cocoa, fruits, jurassic figs) than Limahuli, which spotlights native Kauai plants and ancient cultivation. Have to figure out how to conjure up some plant research to take advantage of the guest house at Allerton A side note, in response to cars and theft mentioned in previous posts, Mrs JohnD accidentally left the door of our blazer wide open while we spent hours touring the gardens, no one touched our contents including snorkel gear and food, but then again why would thieves go to Kauai anyway After the thorough guided tour we checked out Poipu Beach Park again until a shower moved in and we hit the road to JoJo's shave ice in Waimea. I had the #15 chocolate, coconut, butterscotch shave ice over macnut ice cream, great shave ice though the décor inside the clubhouse stand leaves something to be desired. Afterwards decided to check out Salt Pond Beach Park in Hanapepe for the first time. Initially as we entered the park we thought that the parking lot was full, but then we spotted another unpaved area by the airfield, immediately adjacent to the salt ponds. The water was a little on the murky side for snorkeling but this turned out to be a great swimming beach if you don't mind the occasional small plane or helicopter buzzing by!!! The small planes provided a show despite the noise as they struggled against the variable crosswind on the runway. We both managed to get sunburned here because of those same cool ocean breezes and strong . That evening we checked out the Menehune ditch and Waimea swinging bridge before heading back to Hanalei. A kind local woman and child crossing the swinging bridge expressed concern that I be carefull while crossing the bridge. Not much to see on the other side of this bridge except a couple vandalized vehicles, and soon about-faced back to Hanalei where we dined on tasty burritos and enchiladas at Neide's, which no doubt reflecting the gloomy weather, had more people preparing food than dining

Day 4.
Another overcast day on the north shore, decided to revisit Salt Pond Beach Park and the rain stopped just short of Hanapepe leaving the most vivid full arc rainbow display I can recall. Things were great for most of the day at Salt Pond until the afternoon when about half a dozen guys showed up with various spears and guns to begin the snorkel/fish hunt again. The lifeguard did not think that these guys were catching anything, though. We decided to go chasing rainbows, and as we exited were amazed by a doublerainbow that formed over the hills beyond the swinging bridge in Hanapepe. While taking pictures, I followed a friendly ((&)) across the swinging bridge and beyond upriver on the embankment until coming across a bizarre sign in the middle of no where indicating that there was "No Sleeping" .
On the way back to P'ville checked out the impressive Opaeka Falls, before preparing to dine at A Pacific Café, a restaurant we unfortunately managed to miss on our 4 prior visits to Kauai, and later we realized we also missed their $20$) coupon in one of restaurant guides provided in our condo. We started with the Appetizer Sampler, which came on an impressive three tiered structure and was mighty tasty. My wife had Thai soup, and opah (moonfish) as the main course, while I had the Bouille seafood Pasta, which included mussels, clams, scallops with saffron flavored/colored linguine. Particularly impressive were the mussels, which were unlike the mussels found in my neck of the woods (east coast mainland) that sometimes give you "a taste of summer". For desert, we split the ample toasted hawaiian, and consider A Pacific Café to serve the most creative entrees we have experienced on Kauai.

Day 5.
Another overcast day, headed off to Lydgate Park, for an hour or two before a shower moved in and then on to Poipu Beach, where we like a previous poster have described, also witnessed the circular around the . Topped off the evening at Duke's Canoe House at the Marriott for dinner. I had the Lobster Tail (Roasted Australian "cold water lobster") which was expertly prepared, while my wife again had the opah and we both enjoyed the ample buffet style salad bar. A gekko patiently witnessed our dinner from a beam aside our lanai table, before some wind gusts forced the staff to lower some protective awnings and spooked him away, and also forced some impressive waves to break on the rocks off the seawall. We capped off dinner with a decadent slice of Hula Pie.

Day 6.
Finally our last full day on Kauai, the clouds parted and nothing but on the No'Sho'Baby!!! Kee Snorkeling was amazing, for the first time ever I was startled to see a large moray eel along the rocks and managed to snap a . In the afternoon stopped by the Wishing Well Van for a delicious Hanalei Sunset Shave Ice, as Paradise was too full

You might recall, our original plan was to spend most of our time on the North Shore Beaches which in our 4 prior visits, usually every other day was a good day with calm surf, on this trip however the surf was very calm but the skies were mostly overcast with frequent showers. The local TV stations provided radar maps illustrating Kauai and nothing showed up on radar compared to the rain headed for the islands south (e.g. Maui and Big Island(Hilo) of Kauai, yet we still had plenty of rain from Lihue to the north shore, perhaps the sub-radar rain occurred as a result of the "upper level trough and tradewinds" combination that was also reported

Day 7.
We tore ourselves away from Kauai :-< for our AM flight to KOA, somewhat anxious over what the weather would be like in Kona. This was our third trip to the Big Island and thankfully we were greeted with the best weather and calmest ocean conditions. We had reserved a blazer but N/A so reluctantly accepted a Saturn Vue SUV, which ultimately proved to be more fun to drive than the blazer. Checked in at the Keauhou Beach Resort in Kona, and hit the adjacent Kahuluu Beach Park for some snorkeling. The sand was greyish in color, but the snorkeling away from shore was loaded with a great variety of large fish including Moorish Idols, Boxfish, puffers, tangs, butterflyfish, parrotfish, etc. Dined that evening eyeing an impressive sunset in Kona at Lulu's-went with the Tijuana Mahi Tacos, and Alex was right; the lava flows are great, and all include a cool stirrer. For desert had a coconut, butterscotch, banana/over macnut ice cream at Scandinavian shave ice, which came in a unique style reusable container.

Day 8
This was our only day to drive around the Big Island, so we began by checking out Hapuna Beach. This nice sandy beach reminded me of the Jersey shore and was too wavy for snorkeling but ideal for boogie boarders. We decided to move on and violate our rental contract on nearby Saddle Road. In no we were stuck behind a huge semi straddling the middle of the road, transporting a caterpillar at a snail's pace. Fortunately they let us by after a few moments . As we ascended up between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, a sense of déjà vu crept up on us until we saw the warning signs for live fire and military operations which proved we had not been here before. Next got stuck behind a water tanker truck, but managed to squeeze by eventually. We then passed a military airfield and Mauna Kea state park, where a couple other cars stopped for the restroom and wondered how can there be a state park here and the road be off limits to most rental cars? We circled the state park buildings that appeared unoccupied and visited the park restroom which had a working toilet, but the faucet and sinks had been removed. Took a few of the snow dappled peaks of Mauna Kea and Loa and detoured left off Saddle Road to the Mauna Kea (Onizuka) Visitor center. Checked out the displays and PC presentations and Mrs. JohnD signed us in (Mr&Mrs John Doe) the visitors center log, & picked up a cool telescoping T shirt. Outside they had a scope aimed at the and I think I saw a sunspot in addition to the stars flashing by as a result of a prolonged bending over the ocular at 9,200 ft. Back on Saddle road we quickly encountered rain clouds as we drove through the barren heaved lava fields towards Hilo. Diverted from Saddle Road to check out Pe'epe'e Falls which were flowing nicely and skipped the slick trail down to the boiling pots. Continued on up to the bridgeview of impressive Wai'ale Falls, then turned around down to catch Falls which were roaring, though the parking lot and restrooms were roped off for repaving and repairs. After scoping out Mauna Kea, could not resist having an "orbit" ice cream& tropical fruit blend at a drive thru in Hilo. Following a fodorites tip, we proceeded on to Puna to check out the Ahalanui volcanically heated pool, but had to stop first at Lava Tree State Park for of the neat tree canopy and lava tree remnants. As with Mauna Kea State Park, the sinks and faucets were also removed from the restroom at Lava Tree State Park, and part of the display depicting the lava trees was sadly vandalized and defaced, however I thoroughly enjoyed the tranquil unique surroundings of the mostly empty park. We took the tree lined scenic Pahoa-Pohoiki Rd to Ahalanui Park where surprizingly a lifeguard was on duty. After talking to some other local visitors we swallowed our fear instilled by the leptospiro warning signs, and swam in the comfortably warm though somewhat murky waters where a few small tropical fish were present. Showered off (the lepto) before leaving the park and were surrounded by ~dozen friendly ferile from the bushes, as we departed back to Kona. Caught a few slices of pizza just before 9PM closing at Rocky's Pizza, and another stray thoroughly enjoyed the extra cheese on the white pizza. Noticed a huge NCL cruise ship anchored offshore in Kona.

Day 9
Caught breakfast at the million dollar $) view-Wendy's on the way to the 9AM reservation for the Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour. When we arrived for the tour we were informed that a cruise party of ~2dozen arrived and would we consider taking the 11AM tour? We were disappointed that they did not us in advance of this change as there isn't much else one can do to kill on a rainy day in this region. Kindly the agent gave us a 50% discount for bumping us and we headed on down the coast to Laupahoehoe Point for and to watch the surf pound against the waterfall laden sea cliff walls. Finally got on the Waipio Shuttle tour which thanks to our spunky native driver, turned out to be much better than we anticipated. It seems the week prior to our visit heavy rains had forced the closing of the access road and our day was the first trip down in a week, and the Waipio Wagon Tour continued to cancel operations because of the rough conditions. Our driver barely squeezed the van past a rock-strewn mudslide at the start of the road, and recently basketball sized rocks were scattered on the edges of the pavement. The driver indicated we could leave open the sliding side door facing the Waipio Valley drop off on the right, which briefly frightened the foreign family that shared our ride as they tried to close door after I opened it for . It was quite a wild ride down and crossing the many streams and bumps was more extreme than the disneyworld kilimanjaro safari and the water crossings approached that of Busch Garden's rhino rally, except that this was authentic and not synthetic. Eventually we reached a swollen river that only a fool would cross, with monster type trucks apparently stranded on the other side of the water, and we had to turn around. Our driver made all the difference in the tour by pointing out plants, fruit, history, and even pausing midstream for , that we would have missed if we attempted to drive it ourselves.
Continuing our search for sandy beaches, we drove back to an area I spotted on the interisland flight, and on to another bumpy challenging ride through heaved lava fields to Kekaha Kai State Park. We drove past the crowded 1st parking lot to the 2nd uncrowded lot to a nice large sandy beach with only a couple of people in the water. Snorkeling was OK there and the mauka clouds/showers never reached us. That evening we checked out Bubba Gump's mainly because of the oceanfront location. I had the bourbon street mahi mahi which was very good and the portions were huge. Followed the blue bible's tip for the margarita and got 4 glasses out of the shaker!!!

Day 10
Headed off early for the 8AM Sea Quest Raft Adventure, tour just down the street in Keauhou Bay. Took advantage of the internet coupon to save $30/per couple$). Three boats left for the tour and a total of 5 people were on our raft + captain. The raft has a steel deck and was very sturdy. On the way to the 1st stop at Capt.Cook Monument, we spotted the outline/ripples of a large manta ray and later flying fish flew amazingly along side us. A few other boats were present at Capt. Cook so we proceeded on to Honaunau to snorkel 1st. We snorkeled far out from land but adjacent to "Place of Refuge" and came across a group of divers where one of the divers recognized our Capt. and shouted "You guys got the best Capt. in the fleet," to which our Capt. gleefully replied "The check is in the mail". The Capt. instructed us where not to snorkel to respect the residents, and stated he would not pick us up if we ventured into this area. We saw the most variety of fish here including an eel and a turtle, tons of coral and some large fish I had not seen before. Getting back on to the raft was a lot easier than I had anticipated via a large metal ladder, and Mrs JohnD. had no problems. On board we ate snacks, fruit, and drinks before venturing on back to snorkel at Capt. Cook, where the Capt. narrated an extensive version of events leading to Capt. Cook's demise. He also mentioned that there was talk of some kind of restriction being contemplated to stop kayakers from (unknowingly) damaging the coral when they go ashore at Capt. Cook. Unlike the last time we snorkeled here last year, large schools of brilliant racoon butterflyfish were present along with the usuals. While we were snorkeling the captain skillfully fashioned a few fish out of palm leaves for souvenirs. On the return trip the very calm conditions permitted the exploration of multiple sea caves-complete with lava tubes, cavities, and even took us inside a blow hole-and with warning: "don't try this at home or with your own boat". Meanwhile by radio, another vessel alerted us to the presence of spinner dolphins. When we reached the other raft, the Capt. realized that we had stopped amongst pods of both spinner and white-spotted dolphins, and shared that he only sees both pods together a few times a year, and everyone left the trip feeling like they had a great time!

Stopped for a caramel cone gelato at Palazzo Aikalima Gelato in the Kona Coast Shop.Ctr. on Palani Rd. before checking out the beach at Mauna Kea. The beach was very nice and the water calm, and snorkeling good but the water was slightly cloudy. Back to Kona for dinner where we tried Cassandra's Greek Tavern upper balcony so we could see some fire-dancers/Luau show at the (Kamehameha?) hotel across the street, our outdoor section of the restaurant was empty while we dined, perhaps related to the departure of the NCL cruise ship, however a group near the bar area was whooping it up. We enjoyed the ~$75 Seafood Platter for 2, with scallops, shrimp, etc, and slightly overdone lobster tail.

Day 11.
Headed off to Mauna Kea Beach for a few more hours of sun and fun, but this time a red flag was posted on the beach and about midmorning the lifeguard put about half a dozen red flags across half of the beach closest to the Mauna Kea rooms.
The water appeared calm with occasional clusters of 1-2 ft waves, but the native-lifeguard was going out of his way telling everyone that there was a riptide in the section of the beach near the hotel and not to let children swim in this area. As it turns out, this was the same day that the ocean claimed a couple on Kauai. I snorkeled in the reef-protected area, but the water was murky. On our exit from the beach to the parking lot Ms JohnD spotted a pair of green parakeets and I placed my bag down for a on the rock ledge along the walkway and soon had a few yellow-jackets in a >frenzy. Could not retrieve my bag on the rock ledge and got slightly stung in the attempt. Spotted some groundskeepers in golf carts and sent my wife to get their assistance. They arrived armed with a spray can and valiantly immobilized the guards defending the rock wall nest and retrieved my bag from the ledge. After mentioning I was stung, I was surprised that the groundskeepers inquired as to whether or not I was allergic to bee stings. Checked out late from the Keauhou Beach Resort sad that we did not have more time to explore the resort grounds and so we may have to stay there again.

Finally, a big Mahalo=D>to all the Fodorites that made suggestions comments about travel to Kauai and the Big Island and a special thanks to travellyn for pointing out the benefits of a stay at KBR. >-

Awesome trip report!!! Made me feel like I was back on the BI and Kauai. Now I am craving a JoJo's Shave Ice....
I have about half-dozen of those cool stirrers from Lulu's (are you talking about the ones that look like marlin)?!!! I washed them and use them in my drinks here - you can thread several olives on the sword (makes your martini more tropical).

JohnD,

Thanks for the trip report. We're staying at Pali Ke Kua #106 in June. They have some sort of beach pavilion area down at the beach, don't they? Were there barbecues, and do you know if they were gas or charcoal? Good to know the walk down there isn't as bad as some make it sound. Did you do any snorkeling at Hideaways? How was the condo's pool area? Is the restaurant open right now (Winds of Beamreach)?

Thanks!

love
roxy

Aloha Alex!
Thanks for the marlin swizzle stick tip! I'll have to substitute cherries for olives to attempt an "erupting" lava flow.

Aloha turn it on!
Never made it to the Beamreach or the pool, and I'll have to check the videotape, but I don't recall seeing gas cylinders, so would venture a guess at charcoal for the respectable beach pavillion area.
It wasn't a sunny day so we did not snorkel there but have seen impressive pictures of what it looks like on a calm day and I would expect it to be good. Forgot to mention that a number of large dark crabs were hanging out on some of the rocks. On one evening while photographing the Bali Hai sunset and serving as mosquito bait, a local passed me by carrying a large fishing net, and I don't think he would make the hike down and back for nothing.

Great trip report -- sorry our weather was a bit drippy, but glad you knew where to find some sun! )


And Beamreach Restaurant, is now "Sabella's" -- run by the family whose Italian/seafood restaurant (of the same name) has been a San Francisco dining landmark for decades. Good menu, plus 3-5 daily "specials", full bar, and _killer_ desserts (yum!). Closed on Tuesday (or was it Wednesday???).

JD, bragh!!!

I think you beat my record for the use of emotes in one message!

Stinger Ray's is Mrs Kal's home away from home. Nice mai tais with the "extra shot for a dollah" special!

I've been known to partake in a few large Ali'i beers. You think those drunks on Airplane are loaded?

Welcome back...how many mo' days?:-?

Poli--who, what is this Poli hula place you speak of? Joy! Rapture!

For Gods sakes folks, unless you're publishing a third grade book, take it easy w/ the icons.

Aloha Kal and Gyppielou,
How many more days? Not sure, but with sale fares popping up around $300-400 RT east coast to HNL, might be sooner rather than later.

Reply to pumpy,
Very funny!!!
Sharing experiences of travel to Hawaii must put me in touch with my "inner child" (still stuck in 3rd grade).

Turn_it_On:
We snorkeled Hideaways years ago. Truly worthy. I recall a nice hike down to the beach, beautiful views of the mountains and interestingly shaped and sized sand, thanks to the processing efforts of the local parrot fish. North shore is more beautiful than words.
JohnD: Greatly entertaining trip report. A Pacific Cafe is outstanding, probably best cuisine, fushion or otherwise, on the island. If only it had a view. Curiously, its sister on Maui failed. Believe it's now Roy's-Kihei.

Aloha JD!

Great report... we did a Kauai - BI 2 week combo 2 years ago very similiar to yours... stayed in Princeville, wet most of the week, drove to Poipu almost daily... we'll do anything for a little .

It sounds like we were in HI the during same time this year... I'm still working on a TR... still catching up on work, budgets, all that other post trip pile up.

Thanks for the fun report... puts me there

Loved the trip report - AND the icons!

Great trip report. We leave soon for 10 days in Hong Kong; a week in Kaua'i and a week on the Big Island.

Only 18 days to go now and can't wait. Your trip report was full of lots of useful stuff.

Thanks again!

JohnD: Thanks for the report. I teach third grade and you are welcome in my class anytime! How was the Keauhou Beach Resort? Your room? The pool? Mahalo.

Aloha hmmm, makai1, Betty in Toronto, melnq8, jamq

Mahalo nui loa for all your kind words!

jamq, I agree with "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed's" description of solid gold value $) For less than $200 our ocean front corner room had a great sunset view with 2 small lanais. We were on the southend corner, so the south view partially contained the abandoned "eyesore building" but the show in the tidepools below the hotel made you just want to stare there at the turtles, eels, moorish idols, sargeant majors etc. The room was good sized and comfortable and we did not hear any other guests in our room, except when outside on the lanai. We did not use any of the hotel services or eat there but the dining area was open air, as was the lobby and appointed with polished wood and turtle castings. The air conditioning worked, the bathroom with sitdown shower was new and clean, the room had an empty mini refrigerator and coffee maker and iron/board. The maid replaced our coffee packages free of charge, however there was a $5/day parking fee, and we didn't make any local calls @$1/each, as our cell phones worked fine. The only thing lacking was a microwave, and interestingly the guest rules included a shocking list of prohibited activities, that presumably prior guests had attempted, for example; barbecuing on the lanai, using hot plates & other cooking devices in the room, lighting or shooting fireworks from the room.

The pool was not overly large or small or new, but there was room enough to enjoy it. With the awesome snorkeling available a few steps away at Kahaluu beach park next door, it is hard to go wrong here with the exception that the sandy beach area is limited and not exactly powdery soft like it is in the Kohala region. A short scenic drive is involved to reach either the nightlife/restaurants up Alii Dr. north, or to the closer Wendy's and Keauhou Shopping center to the south. We didn't explore the historic grounds either, but there were available tennis courts and supposedly petroglyphs in the area. Almost on every visit to the parking lot we saw mongooses scampering from lot to lot amid the clamor of local birds in the surrounding trees.
The KBR had a "hawaiian resort feel" to it with a large canoe in the lobby, and as stated we may stay here again.

JohnD -
Thanks! It was worth the wait! Next time you visit Kauai would you be tempted to stay on the south shore, given the weather you encountered, or would you stick with north shore accommodations? Which islands next? (I can't bear to complete one trip to Hawaii without dreaming/thinking about the next one.)

Reply to Crazy4Hi,
Mahalo for your kind words, and indeed you have managed to uncover our main "trouble in paradise (Kauai)" issue: To go to North or South shore in Winter months decision? Mrs JohnD Kee Beach. I believe the akamai, Kauai Kahuna (or Ka(l)huna-a.k.a.-Kal) has wisely imparted the benefits of staying in eastern (mid) Kauai for those torn with the decision.

Personally, I don't mind the ~hour drive
south because on the mainland, any drive to a decent beach takes ~ an hour or so. Don't know which island next, we redeemed most of our FF, how 'bout yall

P.S. Mahalo to Auntiemaria for your kind words!

Hello JohnD,
Wow, great trip report. It brought back so many wonderful memories of Hawaii, especially Kauai. We love the North Shore also.
Been to BI a few times, but did not get to go to Kahulu Beach Park to snorkel. Your report reminded me of many great things about BI. Our favorite is still Kauai.

Thanks,
Cathy

Hi JohnD, glad to hear that your trip went well!

Reply to pb and j,
Mahalo nui loa pb and j =D>for your previous trip report and very accurate Sea Quest info., as the SeaQuest adventure was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island.
P.S. Mahalo to Hanalei for your kind words.