Marla and I returned to our beloved Big Island in the Spring. We rented a condo at Mauna Lani Point with a great view of the ocean and the island of Maui in the distance. We’ve rented condo and homes in Mauna Lani in the past and it was both wonderful and sad to return. My nephew Kekoa unexpectedly passed away just the day before our arrival. Click on the Kekoa Blog post. Feelings of happy memories alongside thoughts of sadness were daily companions. We connected with my brother Gary later as he stayed in Hilo 2 more days.

We loved our patio.

We were surprised to see few golfers played the course.

Marla and I are creatures of ritual. We walked this path in the morning and early evening every day.

Our first dinner and gorgeous sunset! And…tasty Mai Tais.

Each sunset held a special meaning for us. We focused on how thankful we were to be in this place at this unique moment in time.

The colors began to intensify.

Marla and I had never seen a moon like this at sunset before. I think it was a sign that Kekoa was watching us.

We walked the ancient fisherman’s trail toward the beach at Mauna Lani’s Makaiwa Bay.

You can spot the old fisherman’s trail in the distance.

I’ve always loved this home at Mauna Lani Cape.

Marla leads the way.

This stretch of trail brings back many memories of walking with the family after dinner.

Mauna Lani Beach Club is really a big favorite of mine! The yellow cluster in the water is a bunch of Yellow Tangs dining on the rocks below.

Bliss!

Cabanas and beach chairs are free if you are renting or staying at the Mauna Lani Auberrge Hotel.

Time for a little sun.

Mai Tai time at Napua at the beach.

Happy to be back on the Big Island.

Looking across the fairway toward the condos at Mauna Lani Point condominiums.

Late afternoon view.

The golf courses looked fabulous! Maybe I should take up golf again. Or…possibly not.

Each sunset evolved into a unique and beautiful painting.

The Surf Shack at the Auberge Hotel is just a short walk from the beach club past the fishponds. We loved it so much we went back again for lunch when Gary arrived.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.