So last weekend was my birthday.  Monday is Valentine’s Day.  My gift for both, came in between.

This year my husband and I celebrate 15 years married.  19 year together.  That is half our lives.  We want to celebrate big this year with a big vacation, just the two of us.  My in-laws own a timeshare and gifted us points to use toward our special trip.  What a blessing.  We could go anywhere (within our point range) in the US, or Mexico, or Canada, or New Zealand for that matter.  When we realized that we could spend 1.5 days in New Zealand, we decided on something closer and practical.

Hawaii.  We’ve been once before, to the island of Kauai, the garden isle.  We stayed at the gorgeous Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu and it was extraordinary.  We had young children at that time, 8, 5, and almost-1.  We spent the majority of the time at the pool with awesome waterslides, and at the beach.  Not too shabby.  We did get away on a sunset cruise that left us in awe of the whales we watched.

This time, my husband and I are heading to the big island, Kailua-Kona to be specific.  Looking forward to more relaxation and beach and poolside cocktails, but also more adventure!  We’re ready to explore the island, take in all that is the amazing Volcanoes National Park, there is even a volcano bike/wine tasting excursion that we must do!  I want to properly snorkle with the rainbow of sealife below the surface of the Pacific, cruise the Kealakekua Bay, and hopefully zip-line in North Kohala.

So in May, we’ll be headed back to paradise, and believe me, I cannot wait! {update we went to Maui…going to the Big Isle in October, 2012!}