Hawaii BIG ISLAND

We were invited by our friends to go to Hawaii. When they shared with us the deal they were getting it was hard to pass up the invite. It was our first time to visit the Big Island. It was our favorite Island because there was so much to do. Everyday was a "new adventure". We loved seeing the active volcano splash red lava into the ocean, scuba diving at night with the giant 12 feet manta rays, hiking to waterfalls and beautiful hidden black sand beaches. The Big Island has so much to offer. It is the only Island that you can snow ski and surf in the same day. It has an active volcano that is erupting continually which is making the island increase in size by the minute. It's landscape is black volcano rock on the Kona side and lush tropical landscape on the Hilo side. We enjoyed going to the Kona temple. The setting was so beautiful and I loved the grounds they had fan palms and orchids growing.I was so proud of myself doing my first night dive. I was afraid the giant rays would bump into me and knock off my mask at the bottom of the ocean. I couldn't believe how much I truly enjoyed swimming with these gentle creatures. They did swim within an inch of my mask and only bumped me once, which was a little freaky, but it was truly one the of most thrilling experiences. Wade and I just layed on the bottom of the ocean and watched 8 giant Mantas fly through the water. They are beautiful creatures.We enjoyed hiking on the volcano and through the lava tubes!Our Hotel was like a city within itself. You had to take a monorail or boat to each part of the hotel. They had a dolphin exhibit and amazing pools, slides and places to snorkel! It was the best snorkeling in all Hawaii. Wade and I are always ready to come home after a week, but not this time. We were so sad to leave. I think I've been homesick for Hawaii ever since I've been home. I think I am a converted "Island girl"!