Happy New Year 2012

Overall, it was a tough year.  However, I made it through and I look forward to the new year.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

A Hui Hou!

Waterfalls

Aloha mai kākou! I kēia manawa, huaka'i ana kākou i ka Laupahoahoa!

Kēia lā i Kēkēmapa Iwakālua Kūmāiwa!

Wailele

 

Waterfalls in Laupahoehoe!

Waterfalls

 A Hui Hou!

Kēkēmapa Iwakālua Kūmāono

Aloha mai Kākou!  Restaurant review!  This morning we had breakfast at the Kilauea Lodge in Volcano HI.  The Lodge is located in Volcano Village, near the Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island of Hawai'i.  Nestled amongst Hapu'u ferns and giant 'Ohi'a trees, where the rare Hawaiian Honey Creeper birds sing in the tall branches.

The menu is very diverse that includes dishes with both an American-European fare.  With a local touch that includes locally grown vegetables from the many small farms that dot this island.  We've eaten at this restaurant many times before, but I felt the need to share this wonderful gem with you all.

The Lodge Restaurant

There is a gift shop where you can get unique locally made jewelry, Hawaiian made crafts and Volcano attire.  There's a large fireplace that warms the visitor from the often chilly Volcano air.  At almost 5,000ft elevation, the chilly Pacific trade breezes are accompanied by brief rain showers and followed by spectacular sunshiny interludes. 

The Fireplace

This morning was a chilly 61 degrees in Volcano, sunny and very nice outside, as you walk through the entrance to the restaurant you are greeted by the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen.  Our waitress escorts us to our table where we settle in and peruse the menu!  So many mouth-watering choices led me to my one of my favorite breakfasts!  

Eggs Benedict with Country Home Fries!  Cooked perfectly poached eggs with generous runny yokes over Canadian Bacon and a toasted English muffin, topped with exceptional Hollandaise sauce!
Till next time, a hui hou!

Kēkēmapa Iwakālua Kūmālima

Aloha mai kākou!  Christmas morning blessed us with the return of gentle breezes and sunshine!  After weeks of overcast skies and constant rain, this was a welcome respite.  Mauna Kea got a white Christmas!

Viewing Mauna Kea from Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo, looking north towards Hāmākua.  For just a brief moment in a cloudless morning sky, I am in total awe!  Merry Christmas! A hui hou!

Merry Christmas

Pō'ahā, Kēlēmapa Iwakālua Kūmālua

I Ka Ua Kani Lehua!  The sound of the rain on the leaves!

Today's trip to the Hawai'i Botanical Gardens was mixed with both sun and rain.  The rain makes for some spectacular waterfalls and rainbows.  The sun warms the skin after the rain has passed, and the air has a soothing refreshing scent of fragrant flowers.  Walk through the gardens envelopes you in a wondrous world of enchantment, solitude and awe.  Aloha!

Mauna Kea Morning