We visited Hapuna Beach on the west side of the Big Island. Hapuna is a goregeous white sand beach which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. But it is also one of the most dangerous beaches with strong undertoes and waves that smash surfers on to hard sand. The beach was packed with people.
And the waves were huge.
The large waves and strong undertows kept the lifeguards busy.
A VISIT TO THE WAIKOLOA HILTON
It is always fun to visit the Hilton hotel on the west side of the Island of Hawaii. Many visitors describe it as the Disneyland hotel of Hawaii. We can drive to the Hilton in about an hour from Hilo. We like to take the train around the Hilton grounds and walk around the property.
The hotel grounds were the most crowded we have seen in a long while. Since Hilton sells day pool passes, the crowds may have been locals and families staying in nearby condos and time shares.
Families were enjoying the lagoon and pools.
Dolphin Quest was very popular.
We ate at the cafe next to Dolphin Quest and ordered Mahi Mahi sandwiches on purple Taro bread.
It is always a fun day at the Hilton.
We drove on to Kona where the vog was pretty heavy.
CHRISTMAS CRUISE TO HILO
On Christmas morning a huge cruise ship arrived in Hilo.
AROUND HILO
The traffic in Hilo gets heavy around the holidays as the town draws shoppers, family visitors arrive, and mainlanders come for a month or so to stay in their properties in Puna and Volcano.
The gas prices seem to have gone up with the increased traffic.
The fish are biting and Suisan Fish Store is selling buckets of Pakukui and Ta'ape and other reef fish.
They say you should only eat fish with clear eyes. The glassy or bloodshot eyes are to be avoided.
SNOW ON MAUNA KEA
The latest huge storm cleared up and Mauna Kea is covered with snow.
HILO POST OFFICE
The line at the downtown Hilo post office was epic. The Federal building, where the post office is located, is getting a facelift, so there are signs of construction as well.
BEAUTIFUL DAYS IN HILO
After all the rain and vog in November, December has been beautiful and sunny. Mauna Kea's snow this month did not stick.
We set up our tree in preparation for Christmas.
It is hard to believe another year in Hilo has gone by so quickly.