The Big Island of Hawaii has been a favorite destination for our family for many years. We returned to one of our favorite rentals at Mauna Lani Point in May. It was time to bring out the Mai Tais and enjoy some fabulous sunsets.

We connected with my brother Gary at the Waimea Town Farmer’s Market to purchase fresh veggies and bread.

My “must stop” lunch is at Waimea’s Pukalani Stables Farmer’s Market. I love the “Red Barn” lunch truck. I always order their special cheese toast with delicious tomato soup. Love it!

This time last year Gary’s son, Kekoa, sadly passed away the day of our arrival.

Marla looks stunning on our walk next to the Mauna Lani golf course!

We loved “Chef Marla’s” dinner on the terrace with a beautiful sunset.

Walking on the “Fisherman’s Trail” toward the beach at Mauna Lani.

I wore a vintage Jim Thompson shirt for dinner at Pueo’s Osteria in Waikoloa Village. We love this restaurant with their great cuisine and staff.

We had the same superb waitress last year.

We walked to lunch next to the beach at Mauna Lani’s Surf Shack.

The Mauna Lani Hotel was closed for 1 1/2 years and reopened as the Mauna Lani Auberge. The updated interiors are very nice.

Looking down at the lobby from the second level.

We love getting to the beach early in the morning so we can get nice beach chairs with a canopy. This was a lovely morning.

Marla and I walked twice a day by the ancient fish ponds. There are seven fishponds in the Kalahuipua area. The ponds are fed by natural freshwater springs and seawater, creating a brackish environment Hawaiians used to harvest fish. These ponds are still managed in the traditional fashion; fish enter through gates and swim down channels to the ponds, where the second set of gates are closed, so the fish remains.

In old Hawaii, most fishponds were managed by the ali’i (chiefs), and most of the fish were consumed by them. These particular ponds once belonged to Kamehameha the Great. Legend says that servants would transport still-wiggling fish to the house of the ali’i in wet seaweed to ensure the utmost freshness.

I love the white-spotted puffer fish.

A colorful Blue Parrotfish.

We spotted a few large Moray Eels.

The Beach Tree Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hualalai is a favorite of ours. The gave us a great table outside and close to the music.

Hawaiian music and dancing at sunset.

A perfect shirt to wear at sunset in Hawaii.

Sipping a Beach Tree Mai Tai and watching a golden sunset.

One last morning walk before checking out of our condo rental.

The water takes on a fabulous shade of azure blue.

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