the big island - paleo in Hawaii

We Landed!

Mr. Charming and I LOVE Hawaii. Although, who wouldn't love an island where the temperature is always perfect, the scenery is breathtaking and fresh food outweighs the access to processed food? I previously published my series (Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3, Pt. 4) on Oahu, Hawaii... but this post focuses on our adventures on the Big Island. Our friends Perla & Manny invited us to join them on a week trip at the Wyndham in Kona. 

Mr. Charming and I started Day One really early and enjoyed scrambled eggs at the airport to keep us full with protein for the flight. Once landing at the cute airport in Kona, we got ourselves floral leis and snapped our first photo. He brought his pro camera to take tons of pics!

---

We didn't end up renting a car until half-way through our trip since there was SO much to do SO close. After meeting up with our friends at our hotel we went to the welcome party the hotel was having for us and enjoyed salads and drinks (this was before I cut out alcohol 4 years ago) and got a swag bag of awesome Hawaii things! Like beach towels, a book on the history of the islands and Kona coffee.

Manny, Perla, Me & Mr. Charming

We had this beautiful beach just down the road from our hotel and attended a luau one of our first nights in town. Aside from getting EATEN ALIVE by the mosquitos, the walks were so pleasant and we got SO MUCH exercise. 

When attending a luau, there are so many delicious Paleo options! Stay away from the rice dishes and focus on the meat and veggie dishes that are always in abundance. I enjoyed Luau Chicken (chicken breast cooked with coconut milk & taro leaves) - Kalua Pig and salad. 

At the locals farmer market we picked up HUGE avocados & white pineapple to have as a hotel room snack. White pineapple doesn't contain the acidity of regular pineapple, so we ate bowls of it! It was a yummy & filling breakfast before a day of boating and snorkeling. As always, check your city of travel ahead of time to see what restaurants, cafes or stores will have food for you to eat. We found both casual eateries and fancy date night spots where I could have fish, fries, salads and chicken. And Kona has a Natural Grocers Market, which made it convenient for stocking up on healthy eats to take on our boat trips, beach trips and traveling around the island. 

---

My first black sand beach experience!

My husband knows how to capture a sunset.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village also has one of the most selective gluten-free menus I've seen in Hawaii, and is included in their in-room dining as well. From flourless cake to gf pancakes, burgers at the grill and a full omelette station, healthy eaters can choose from many options. 

Do keep in mind that Kona & the western cities have many more options for healthy eats than Hilo and the eastern and norther regions of the island, so make sure to pack a lunch! We packed a lunch to go see the volcanoes and black sand beaches & I'm glad we did because even though the island isn't very large, it takes a long time to travel due to the mix of winding roads and modest speed limits. 

Sometimes I fantasize about living on the islands. Getting a small beach condo, letting the doggies run free on the beach and seeing Mr. Charming open a dental practice in town. But then I realize how very far away it is from all those I love, and it makes me happy to be where I am. Right here, right now.