Big Island Means Big Fun for Couples

Our guest post comes from Kim Ruccione, RN, a city slicker at heart. Kim grew up in a small ethnic community 20 minutes outside the urban jungle of Manhattan.  Road Tripping for her family was taking a wrong turn off the Brooklyn bridge.  Day Trips to the Jersey shore were the summer highlight. Kim became a travel nurse and experienced places from Nantucket to Hawaii.  Kim considered it a thrill to spread her wings and get paid and has been trippin’ ever since. Now a Clinical Laser Nurse Specialist and mom of two elementary age girls, Gianna and Julia, Kim’s published articles in Dermatology journals and has lectured to Physician’s internationally. Kim’s girls have a goal to visit every state by the age of 15; Kim hopes to help them achieve that goal.

Hawaii’s open airport surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flora loudly proclaimed we had arrived. The intoxicating scenic drive to the Keauhou Beach Resort was even more inspiring. The simplistic beauty of earth, ocean and stone come together in a breath-taking array of serenity. We felt the immediate sense of ohana (family). Your senses become heightened by the connection that unites you with the Island. As exhausting as traveling can be, the rejuvenation we immediately felt upon arrival was inspirational.

The modest rate of our lodging included a free full buffet breakfast that was as sensational as the view from where we sat.

A complimentary cultural tour is also included for guests staying more than 3 nights. Immerse yourself in the ancient tales that surround the newly restored Heiaus (ancient stone temples) that lay on premises. These Heiaus are mighty reminders of the social hierarchy of Kings and their people.

The property’s chef takes great pride in his culinary creations of both traditional and casual dining. The newly reopened Kalanikai Bar was awe inspiring as it looked over the water giving us the “hang loose” feeling we came to find.

Occasionally you may want to leave the siren comforts of this hotel, but you need not travel very far since the best snorkeling beach is steps away at Kahaluu Bay Beach Park.

Down the road Kona Boys Beach Shack is the place to rent all your water toys or just get good ol’ local advise. Located at Kamakahonu Bay, it makes easy entry to the water. They offer an outrigger tour (Wa’a) that will make you say WOW! An elder local named Uncle Jesse definitely gave us the royal treatment with his story telling and knowledge of the rich history and ever-changing landscape. As we approached the deep of the bay the playful spinning of dolphins encircled our canoe. The pricing, gear, and the instructors are thumbs up all the way.

We partied the night away at the Island Breeze Luau located at the historic King Kamehameha Resort. Enjoy sand in your toes and stars in the sky on the beautiful ocean beachfront of Kamakahonu bay. The food, the entertainment and staff show you how to live Hawaiian style. Abundant local foods will be pleasing to the palate even for the most discriminating taste buds.

Don’t want to get wet? Climb aboard the Atlantis Submarine. This breathtaking discovery lured us to 103 feet below the surface to explore an underwater world. This hi-tech submarine holds 64 passengers with a front row viewing port for everyone. If you don’t have your sea legs, don’t worry it’s a pretty smooth operation from beginning to end. If you like to repeat the trip several times they have a specially priced kama’aini rate for bigger savings.

all photos by Kim Ruccione

The Captain and the crew were very courteous, professional, and interested in how we were enjoying our tour. This is an interactive attraction, so have all your questions ready for the Atlantis crew. We felt safe and comfortable the entire tour. This is a five star activity you don’t want to miss.

Always be prepared with appropriate clothing as weather can change. A mountain bag and a water bag for any island encounter is advisable to keep in your car at all times while Road Tripping throughout the Big Island.

The Island’s diversity is staggering from the white sand beaches to black sand coasts where the sea turtles bask on the beach. Be sure to stop at the coffee farms, Painted Church, and The City of Refuge to add a little Hawaiian culture to end any glorious day. The Big Island offers Big Fun for Road Tripping Couples.

“A hi hou!”