Wednesday, September 17 –

Today we ate breakfast before heading north to explore the Kohala Coast. We stopped for some snorkeling at Mauna Kea Beach at Kaunaoa Bay. Then we headed around the north tip and enjoyed the dramatic Pacific views.

Sunset at Waikoloa

Later we stopped by the Tex Drive In in Honokaa for their famous malasadas – delicious Portuguese pastries. On our return to the Kona Coast we passed through Waimea, a town popular with “paniolos” or Hawaiian cowboys. Nearby is Parker Ranch, the nation’s largest cattle ranch with more than 175,000 acres. We also had great views in the ill country of Mauna Kea, which dominates the north side of the island.

Upon arrival back in Waikoloa, we went to dinner in the town. Then we went back to the hotel and packed up for tomorrow.