If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Big Island (specifically the east coast) you have to take a drive down the ‘Red Road’. Jungle canopies, coconut forests and volcanic coastline unfold for miles, and you won’t be able to stop ooh’ing and aah’ing. Bring your camera, and be prepared to stop every few minutes to photograph something. Lucky for us, our cottage is on the Red Road, and it’s such a treat to drive (or run – early in the morning before it’s too hot) down it everyday.

Along with the older one lane highways in the area, the Red Road is the most beautiful drive I’ve ever experienced. My mind is blown. The jungles on the Big Island were a bit unexpected – I knew it was going to be tropical, but I had no idea it was so lush. I think Court was surprised too. Sometimes I feel like I’m in the Amazon. Minus the creepy tarantulas and malaria.

Each day, there’s something new to discover. Like this mini salt and pepper beach with warm tide pools to soak in.

Perfect spot to to set up shop with a beach towel and a beer! Or, even better: a geothermal heated salt pond.

In Kapoho, volcanically heated springs line the coast, but a safer and more convenient approach is to spend an afternoon at the partially man made hot pond, Ahalanui.  Hot spring water from underground mixed with fresh ocean water makes for such a relaxing experience. Tropical fish and eels inhabit the pond too! Court and I spent an afternoon snorkeling and swimming in the warm 100F waters.

I need one of these in our backyard.