🌺 Our Babymoon in Kona, Hawaii

Our babymoon in Kona was everything we didn’t know we needed—equal parts adventure, relaxation, and those moments where you just stop, breathe, and think… wow, this is exactly where we’re supposed to be.

✈️ Day 1: Travel Day + First Island Vibes

Travel day was long, but the second we landed in Kona, it felt different in the best way. If you’ve never been to Hawaii, the airports alone set the tone. They’re open-air, breezy, and instantly put you on island time.

We grabbed a shuttle to the rental car center (super quick and easy), and of course… we had to do it the right way. A four-door Jeep Wrangler with the top off. There’s just something about that first drive—hair blowing everywhere, warm air, and realizing you’ve officially arrived. I looked over at my husband on our drive and was just in complete awe of him and the moment.

We stayed at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and I will forever recommend it. They greeted us with two free drink tickets, which felt like the universe saying, “you made it.” Forrest grabbed a beer, we freshened up, made a quick grocery stop for snacks, and then headed to Lava Lava Beach Club for dinner.

And that was the moment. The one where everything slows down. Sitting there, looking out at the ocean, finally still after a full day of travel… just thinking, wow… we’re really here.

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☕ Day 2: Coffee, Culture & Manta Rays

We started the morning at Island Lava Java (recommend making reservations) and I’m not exaggerating when I say it had the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had in my life. I’m still thinking about it. Fresh juice, amazing food—we loved it so much we came back later in the trip.

Meanwhile.....

My husband (who owns an HVAC company) took one look around and noticed how rough some of their AC units looked and immediately started mentally planning our move to Hawaii. Like… I’m over here enjoying my cinnamon roll and ocean view, and he’s like, “we could definitely get business out here.” Priorities.

Next stop was Greenwell Farms Coffee Plantation, which ended up being way more interesting than expected. Learning what actually qualifies as real Kona coffee vs. what doesn’t made me feel like I leveled up as a coffee drinker.

From there, we visited Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, which was one of the most peaceful places we went. It’s a sacred “place of refuge” where, in ancient Hawaiian culture, people could come to be forgiven after breaking a law. Walking through the temples and along the lava shoreline just felt… grounding.

We had planned to snorkel at Two Step Beach, but here’s your tip—get your snorkel gear after breakfast. We didn’t, and the closest place was 30–40 minutes away once we got to the area, so we pivoted and headed to Kona Brewing Company instead. We ordered the BBQ pizza… and then immediately ordered another one because it was THAT good. Zero regrets.

That night planed for manta ray snorkel, which I had been both excited and terrified for. I got in the water, swam a few feet out, looked down… and saw giant manta rays gliding right up to people and TOUCHING them. Immediate thought: absolutely not. I turned right back around and got on the boat with the captain with no regrets 😂

From a distance? Incredible. Up close? That’s between you and the Lord. Forrest stayed in and had the time of his life—he came back grinning from ear to ear. Meanwhile, the captain joked about a shark being nearby and I was like, “sir… please don’t unless you want to see 20 people walk on water.” Kona is one of the only places in the world you can do this, so even if you’re like me, it’s still worth experiencing.

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🚤 Day 3: Snorkeling Wins & Poolside Vibes

We started the day at Island Vintage Coffee (macadamia nut iced coffee = obsessed) and headed out for a catamaran tour—my favorite thing to book anywhere we travel.

We snorkeled at Kealakekua Bay near the Captain Cook Monument, and somehow Forrest convinced me to get in again. And I’m so glad I did. It was calm, beautiful, and honestly one of my favorite memories from the trip.

Forrest said his favorite part was hearing me giggle through the snorkel every time a fish got too close to my face… which feels very on brand for me 😂

Afterward, we went back to the resort, walked along the beach looking for sea turtles, and debated snorkeling again—until someone casually mentioned shark incidents in the area this year… so we very confidently chose the pool instead.

The pool had a DJ, great vibes, and it ended up being one of our favorite afternoons.

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🌴 Day 4: Slow Morning & Soaking It All In

This was supposed to be our big adventure day—volcanoes, waterfalls, all the things.

But we woke up exhausted and decided to listen to our bodies instead. And honestly? Best decision we made.

We had a slow morning, stayed at the resort, made leis together, soaked up every last second, and just rested by the pool. Later, we went to Laverne's Sports Bar & Grill to watch the Georgia football game, walked through a local market, watched surfers along the beach, and ended the trip exactly where it started—with another meal at Island Lava Java.

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🤍 Final Fairwell

Looking back, this trip was everything we needed. A little adventure, a lot of laughs, and time to just be together before baby arrives.

The only thing I’d do differently is spread out some of the longer excursions instead of saving them for the end—but even that worked out exactly how it was supposed to. We slowed down when we needed to, and that ended up being one of the best parts of the whole trip.

And while this was technically our “babymoon”… Forrest didn't know I fully planned on squeezing in a couple more trips before baby came 😉

If you’re dreaming about a trip like this—Hawaii or anywhere else—I would love to help you plan it. From picking the perfect resort to building an itinerary that actually flows and feels relaxing, I’ve got you.

Reach out to me anytime and let’s plan your next trip 🤍✈️

flyingwithheaven@gmail.com