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Our Rich Backyard Life- Hawaii Experience

 

Slowing down and taking the time to enjoy our surroundings is essential to Living The Sweet Life On A Budget.  Whether it is enjoying nature or the beauty of city architecture, taking time to stop and appreciate beauty wherever you find it is important.   Our Rich Backyard Life looks at the beauty that surrounds us, whether it is animals, flowers, buildings, locations, or anything else that we can appreciate in our daily travels.  


It has taken us 4 years to get to Hawaii, but we did it.   What a family experience we had. We spent 4 days/3 nights in Kona and 3 days/2 nights in Hilo.   Hawaii can be very expensive to visit, but we were able to do it on a budget.     Here are a few of our favorite sights.   


We started in Kona at a luxury resort which we were able to stay at for $40 a night which was the resort fee only.   We were able to do this because we saved our Hilton points from 2020.   


The Grounds

The grounds of the resort were very extensive and provided views of the ocean which also fed the salt water lagoon.   In addition, there were manmade swimming pools and a waterway which allowed you to view the grounds from a boat.   


Ocean View






Salt Water Lagoon was a beautifully maintained water feature where the sea turtles could come and visit the guests.    In addition, the resort has a dolphin training program that is maintained in this area and several times per week, they run a dolphin show.    



The lagoon provided an area where you could go snorkeling, paddle boarding or paddle boating. 



Hawaii is serious about protecting the coral reefs and sea turtles which call Hawaii their homes.    First,  any sunscreen with oxybenzone or oxinoxate is ban from their shores because research shows that these chemicals can harm the coral reef.    In addition, you are expected to give sea turtles their space and not come within 5-10 feet of them.    We were able to see them when they swam into the salt water lagoon to eat the algae that grows along the walls of the lagoon.   There were viewing areas set up which allowed you to view the turtles but not get too close.   


 


Each day you could walk to the training area and view the dolphins being fed, training or just swimming around.     However, several times per week, the resort put on a dolphin presentation where the trainers would share about taking care of the dolphins and basic training elements.    As part of the presentation, the dolphins were invited to join the program and those who swam into the lagoon would demonstrate their skills.


Dolphin Training Area 



Dolphin swimming laps between 2 training areas. 



Practicing shaking hands. 



Dolphin swam backward in a quick burst of speed.  


There was so much to see in Hawaii, that one post is not enough to give it justice.    Stay tuned for another series of pictures over the next few weeks.   
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