There’s not been a trip more grounding than visiting the Big Island. Truly a spiritual experience immersing ourselves in creation and appreciating the quiet.
My brother, Michael, and I had been to Hawaii together in the past, but this trip we got to share it with the people close to us. For seven days, we encountered mountaintops (almost) and the vastness of the ocean.
We stocked up a gallon bag with Kodak and vowed to document this trip as analog as we possibly could. I preface with many thanks to Carmencita, the greatest film lab in the world, for the most vibrant scans we’ve ever received back (I will say this in every post… probably).
JULY 23 | ARRIVAL
Hawaii welcomed us with a sky full of stars – something we don’t often see in the concrete jungle of North Texas. We got settled in our stunning Airbnb and drove down to town for a delishhhh dinner to prepare us for a FULL week.
JULY 24 | AKAKA FALLS + HILO
Michael and I were beyond excited to share Hilo with mom and Zach. Walking the streets and reminiscing on both good times and bad – the hostel we stayed in last-minute after a more-than-interesting camping experience and the tattoo shop where he got his first ink. We started at the Farmer’s Market with a lunch stop at Pineapples. The table ordered an espresso martini,
Akaka Falls is one of the most accessible hikes on the Big Island. At just over half a mile, the entire hike is paved with varying inclines and declines. The best aspect of this trail, imho, is the varying greens. True about the entire island, it’s far-fetched to think you’ll find a place with such a vast diversity of plants. Pictured below!
Our drive back was incredible. I’ve got a lot of favorite parts about Hawaii, it’s hard not to. One of them is the drive between Hilo and Kona. The closer you get to the center of the island, the higher in elevation you get, starting the drive below the clouds, venturing through them, above them and then back below.
JULY 25 | SHOPPING + NTNL PARK No. 1
On day three, we pit-stopped at NAME to.
JULY 26 | VOLCANOES NTNL PARK + SOUTH POINT
It’s on been on our bucket list to see lava and it’s sadly still on our bucket list… Michael and I had done the Kilauea Craters Trail twice prior (he’d be happy to see me note that one of the times he was barefoot for the entire hike) so experiencing it with our family and *almost* lava was quite the thrill. Maybe the fourth time is a charm?
While in the vicinity, we watched both our day and the sun fade at the southern-most point of the US. There’s not a peace I’ve experienced more than that few hours. Pardon my Gen-Z slang, but the vibes were through the roof.
Locals-only fishing and cliff jumping.
A salty breeze.
Nothing but horizon.
JULY 27 | MAUNA KEA + MANTA RAYS
If you asked me to describe Mauna Kea in one word, I would choose breathtaking. Literally. It is a feat I have yet to fully accomplish. Michael and I attempted to summit on our first trip in 2021 and made it to the top with the help of a kind family in a Jeep. When we initially booked the 2025 trip, Zach and I made an intense training plan to help us prepare. I sprained my ankle the next day. Only one month post-injury, we made the sandy, rocky, sunny trek up. Sadly again, my feet did not make it to the last mile. We still had a blast but hitchhiked down with a nice couple from ? (saved by the Jeep again!)
JULY 28 | FINALE
The last day of our trip coincided with mom’s birthday. We decided on a relaxing day at the beach where Michael and Zach built a sandcastle and I bonded with a teenage girl because we were both reading the Summer I Turned Pretty #TeamConrad.
Upon completion of said castle and book, we ventured out to snorkel and let. me. tell. YOU! That **** changed me for the better. It’s other-worldly to swim through neighborhoods and schools of so many different fish. It’s experiences like this where I find myself struggling with the balance between documenting and LIVING. As much as I wish I had a waterproof camera to keep those moments forever, the reality is that photographs would never compare to the real-life sights and feelings.
We tied a bow on the trip with family photos at Black Sand Beach.
