I’m Stephanie, a wedding + lifestyle photographer based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Warrenton, Virginia. Whether I’m by the mountains of Colorado or Virginia, my soul feels at home, surrounded by rural living and the raw beauty of nature. I genuinely love what I do, and feel so passionate to share the enthusiasm and joy of these celebrations with you!

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March 15, 2016

The Big Island, Hawaii | Kona, a Volcano and Hilo

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

The Big Island, Hawaii was different than I ever imagined! When I picture Hawaii, I think about lush tropical greens, beaches, coconut trees, etc. But I could not believe my eyes when we landed on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was all lava rock! Haha! Not really, but where we were the majority of the trip was super unique!!

The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest island and is currently active. Hint why there is so much lava rock. 😉 It’s really cool but also difficult to walk on. The rocks are sharp, uneven and solid. My poor mother found out first hand but she’s okay. 🙂 The island ranges from the lava rock to rain forest to even desert-like conditions. Pretty wild extreme atmospheres. We didn’t get to adventure much of the northern part, but apparently, it’s incredible!!! So maybe another trip in the future? 🙂

A VERY Unique Airbnb Stay on the Rocky Cliffs

One thing I didn’t think I would ever experience would be the monstrous waves. This is no exaggeration … It seemed like every minute while we were inside the house, it felt as though we were experiencing an earthquake. Haha! Seriously!! The waves were SO big that it would crash into the cliff and then hit the house. Honestly, I was scared at times. Normal? Not sure… But we are alive! Lol! The waves at times were so huge that it would crash over the roof of the two story rental house!!! Insane?! Yes… Although, an experience I’ll never forget!

The plus side to being on the cliff — We were able to enjoy the view and watch whales in the distance. COOL!!! If we had gone when the water was calm, this house is known for cliff jumping. THAT would have been an experience but it was way too dangerous when we were visiting and not really something I would personally do.

Isn’t this just crazy?! (photo credit: my mom)

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Besides the roaring thunder/earthquake feeling from the waves crashing the house for 4-5 days (yes, it lasted that long!!!), we made time to get out and explore the island! We saw the inside and outside of a volcano, cities to the rural living, farms, the most southern point of the U.S., experienced a luau (SO much fun!!!!) and traveled all over the Big Island of Hawaii see experience it’s natural beauty!

The Big Island Experience

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

The water you see below was from the first night, the most calm night. That rock is SOLID. Actually, it really destroyed my sandals after walking around on it. Oops!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Our view!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

THANK GOODNESS this rental house had some sort of sand! This was our second day on the island and the waves were manageable where we could lay out and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine without getting too wet. 😉

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Found these pretty flowers on the side of the road!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

The owner suggested visiting this fruit stand … Cheap, unique fruits and yummy!!!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Luau time!!!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

If you can imagine … The house sits on the cliff above the water 30-40 feet. CRAZY waves!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Made sure to visit the most southern point of the United States!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

There is a nice black sand beach close by to the southern point. Wouldn’t mind visiting this beach again!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

We spent majority of the day exploring the volcano! SO much fun!!! We were able to hike down into the volcano… crazyyyyy!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Lava tube was pretty cool to hike through! At night, it was a must to see the volcano glowing. You could see it a mile away!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

The last day there, we spent it driving around the island and made it to Hilo for the afternoon!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Ran across this GORGEOUS hiking trail that overlooked this blue water!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!
Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

Made it in time to see Akaka Falls before rain threatened our ventures!

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

After driving through rainforest conditions, the road leads you to an area like this before lava rock begins.

Hawaii, Big Island, Kona + Hilo | Volcano, Luau, South Point, Black Sand Beach and Waterfall adventures!

The time there went by WAY too fast! Already looking forward to returning in June!!! This time it will be business related. 🙂

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