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Typical view from our hotel.
The Hilton had its own private lagoon, multiple pools/spas/beaches, dolphins,
turtles, and pink flamingos.
The lagoon.
Rio’s first day playing at the beach.
Splish splash!
Not sure if Rio is really appreciating all the beautiful scenery, but I’m
sure he picked up on the gratitude from his parents.
Hey, this pond looks a lot like Mommy’s iPad app
“Pocket Pond”, but more real!
Fishies!
Nice spot for a massage.
Buddha Point was a nice spot to watch whales.
  
No, not that Wales, but still cute.
Buddha and sidekick.
In line with what Buddha might suggest, Rio offers up his prized pacifier
possession.
Eh, let me think about that one actually.
  
  
Rio’s parents couldn’t help but be inspired to do some acroyoga.
Rio joined in on the acroyoga.
Mama bird and baby bird.
We took a day trip to Volcanoes National Park.
Akaka Waterfall.
Cool tree near Akaka Waterfall.
Devastation Trail. Josh liked this photo because it shows the poor soil
nutrients that allowed only early successional species to establish.
Eco-nerd.
These berries were among the few plants growing on the new volcanic soils;
this allowed a bird called the nene to establish
here as well.
The berries also allowed Josh and Rio to establish here.
More sparse veg.
The entrance to a “lava tube”, which was a long cave with an entrance and exit
created by lava flowing through the mountain.
Inside the lava tube.
Iki Crater, created by a
volcano.
While carrying Rio through the different trails, Josh was reminded of when he
used to carry large packs through the Amazon and Andes.
Active volcano.
Family in front of volcano.
The volcano at sunset.
Hot glowing magma.
Artists rendering of what the first Polynesians might have seen when they
first arrived to Hawaii.
You’ve got to get some hula action if you’re going to be visiting Hawaii.
We had tons of great food, like this meal from Café Presto in Hilo: spinach
poke salad, wild mushrooms and artichoke pizza, and purple sweet potato
salad. We had lots of poke (sashimi ahi tuna),
which was just phenomenal.
Crab and truffle infused homemade ramen from Sansei. Delicious.
We discovered a private beach just south of the resorts with few crowds, save
for the crowds of tropical fish and sea life we saw while snorkeling.
Rio was afraid of the waves at first, so Daddy made him a little sand wall,
which was sufficient to quell Rio’s concerns.
After gaining some confidence, Rio presents his plan to sail off into the
open sea.
Last look at the sunset behind our private beach alcove.
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