I didn’t realize that I’d completely neglected to do a Kona post . . . which is particularly unfortunate since my experiences there are about to be eclipsed by our upcoming trip to Boston. So, here goes:

A couple of weeks ago, we made our way over to the Big Island for three days of R&R with the family. We stayed at the Marriott in Waikoloa, which is a bit more luxurious than I’m accustomed to, and had ocean view rooms:

View from our balcony by day, Marriott Waikoloa Resort.

Sunset from our balcony, Marriott Waikoloa Resort.

But even with all that beauty, we couldn’t just stay cooped up in the hotel. Here are a few of my favorite shots from around the west side of our easternmost island:

Kealakekua Bay. The obelisk shape in the distance (sandwiched by two white sailboats) is the Captain Cook monument, which marks the site where the Hawaiians killed Capt. James Cook once they figured out he wasn’t a god after all.

Honu (sea turtle) resting on the sand, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau (City of Refuge) National Historical Park.

Ancient Hawaiian fish ponds at Anaeho‘omalu Bay, Waikoloa.

It’s hard to imagine that all this was followed by one of the worst weeks EVER at the office, but (a) health care reform passed, (b) I’m about to head off on another vacation, and (c) it’s almost time for baseball season, so things are looking up!