The Big Island-Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is Hubby and I’s little piece of heaven. It’s where we get away from it all and live like we don’t have a care in the world. It’s the place where I actually sleep and don’t toss and turn with anxiety and worry. Maybe it’s the sun, maybe it’s the sound of crashing waves, maybe I let myself go…..maybe I actually have the ability to relax and unwind but somehow I let myself feel as though it’s Hawaii and not something I’m capable of at home.
We are fortunate enough to be able to jet away to Hawaii at least once a year since my in-laws have a condo near the downtown Kona area. Hubby and his family have had a condo here since he was very young and I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy it since joining the family. My Mom is from Hawaii, but she grew up in Honolulu, not quite the relaxing place that Kona is, much more the hustle of a metropolis and probably where I would still have sleepless nights.
Hubby and I are like a couple of retirees when we come down here. Our routine is morning jog, following by breakfast at our favorite place, Lava Java, drive to a beach (lay around on grass mats reading magazines and books), home to shower and out to dinner at one of our favorite places. We try to stick somewhat to the Pacific Time Zone rising around 5:30 AM and to bed around 9:30 PM Hawaiian time. Many of our favorite places/beaches/restaurants have come from the Big Island Revealed book. If you are coming to the Big Island or any Hawaiian Island, get the book, you’ll be happy you did!
Here are some highlights:
Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast
Beer and Gingerade from Kona Brewing Company
Pizza from Kona Brewing Company
Monchong Fish (a Hawaiian Fish) at Keei Cafe
Mango Cobbler at Keei Café
Downtown Kona waterfront
Papaya Yogurt & Granola from Island Lava Java
This papaya, yogurt, and homemade granola from Lava Java is hands down my favorite breakfast on the island, I dream about this breakfast. I was so disappointed when we went this morning that I had to have mixed fruit instead of papaya, they were sadly out of papayas today.
Mauna Lani beach on the Kohala Coast
Croissant breakfast sandwich from Lava Java
Kua Bay
Kua Bay is my favorite beach on the Big Island, maybe even my favorite beach in all of the Hawaiian Islands. The sand is white and super soft, it’s easily accessible by car, there is an actual bathroom (not port-a-potty) and the water is the perfect balance of waves and calm.
Obviously, it’s a good thing we try to do a morning jog most days, as you can see, we love to eat and we need to counteract our love of food just a little bit.
On the fertility end of things, I’ve been on birth control since last Thursday and tonight (Saturday) I start my 10 unit Lupron injections. We are doing another Luteal Lupron protocol with added growth hormone for our third fresh IVF cycle. In my eyes, our 4th IVF cycle since we did one FET earlier this year. It’s getting close to the end of our Attain Refund program and I really need to get my head in the game (I know you are all sick of hearing this, but it’s true, I have such a hard time being optimistic). Hubby made a perfect assessment of the situation, he said “You are going to feel lousy and miserable if it fails, you’ll feel this way if you are optimistic and positive or if you are guarded and scared, so you might as well be optimistic!” So true, right?! Also, a close friend of mine who has been down a very long road of infertility herself is cautiously pregnant right now and she said she knew this last cycle would work for her, she just knew it and let go and felt really good about things. She said you just have to trick your mind into thinking this is THE ONE! Many of you have been very encouraging about IVF #3 cycles….thank you for your encouragement, the words I read from you lift me up a little higher.
I will leave you and myself with this one last image of Hawaii, a beautiful blooming hibiscus. I’m going to let this flower symbolize peace, calm and fertility!
Beautiful Hibiscus
hopefulandhungry 
I’m just a wee bit jealous… it all looks GORGEOUS! Hawaii is one of our “go-to” spots (isn’t it everybody’s?). I was hoping for five year anniversary, but infertility is making it look more like ten years. : ( Regardless, it sounds like you have excellent insider information to make the most out of a vacation! I’ll definitely seek your advice when the time comes!
Really hopeful that this IVF cycle is it! Praying for you!
Thank you so much for your prayers, we need them. I hope you can make it to Hawaii in 5 vs. 10 years, a pretty far trek from GA but worth the travel time! Thinking of you also!
wow, I think I would go just for the breakfasts at that coffee spot! yum! I am jealous of your beautiful, relaxing trip! that’s such a nice feeling! I sometimes struggle with being optimistic also, but worrying never gets results either. I’m sending our good vibes for you! xoxo
You and the family really need to join us sometimes, get G to switch from Mexico to Hawaii one of these upcoming years. Thanks for the positive energy, I need it!
gorgeous trip! i’m glad you two got to spend time together. thinking good thoughts for you always. 🙂
Thanks Amy! xoxox
On May 27, 2013, at 7:13 AM, hopefulandhungry
I love the Big Island. Super envious your in-laws have a place there!! How wonderful!
Wishing you the best of luck as you embark on your IVF cycle!!
Thank you! The Big Island is wonderful. 🙂
your hawaii pics look amazing! i want to try making that papaya granola breakfast too! so simple, yet so cool! I know this #3 is IT for you 🙂 And I think what your hubby said is right on. You’re going to feel lousy if it doesnt work anyway (which it will) so why not go ALL IN and be optomistic? The weather is nice out, you came back from a great vacay, your life is great! you’re on a great streak 🙂 i’ll be following your progress and sending you all my positive vibes!! xo
Yes, the papaya is so yummy! Maybe I’ll post a recipe of my attempt to recreate the granola. Thank you so much for all of your positivity and optimism. I need that burst of positivity! xoxo