Day 1 – Our journey to The Big Island, Hawaii, began on Nov. 22, American Thanksgiving Day. We had breakfast at Tim Horton’s at YVR before boarding a West Jet flight for a 6 hour jaunt to hot and humid Honolulu, then a 45 minute flight on Hawaiian Air to Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side of The Big Island.
Not a lot of choices at YVR.
We watched the sun, a large red ball, sink below the horizon as we rode in a cab south across fields of lava, through the town of Kailua-Kona to our condo at the White Sands Village. 
Across the street is the Magic Sands Beach also known as La’aLoa Beach Park, called Magic because the waves wash away the sand in high surf and bring it back a few days later. It is the only sandy beach for miles north or south, excellent for boogy boarding and sun bathing.
Also known as La’aloa Beach Park
Looking North with Anthony’s in the background.
We were pleasantly surprised with the size and cleanliness of our corner 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with a huge wrap around lanai (deck), 2 flat screen T.V.’s, 3 double sliding glass doors off of the living room, one from master bedroom and comfy furniture, outside on the lanai and inside.
We had problems with the WIFI and the phone our first 2 weeks, had to have Hawaiian Telecom fix some wires and let the owner know he needs to replace the phones.
We ate dinner our first night across the street at Anthony’s. Yucky Caesar Salad, Yummy Lobster Pops and a Quesadilla. It is the only restaurant close enough for us to walk to.
Day 2 – We caught the Hele-On Intra-Kona bus, Free for seniors, to the Keauhou Shopping Mall, south of us. Had Breakfast, Peter had spam with his eggs, did a little grocery shopping and caught the Honu Express/Keauhou Trolley, $2 each back to condo.
Went for a swim in the pool. Met another Canadian who told us about a much better place to rent a car. Emailed Penny to change the reservation for when she and Bev arrive on Sunday.
Day 3 – Peter went for an early swim in the ocean, cold! Made a quick trip back to the Mall for more groceries. Swam in the pool in the afternoon.
Day 4 – Peter went for an ocean swim, still cold.
Lounged by the pool and on the lanai all day. Penny and Bev arrived about 11 pm after their direct flight from YVR to Kona.
Day 5 – Drove to Alamo Car Renal to add me as second driver, breakfast at Denny’s, yes they have all the big chains here. Peter had “The Hobbit Egg in the Hole Skillet”, plenty for a human but more like an appetizer for a Hobbit. 
More grocery shopping. Peter is coughing/blowing his nose!!! Cloudy all day!
travelwithpandp 