Near sunset on Hawai’i near our hotel down at sea level we were treated to a rare glance up at the Mauna Kea Observatories as the sun lit them on the volcano’s summit.

Up at 13,700 feet, researchers work on the campus of 12 telescopes and sensor arrays watching the heavens for clues to the universe. Two days ago the summit faced blizzard conditions as over 10 inches of snow and 65 mph winds enveloped the summit. Earlier this week we spent fascinating time at the “welcome center” up at 9,200 feet. It is an easy drive from the Kona coast but watch those 17 degree inclines!

The dramatic view of Waimanu Bay and the Waipi’o Valley on the Hawai’i north coast.

You can explore the valley and black sand beaches by ATV or 4x4 safari or on horseback

Volcanoes and black sand beaches

Spent part of the day exploring the Hawai’i Volcano National Park. Steam vents, lava fields and craters galore, including the active Kilauea caldera.

On the way back to the condo we discovered a few black sand beaches where the lava had been ground by the waves into dust.

Thank you, Wendi!

Our sincere thanks to Wendi Vasconcellos, Resort Sales Manager for the Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.

Wendi graciously spent almost two hours with us today as she gave us a thorough professional tour of the hotel and various room categories. She certainly made us feel very welcome.

We were extremely impressed with the quality throughout this stunning Resort which emphasized Hawaiian culture and lore. The rooms were equipped with every amenity , including a baby “pack n play” set, and perfectly designed for families. The Resort has its own beach and lagoon and creative water parks, all perfect for kids and adults. As a bonus, there are no extra resort fees.

Our United Non-Stop Flight Washington to Honolulu

On our current trip to Hawaii we wanted to experience United Airlines’ new non-stop service from Washington Dulles to Honolulu. The 10-hour flight in our 767-400ER, UA145, left Dulles at 8:55am and we touched down a few minutes early at 2:20pm.

We recommend the flight if you are convenient to Dulles. We also recommend buying up to Premium Economy. The 35 degree seat pitch came in handy for a nap along with the extended leg space.

The plane offered an extended library of movies and entertainment on seat back video screens

Our only complaint was the pay-as-you-go meal service. On United’s international service we would have received a meal(s) yet on this flight, even though it is longer than a flight from Dulles to Amsterdam, we had to pay for a meal and not everything on the menu was available.

Our Dulles-based flight attendants were wonderful and very attentive to our needs.