The decision was made to go to Hawaii for Spring Break 2025. This happened on the plane ride home from Nevis in 2024. There has been something about Hawaii that calls us back. We honeymooned on the Big Island in 2012, and were excited to experience it again with the kids. Specifically, we could not wait to recreate some of our favorite experiences and hopefully find some new ones.
Day One – Travel
The flight in arrived at about 7:30 local time (11:30 to us). There was a brief delay as the baggage handling system needed a nap. After that, we were off to retrieve our Jeep for the week.
The next morning was to be an early one. 3:00 was our departure time for the trip to the top of Mauna Kea to see the sunrise. We arrived to our room at the Fairmont Orchid by 9 and were asleep shortly after.
Day Two – Mauna Kea & Welcome Dinner
Worst planned start to a trip ever!
The first memory we wanted to recreate was visiting the top of Mauna Kea for the sunrise.
We did a great job of getting up and out. We were underway just after our 3 am goal. We made it to the Visitor Center ahead of schedule — 4:30. It was here we learned two bits of information that would be been helpful ahead of time.
First, the road is now closed from the visitor center to top until 1/2 hour before sunrise. Oops. After watching the stars, we saw a shooting star. Then it was time to wait in the car for over an hour for the road to open. While waiting, we read more about the trip to the top. Interestingly, we learned it is quite dangerous to bring children to the peak. The lack of oxygen could cause permanent damage. Time for a new plan.
Terah mapped out the closest spot on the coast where could still catch the sunrise. The GPS said we would make in about ten minutes before sunrise…And we did.
It was now past time for Breakfast. We had all been up for over 4 hours with just a Cliff bar. Time to go back to Waimea for the Hawaiian Style Cafe. Then, we were back to the resort just before noon. We had an 8 hour day, all before noon!!
We met up with the Grossman’s and enjoyed an afternoon by the cove. Finally, we ended the night at the Edward Jones welcome dinner.
