Last week it was winter break for our kids at school and we decided to make a trek to one of my favorite spots on the planet, The Big Island of Hawaii. Regular readers of this blog know how much I love this place and it’s beauty. In fact I had to control myself from over Instagramming while I was there. There’s just so much gorgeousness. I’ve been to Hawaii in June (our usual time) and in April for Easter, and this was our first time in February. Even thought it was high season by their standards, it never feels crowded in the Big Island or where we love to stay, The Mauna Lani.
The minute I walk through the entrance there is ukulele music gently wafting on air and the smell of tropical flowers hits me. I’m relaxed before I can even think about it!
Right before I left on this trip coincidentally I was contacted by the Mauna Lani to share about special rates they have beginning March 1. When they heard I was traveling there they invited me to experience dinner with my family at the legendary Canoe House with their newest Chef de Cuisine. Who could refuse? So today I’ll share all the good things about this hidden gem of a resort. Just don’t tell too many people! I want it to stay that way.
First thing in the morning, my favorite thing is to grab some Kona coffee or a coconut latte at the Mountain Thunder Roasting Company in the lobby and then take an early morning beach walk with my husband while the kids sleep in. This is the northern facing beach on the property near the bungalows and has the best turtle sighting and is a pretty walk or jog. There’s a path to the Fairmont Orchid which is about a ten minute walk along the beach here. You can also take a one of the beach cruiser bikes over there and have lunch or to the Mauna Lani Shops and restaurants which are about a five minute drive or ten minutes by bike.
After that we usually have buffet breakfast overlooking the fishponds and beach. Love this outdoor seat to all the birds and flowers. It’s a wonderful way to begin the day.
We loved the little cat who has a special spot to nap at the lifeguard station here!
I also am partial to the front beach of the resort as it has beautiful trees, hammocks and cabanas to duck into and read or watch sailboats float by. There’s a nice reef here for beginning snorkelers and paddle boarders. It’s also where the green turtles or Honu like to sun themselves. You have to be careful not to step on one as they sometimes blend in with the lava rocks!
I think this picture says it all. Probably the prettiest sunset and view we’ve ever had at dinner!
Cocktails did not disappoint! I love a flower in my drink. They have many house specialty drinks and a terrific wine list. David Morimoto the manager, has worked in Napa and has brought his knowledge of wines to the table so to speak here.
Everyone takes photos at sunset and on the bridge into the restaurant as it’s exquisitely picturesque.
Max had the wok tossed lobster, a new creation by the chef and it was AMAZING! I want to have it again. Yes I ate some of his..Okay a lot of his!
I had the macadamia encrusted mahi mahi. Was wonderful with pineapple relish.
I can’t eat enough macadamia items when I’m in Hawaii.
My boys had filet mignon and were in heaven.
Next up on the blog, I’ll share my other favorite spot on the Big Island..It was hard to leave the resort, but we did make it out to some cool places. Then I’ll tell you what to pack and what to bring home from a Big Island getaway.
Thanks for coming along!
Kim
Last photo courtesy of Mauna Lani, all other property of NorthernCalStyle.
Wow, looks like a fabulous trip! Gorgeous photos, Kimi!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
You are killing me with these pics. I showed them to my husband on your IG feed and I was saying we need to go although I can't figure out how we will get there with his no flying. But I just love the place and the light you captured is how i remember it except I also remember the gentle mist of rain. So glad you all looked like you had a great time xx
What a fun post!! Your beautiful pictures made me feel like I was there! We love the Big island and I agree that it never feels busy, which is so wonderful! I'll never forget the first time we landed on the Big Island and all I could see was black lava out the window and I thought, what have we gotten ourselves into?! Such an incredibly beautiful and diverse island and I have come to love the black lava against the beautiful turquoise waters and against the beautiful green palms. Gorgeous! We never miss having dinner at the Canoe House or Brown's Beach House when we are there! Always so delicious and the backdrop stunning. We discovered a great place to have lunch the last time we were there called Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill ….so delicious and fresh and a great spot to check out when you are near Kailua-Kona. Look forward to your next post!
How amazing! Hawaii wasn't even on my list but now it is in the top three, I'm dying over the beauty and the relaxed vibe just comes through in the photos. Your whole family is looking great (love your outfit for dinner: 11/10) and the boys are getting so big!
My whole family would love this trip but with my older two entering their young adult working years it's difficult to organize a family holiday, but I know my Mr would love this place and it would be the perfect relaxing antidote to hectic life. Thanks so much for sharing this with us Kim XOX
I'm drooling over your photos. It's all so beautiful. I love, love, love everything about Hawaii. It looks like an amazing trip for your family. You could never have over posted on Instagram for my taste.
XO Jennifer
Beautiful. I am wondering, how is the beach there? Swimmable? Water is deep enough? We usually stay at the Four Seasons but their beaches are very lava-ey:).Always looking for the perfect Hawaiian stay. Of course, they are all perfect in their own ways:).
Maybe this will get THE ITALIAN TO TAKE THE PLUNGE!He has NEVER been to the ISLANDS…….we need to change that!I"M READY NOW!THANK YOU!
Thanks Dawn. I know you love Hawaii too!
Naomi he's not a flyer? I know someone like that and they take something to sleep.. ? Thank you it's just such a beautiful place and there are no bad photos! xo
April, Thank you. I know the first time I landed there I thought it seemed like a desert! Then I saw all the beautiful beaches and the beautiful tropical parts too. It's really something isn't it? I haven't gotten to The Ohana Grill, but will put it on my list! Sounds great!
Dani, You really should get there!! It's paradise. Maybe you can go with the hubs? It's very romantic too. Thanks about the red outfit. I'm normally not a red girl, but something about this outfit I loved. xo
Thanks Jen! xo
Lisa, The beach is swimmable all around the whole resort. The only exception is in front of the Canoe House which is off to the far right of the resort. There are bigger waves there and people surf. Otherwise, it's great for kids and everyone to swim, unlike some resorts…I love The Four Season's Hualailai, but the gorgeous front beach is not swimmable and their other to the right has a very small and shallow reef so not ideal. This time The Four Seasons was closed down to 'outside' people so I didn't even have lunch there and it wasn't missed.
Elizabeth, You need to go! Tell your Italian how much he will relax and how ROMANTIC it is!!
Kim, hi again! Would you believe I’ve been to 46 of our great US States and never Hawaii? We’re planning our Thanksgiving family vacation to Hawaii! I’m so excited. And after reading your posts, I was eager to take a look at your fav hotel. Sad to see that rooms are unavailable – perhaps closing for renovation? Could I ask you to recommend another lovely resort? We have so many friends who’ve been there and of course there are thousands of websites for info, but I love your style and value things you seem to prioritize for you and your family – your recommendation would mean a lot! Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!
Sincerely,
Alissa (new Los Gatos resident!)