The Big Island

GREG AND I CELEBRATED 4 YEARS OF CREATING AN AMAZING RELATIONSHIP THIS FEBRUARY!

Greg and I took our yearly winter vacation to Hawaii this year. Getting away in February is such a nice break from the cold and rainy NW winters, we have been able to do something sunny and beachy for the past 3 years. It is so important for our relationship and our souls to take some time and recharge, preferably in the sun! I am so lucky to have a partner who puts travel at the top of his priorities too. We like to travel together, and we also encourage each other to travel separately. I think that it's healthy and fabulous to have that understanding.

My best friend Mike moved there with his lovely partner Hannah. A few days before we arrived, they got engaged! We were thrilled to spend some time with them and celebrate their new lives out on the Big Island. I have only been to Hawaii once before, and it was also to visit Mike when he lived in Maui. I love the islands, and the weather is so perfect. High of 80 and a low of 70. The island breeze makes this northwest girl feel like she's reached paradise!

We were able to drive around the island visiting both the Kona and Hilo sides. The Big Island has many different climates, including lava fields, dry climates, tropical, and mountains. We loved seeing the landscape and hiking around. I ate like a pig, the plate lunches are incredible and filling! The Kailua pork was on every menu, and we were able to do a fabulous sushi night as well. Local food is so important to me and Greg, and we were so happy to get a taste of some of that local Hawaiian flair! The beaches were beautiful, and we can't wait to get back next year for Mike and Hannah's wedding.

Now back to the routine, pounding out the rest of this bachelor's degree... June can't come soon enough!