The Big Island of Hawaii

Aloha from the big island of Hawaii. 

We had a six and a half hour nonstop flight from Phoenix to Kona on the big island of Hawaii aboard American Airlines. Michael hates to fly coach on these long flights so we are flying first. American‘s first class does not even come close to first class on Swiss!! I would call it  low level business class. The seats are very comfortable and there is lots of leg room, though. They serve lunch in first class whereas nothing is served in coach on this flight. Luckily, an announcement was made before boarding so some people did purchase something at the shops by the gate. 

You also have to scan, on your phone, a QR code you find at the gate counter to answer questions from the state of Hawaii as to what plants and animals you may be bringing over. 

Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor was super crowded. Many people flying!!! In fact, every announcement I heard when we were seated at our gate stated it was a full flight and every seat would be taken.

We were served a beverage of our choice before takeoff. 

There must have been some type practice for the fire department going on.

Returning to the station.

Long wait to take off as they switched runways. We are now taking off on two five right because of the cross winds.

That put us at the end of the line of planes ready to take off. It took 29 minutes from push back until wheels up. 

I thought the climb would be bumpier with the clouds but it actually wasn’t too bad. 

I was on the wrong side of the plane to take a picture of downtown Phoenix. I did get to see South Mountain with all their antennas.

Flew over the Central Arizona Speedway.

There is still area for some form of agriculture instead of buildings just outside of Phoenix. 

I can always tell when we go over the Colorado River. 

I wonder what is down there to have such "interesting" colors?

The pilot hasn’t adjusted the temperature inside the cabin yet. It is super cold which is causing Michael to cough. Time to bundle up!

A solar farm out in the middle of nowhere.

Marine layer coming in as we approach the coast of California. 

Pilot just announced we were flying over San Diego. Guess I have to take his word for this. 

Choice for lunch was a chicken enchilada or a stuffed pepper. Michael took the last chicken as he needs the protein. Guess what I had? The people sitting across the aisle had to have the stuffed pepper, too. Happy she asked us first. 

There is one flight attendant waiting on the 20 of us in first. 

Well…. my meal was tastier than it looked. Besides the main, they had a dish of lettuce, spinach, and sun dried tomatoes with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. Also, there was a side of diced cucumber, onion, corn, and tomato. The garnish was three radish slices. The cilantro leaves gave a nice little kick! Michael doesn’t care for tomatoes and cucumber so this dish wasn’t touched by him. 

My stuffed pepper sat atop a bed of rice. The meat filling was spicy. I was surprised how tasty it actually was.

Needless to say, neither one of us was a member of the clean plate today. 

Once the flight attendant picked up the tray, she came around with snacks to tide us over for the remainder of the flight. There were chips, popcorn, nuts, and a couple other choices. 

We are a couple hours into the flight and I still can’t see the ocean because of the clouds below. 

Looking around the cabin I notice most people had settled in for a nap. Finally a comfortable temperature, too. 

Approximately an hour after lunch the flight attendant came around to ask what we would like for dessert. There were three choices:  a vanilla ice cream sundae with nuts and  whipped cream with either caramel sauce or raspberry sauce - cheese and fruit - or a lava cake with either ice cream or whipped cream. Things are looking up!!  I had the lava cake, Michael had the fruit and cheese, and the gentleman sitting in front had the sundae. 

Clouds below are starting to thin out. Sort of. 

Making our initial descent into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport where it is 82 degrees. Ellison Onizuka International Airport at Keahole is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaii. KOA is located in west Hawaii.

I forgot what island the pilot told us was off to the left.

Coming in for a landing at the airport. CAUTION! This might make you dizzy watching it. It was a little bumpy/

The Big Island is known for its active volcanoes, orchids, golf courses, and scenic coast line.

Coming to our gate. Check out the lava field.

Yes, there are no jet ways.

After renting a car at Avis we were off to The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Along the way to the resort we saw wild goats and a mongoose. Of course, I didn't get a picture of them. Well.... we just arrived on the island so I hope to be able to try again.

I did snap a few shots.

Malassada is a Portuguese fried pastry from the Azores. It is a type of doughnut, made of flattened rounds of yeasted dough, coated with sugar and cinnamon or accompanied with molasses. Looks to be very popular!

It was 25 miles from the airport to the resort.

The lobby area

A cool towel and drink while we checked in.

I received the flower lei while Michael received the other. The correct Hawaiian word is lei, pronounced "lay." "Lay" is the English word for "to place" or "to put down," while "lei" is a Hawaiian word for a floral garland or necklace, a symbol of welcome and friendship. 

Our room.

Bathroom

The room

Our view

Explored around the resort before we went to an early dinner.

Lovely flowers and so many different orchids

Koi and water lilies

The sun was starting to set when we went to dinner at Meridia.

A clear vase with fish was placed at the hostess desk.

We had a wonderful table.

Fresh baked bread: white, olive and multigrain EVOO and balsamic vinegar complimented the assortment of bread.

Cute salt and pepper container

Michael and I both had the fresh fisherman's catch of the day.

Clams, calamari, scallops, and mahi mahi over diced fresh vegetables and homemade pasta which was cooked a perfect al dente. Delicious!!

Michael also wanted a side a charred brussel sprouts.

After dinner, we walked along the beach to watch the sun set..

In Hawaiian, "good night" is typically expressed as "Aloha pō". You can also say "A hui hou", which translates to "until we meet again" and is a common parting phrase that can also be used for "good night". 

Aloha pō until tomorrow!