In planning Sharon’s vacation on the Big Island I thought it might be nice to find a place near Hilo, said to be the wettest city in the US with 127″ of annual rainfall, to explore the windward side then move across the island to the drier Kailua-Kona side and its 27″ total. Hawaii, as I soon found out when I began my own visit here, is a very Big Island! Choosing what to do and see while here is much different than when on O’ahu, where I could look at that days weather forecast over morning coffee and pick something that was best to do. Here on the Big Island that decision takes more planning ahead. Sharon and I did much of what we wanted to do when in Hilo maybe a couple of places we missed because of time but our days were busy. I am also happy that we have been spending time together planning and eating meals we have made for ourselves at the Honu House and now here at Nahale Place. Today’s day plan has us out by 8 a.m. for the hour drive to the Parker Ranch and Waimea, both lying at the base of the Kohala mountains. From there we drive north to the towns of Kapa au and Hawi (where I stayed last month), ending with the beach at the Mauna Kea Resort. My best beach for both islands, Hawaii and O’ahu.
The look out toward the main road. 
Map of Parker Ranch – at one time covered nearly 500,000 acres.
Parker calabash collection 
Interior of Mana Hale (House of the Spirit) 
Adze blades, poi pounders, round lava stones used in games and yellow feather lei. 
Leather saddle and tree for the saddles made on the ranch
Richard Smart was the last living direct heir of John Palmer Parker I he had Mana Hale which was built by his great-great-great grandfather moved to its present location at the ranch headquarters. The entire interior, floor to ceiling, was constructed of koa wood.
links: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/hawaii/parker-ranch-hi/ https://parkerranch.com/legacy/history-of/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Parker_(Hawaii)
Flowering Jacaranda Tree 
Shell Ginger flower 
Bird of Paradise
Flowers and trees around the Parker Ranch buildings.
After leaving Parker Ranch we visited nearby Waimea town, followed with a drive north on road 250 through the Kohala Mountains to Kapa au and Hawi. Lunch in Hawi at the Sweet Potato Kitchen and Bakery, a delicious very large and healthy Veggie Go-Go sandwich served with pipinola dill pickles (a member of the gourd family, along with melons, cucumbers and squash). Topping the day off with a stop at my favorite beach. Kauna’oa Beach (https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/kaunaoa-maunakea-beach/), in the 1,800 acre Mauna Kea resort which was first leased by Richard Palmer Kaleioku Smart and the Parker Ranch to Laurance Rockefeller in 1961.
Latte and scone in Waimea 
Display from King Kamehameha Day 
Sweet Potato Kitchen art
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