Big Island Big Love
Photographer: Aly
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Route: Old Kona Airport, Kona, United States
Travel Story
We traveled to the Big Island for some much needed sand and sun, and to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. There is so much to see and do, all while experiencing the beautiful Hawaiian culture and vibe. It feels like we found the optimal mix of relaxing beach time and adventure. Covid protocols are stellar on the Big Island, and we never felt nervous or unsafe. I'd been following Flytographer on social media for years, really love the concept, and decided this would be the perfect time to treat ourselves to professional photos. Aly was super awesome and we immediately felt comfortable and really enjoyed chatting with her. We absolutely recommend Aly, Flytographer, and the Big Island. Aloha!
Travel Tips
Talk to locals, talk to your photographer for recommendations. Until then, here are our favorite spots... For malasadas, the best were from Tex Drive Inn (Honokaa). In Waimea, the bbq from The Fish and the Hog (brisket tacos!) was very delicious, and we loved the burgers and fries from Village Burger. Andrew's favorite meal was from Randy's Huli Chicken (south of Kona). For fresh eats, we loved Kaya's (south of Kona), The Booch Bar (Hilo), Halabar (at Mauna Lani Auberge), Tin Shack Bakery (Pahoa). I loved all the fruit, and every virgin and alcoholic pina colada I tasted. And anything with lilikoi. In the outdoors, we loved Hapuna Beach, Polulu Trail, Kilauea Iki Trail at Volcanoes NP, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic site, all the sunrises and sunsets, scouting for whales (in the winter months). Don't forget to pack binoculars! I had a lovely mani/pedi with Teresa from Kor Salon on my first day. She does beautiful nail art. There's also some great shops to peruse, in the same marketplace as the salon. We stayed at the Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Lani, both superb in every way, as well as a couple of nights in a tiny house airbnb on lava fields near Kalapana. Such a wonderful place, and we'll have these amazing photos to remind us of the bliss we experienced while on the island.
