We had started our Hawaiian vacation with the first 4 nights of accommodations planned in advance and hoping to get lucky enough to find places along the way around the island during the last 6 days.
It was near the Southern most tip of the Big Island, above South Point and West of Volcano that we asked ourselves, "Well, now what?"
We weren't quite ready to go as far as the busy hub of Kona, but we were ready to near the drier side of the island. Not only did we get lucky in finding a quick and positive response on such short notice, we discovered another one of the Island's hidden secrets... Connie and her self-built paradise! Tucked away in what you think is forest, lies a tropical, lush hideaway that has you "Oooing and awwwing" from the moment you pass the security gate. And it keeps going for approximately 1/4 to 1/2 mile, teasing you with a flash of color here, a papaya tree over there, and seeing as my fiance and I decided on Christmas day that we would "seal the deal" in Hawaii, the lush green Fir trees that help guide the way while decorated with colorful balls, only added more charm to this place! Totally "Off the grid" was something new to me and she spared no expense in making certain that it can be done.
We had gotten there just before dark, allowing enough time for Connie to show us around, before getting settled in. Instantly we felt at home, and the fact that it was located a mile or so up a road off the highway meant the need for curtains wasn't necessary... From the front door looking toward the coast, lie a jungle garden of Connie's design and hard labor, and as you sat relaxing on the futon couch looking out the back, you were instantly lulled into relaxation by the sound of the wind through the trees and crickets. If you are a stargazer, you won't be disappointed. If you are an imaginative person such as myself, you could easily spook yourself into going back inside, due in part to the absolute peace and quiet you'll find here.
I spent the first morning laughing at myself as I sat out under the morning sun gazing across the pastures of the National Park next to her property, and then back towards her paradise, realizing that I had learned the night before, what true peace and quiet was! My only disappointment was that we had to leave so early the next morning, that we never got to say Aloha to such a sweet and lovely person... Connie, Pete and I can't thank you enough for making, "Well, now what?" such a special time and place for us during our "elopement!" Mahalo, Beverly and Pete