more resort time and my nephew

Dave never left the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai during our four day stay. He loves laying out in the sun, swimming, and reading by the pool.

The “adults only” Palm Grove Pool was just steps from our patio door. His idea of the perfect oasis.

That’s our room, lower level, on the far right.

I did spend a little time out there, my heavily sunscreen-lathered feet are a testament to that! The pool, cruel harsh sun and all, was hard to resist, it was so quiet and relaxing.

Especially if you have fruity cocktails on hand! Yes, the cocktails helped lure me out there.

Other times, while Dave was sunning himself, I was inside, formatting photos and writing blog posts…

…or outside exploring the property.

This is a Grey Francolin. They are everywhere! With babies! Loved them.

There are six pools on the property. One is just as pretty as the next.

I loved the decor and architecture too. This is one romantic resort!

Plus, I ventured off property to see a very special person.

My nephew, Jeremiah, lives in Kailua-Kona and works at/attends The University of Nations. On our second day at the resort, I took the car and drove into town to spend the afternoon with him.

After we had lunch and did a little shopping, he took me on a tour of the campus.

I especially loved the Aquaponics Garden.

Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture (growing fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water).

In aquaponics, the nutrient-rich water that results from raising fish provides a natural, organic fertilizer for the growing plants.

As the plants use the nutrients in the water, they help to clean the water that the fish live in. It’s a natural microbial process that keeps both the fish and plants healthy. This creates an ecosystem where both plants and fish can thrive.

Very cool. It was a joy to see my sweet nephew and to get a little taste his life on the island.

Here we are together, on the campus cafe patio, in front of one of the two enormous banyan trees.

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Not only had Dave lounged poolside while I was away, he also played 18-holes on the Jack Nicklaus signature Hualalai Golf Course.

When I returned home, we went back out and he played a few holes. Pool Time + Golf  = Heaven for my husband!

The Grey Francolins and their offspring especially enjoyed the crumbs from the cookies…

…offered for hungry golfers on the 10th hole!

That evening, on the way to dinner, we walked past a server setting up a private dinner on the beach for a lucky couple. We asked him if he might take our picture, as if it were set up for us. He graciously agreed. If you look closely at the sidewalk behind Dave’s head, you’ll see the couple that all this is really for… approaching… oops!

We apologized and continued along the beach.

A little farther down, towards our actual dining destination, we spotted this tired Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.

A wonderful end to another perfect day!