HAWAI'I (BIG ISLAND), HI

I have made over 20 trips to Hawaii spending winters on the Big Island and visiting the other islands. The Big Island is so diversified and there is always something to do. I usually rent a condo and of course a car do my food shopping at Costco and becuase I generally stay in Waikoloa Village all the comforts of home are but a step away. A Bay Beach is just 6 miles down the Waikoloa Road and offers a wonderful beach and facilities and if you spend the day until sunset.....well the view is magnificent and rivals any poster you can buy. Having been there so many times affords me the luxury of having made friends with so many of the locals who have taught me the hula and ukulele playing. The Hawaiians are warm and loving people and I love their culture myths and legends. The luxury hotels along the Kohala Coast offer night life and a chance to explore the luxury they offer. Hawi is a wonderful town up at the Northern section of the island. It is an old Hawaiian town and a visit to the Bamboo Restaurant is a must. The pulled pork sandwich is the best. They also offer Lilliqui (passion fruit) iced tea which is a treat. I have been to just about every place on this island and can never get enough of it. I am drawn to it and must always return. After charting my trips on a map I can honestly say that I have traveled every road possible seen everything there is to see and still drawn back. My heart remains there when I leave. I have snorkeled with turtles seen the volcano and Madam Pele create new earth seen the devistation she can create visited ancient sites so sacred still to the Hawaiian people walked through a lava tree forest visited beautiful water falls valleys and look outs that are fresh out of Nagional Geographic. Driving along the Puna Trail is an experience which takes you back to another time dipping into the queens baths are mystical and relaxing. There are so many beaches to visit white sand black sand and even green sand.

I had a good time fishing with Capt. Gene Van der Hoek on the Sea Genie II. We went fishing for Blue Marlin and he delivered early in the trip. We released a nice est. 250+ Blue Marlin. Gene has a very nice 39 Rybovich sportfisherman and awsome tackle. If you are going to go fishing go with one of the best. I did my rersearch and Capt. Gene tagged and released the most Pacific blues and blacks over several different years. He and his mate were super friendly and professional no doubt one of the best operations in Kona.