04/24/2025
Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii! 🌺🌴 We just returned from 6 magical days surrounded by breathtaking beaches, volcanic craters, and the most stunning views we’ve ever seen. 🌊✨ This trip was extra special because we were celebrating our 4th anniversary—and what a beautiful way to mark the occasion!
Our home base was the Ocean Tower at Hilton Waikaloa Resort, and it was everything we could’ve dreamed of and more! With its lush tropical gardens 🌿, incredible pools 🏖️, and views that seemed to go on forever, waking up to that stunning ocean view each morning felt like something straight out of a dream. 😍🌊 The resort was also incredibly family-friendly—we saw so many families celebrating and making memories together, and it made us all the more excited to return one day with our future children. 💕👨👩👧👦 Oh—and it was so big, they even had a tram that carried guests from one end of the resort to the other! 🚋
To celebrate our 4th anniversary, we had an unforgettable dinner at Kamuela Provision Company, located right next to the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore added a serene touch to the evening, making it even more special. The food was delicious, and to our surprise, they brought us an amazing anniversary dessert to mark the occasion! 🍽️🎉 It was the perfect way to make the evening even more memorable. 💖
We had the opportunity to visit the Kona Hawaii Temple, which is currently undergoing renovation. While the temple was closed, we had a warm and meaningful conversation with the senior missionary couple at the temporary visitor center. It was a special and reflective moment that added to the tranquility of the day. 🕊️⛪
Later that evening, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant colors, music, and traditions of The Legend of Hawaii Luau. Surrounded by torchlight and tropical breezes, we indulged in a delicious feast and enjoyed captivating hula and storytelling that celebrated the beauty and spirit of Hawaii. 🌺🌴🥥✨
And while it was snowing back home in Utah, we were surprised to see fresh snow in Hawaii too—on the majestic peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa! 🏔️❄️ There’s something pretty magical about seeing tropical flowers and snowy mountaintops all in the same day.
The following day, we embarked on The Circle Tour with Wasabi Tours Hawaii and had the absolute best time exploring the island with our incredible guide, Kona Chris (who also happens to be a fellow Utahn! 🙌). From Kona Coffee Farms ☕ to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach 🖤, from the lush beauty of Akaka and Rainbow Falls 🌈💦 to the steam rising from Kīlauea at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park—even though we didn’t see any actual lava erupting, the volcanic gases and steam rising from the crater were an awe-inspiring reminder of the island’s incredible energy. 🌫️🌋 We even stopped at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout and just stood there, gazing at the incredible view where lush green meets the sparkling ocean. 🌿🌊
On Easter Sunday, we had the chance to celebrate at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Waimea, which was such a special moment for us. 🙏 Afterward, we found my new favorite restaurant—The Fish and the Hog, where we enjoyed some amazing Texas-style barbecue with a Hawaiian twist! 🍖🌺
And if that wasn’t enough, we treated ourselves to some of the most delicious ice cream at Our Founding Farmers in Hawi! 🍦🤩
Mahalo, Big Island, for the memories that will last a lifetime. We’re already dreaming of our next Hawaiian adventure—and hoping to return someday with our future children to share all of this magic with them! 🌴💖
Stacie
Brian
