9:00 am - 2:00 pm
I can’t think of a better way to kick off a week in paradise than a group trip to the beach! Hāpuna is a beautiful, white sand beach 40 minutes north of downtown Kona. (Beaches in Kona proper aren't great in winter). Snorkeling is good at Hāpuna beach if the water is calm. You can either go snorkel around the small cliff to the north of the beach or around the rocky point on the South of the beach. You can buy food and drinks or rent beach gear at the “The Three Frogs Cafe” located on the park premises. We will probably pack a picnic for lunch. Hāpuna Beach lies North of Kailua Kona, around mile marker 70 of Hwy 19. Turn makai (towards the ocean) at the sign for Hāpuna Beach State Park and continue for 1/4 mile to the large parking lot. Do not leave valuables in your car! Visitors to the Big Island now pay a small ($5 in 2018) parking fee to help maintain the park. Parking is free for locals.
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Join us for a beer (it is St. Patrick’s Day weekend after all...) at Ola Brew in downtown Kona. We can head to Kona Brewing and, depending on jet lag, we will meander over to Sam's Hideaway for Mai Tais and karaoke.
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Yoga or athletic clothes - no mat required
James and Jess gifted us a private yoga lesson for our wedding! Everyone is welcome to come and get zen while the waves crash on the beach 🤙
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Please wear your most outrageous Aloha shirt!
Join us for a rehearsal BBQ at Bill and MJ's rental home in Kona. The house is in a cul-de-sac with a long driveway but limited street parking. Carpooling or uber-ing is encouraged!
4:45 pm - 11:00 pm
Beach Formal
If you would like to be in formal wedding photos, please arrive at 4:45pm. If you're camera shy, show up for the reception, which will be seated at 5:15pm. If you plan on driving to the event, this is what my wedding coordinator told me about parking: "The parking garage below the building has plenty of spots for events of up to 100 guests, and is privately owned by Diamond Parking. They request that you pay to park, but if someone receives a ticket, they have no legal right to enforce a fine. Parking attendants also stop patrolling after 5:30pm." We can't wait to see you there!
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Swim suit - bring towel, change of clothes, and sweatshirt for the way back.
Snorkel over manta rays on this guided, half-day, snorkeling experience off the coast of Big Island. Take a short cruise to the snorkel site as the sun begins to set and pause to watch a spectacular sundown before jumping in to swim among massive manta rays in their natural setting. Back onboard, enjoy snacks, drinks, and use of the onboard washrooms. Round-trip transport and equipment included. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g2219999-d11456671-Night_Manta_Ray_Snorkel-Kohala_Coast_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html
5:30 pm
Bring WARM clothes. It snows on top of Mauna Kea - it’s thought to be home of the Hawaiian snow goddess- and even though we’re not going to the summit, the visitor’s center is cold. I suggest layering up and bringing blankets if you have them! Good hiking or walking shoes are a good idea too, as you climb a steep gravelly hill to watch sunset.
Watching sunset here and gazing at the stars was one of the most memorable things I did with my sibs on the island in 2016. It’s truly magical - the sun sets above the clouds and the stars are clearer than I’ve ever seen them! The visitor’s center will be closed so bring snacks, water, and fair warning - they only have portapotties available for facilities. Sundown is 6:30.