This was an incredible trip. We flew into Kona airport, checked into the resort, and then headed for Hilo, where we had reservations at a gay-owned and operated, clothing-optional bed-and-breakfast located south of Hilo. The accommodations at the B&B were questionable, but the daily breakfast, which included fresh papaya, was great! The Lava Steam Vents on the property afforded us some unusual exploring, including a steam vent shaped like a bee hive -- much like an American Indian sweat lodge. The lava formations can be dangerous (I accidentally fell into a old, inactive lava vent -- cuts like glass slivers). From that side of the island, it was easier to visit the Volcano National Park and enjoy the sunset views from the beach/lava formations, with the glowing lava flow into the ocean. It was an incredible experience to see all the lava destruction (or construction, as it's the source that formed the island).
From Monday to Friday, we spent our time at the resort (Waikoloa) and Kona area. We found green sea turtles sunning on the public beach at Keauhou Bay (great pics). That same beach has great snorkeling for the general public (protected by natural lava breakers -- calm waters) and general swimming for the family (thus the reason the turtles love it). The turtles are protected by the parks department (there’s a hefty fine for disturbing them), and the beach has a lifeguard. This was definitely one of those trips that made it hard to board the plane back to the mainland when it was over.