Our last day on the island was our birthday! I can’t believe we were celebrating our 30th birthday on a tropical island. We had to check out of the condo by 11 and our flight was not until 9 p.m. After a morning of packing, we decided to just explore a bit until we had to head to the airport. My mom found a local farmer’s market that is every Wednesday at a nearby hotel. It is free to get in and there are local vendors selling everything from crafts to fresh food. I picked up some mango lilokoi jam and a homemade bandanna for Ellie. Doesn’t she just look so cute with it? It was her Christmas present when we got home.

Next, we decided to head to the downtown part of Kona since we had not really been down there much during our stay.

I am a huge fan of shaved ice (I like it even better than icecream!) so our first stop was at Scandanvian Shaved Ice. We sat on the wall across the street and soaked up the sun and watched the cruise ships come into port.

Next, we headed up the coast to the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Farm. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but this place was pretty cool. 

^ Dad pointing to the sign because it says “Welcome to the nut House”. So true for our family! ^

They have a really nice visitor’s center and samples of all of the macadamia nut items they sell. I bought some Macadamia Nut Brittle and it was delicious! Before you leave, walk over to the huge pile of nut shells!

Hawaii was spectacular and I will never forget all the things we got to see and do.

^ A big THANK YOU to my parents for making this a birthday I will never forget! ^

Hawaii was wild and wonderful. Good bye Hawaii!