No, it's not a part of Cascadia, I know. I am inspired to share a few highlights of our wonderful visit to this truly big island. We visited many areas of the island, but didn't cover half of it, so we might have to return if we ever have the chance. Our home base with reasonably priced lodging was Paniolo Greens at Waikoloa Village located about 6 miles off the main highway at 1000 feet elevation. The condo was large and clean and nicely appointed and the complex is located on a golf course. It was usually pretty windy, but we did not mind since we spent most of our time off doing other things.
Our favorite snorkeling spots were the Mauna Lani Bay Resort for a beautiful sandy spot in a resort setting that was friendly to visitors and Two Step near the place of peace about 30 minutes south of Kona. This was primarily black lava rock with 2 "steps" that drop you right in to about 8 feet of water.
We ate well and my favorite place is Pau in Waimea. On our first visit I was craving some fresh local fish and Pau delivered a pasta with pesto and fresh ahi with vegetables. It was a unanimous vote to return for a second visit before our trip home and the food and service were both very nice. On Saturday we went to one of 2 farmer's markets in Waimea and had a nice lunch. Waimea is home to the renowned Parker Ranch up in the "high" country about a 30 minute drive from our lodging in Waikoloa. On Sunday we drove over to Hilo on the east side and discovered a great lunch spot called Short and Sweet. This is a bakery known for their wedding cakes and they also offer great salads and sandwiches on house-baked bread. Aidan will remember it for his first taste of Key Lime Pie. We found the drive back from Hilo much more pleasant on the Hamakua Coast with a stop at Akaka Falls than the drive over the Saddle Road.
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