December 31,Travel Day 2 - Headed to the Big Island

December 31st started and ended on good notes even though there were a few down sides along the way.  The flying time is close to 6 hours, but we made it in closer to 5.5 hour flight from LAX.  The half full SWA Max 8 in the exit row with no middle seat occupant!!.  Snacks, reading and downloaded video made the time go by pretty quickly.  Breaking up the total trip makes it a little better than an overnight trip to Europe.

The Down side came upon arrival were we sat on tarmac for 45 minutes waiting for a gate to open.  Small airport and a United flight was running late.  Open airport where you walk down the stairs old school style.  As we got off and queued with a United flight that had just landed, it became apparent from all the signage we needed a QR code from Safe Travel site.

Open Air Airport - Need shorts ASAP

Ok, no problem, Jeff had set up prior to leaving KC.  We did learn we supposedly could have done in LA for wrist band and skip the line, but missed that step.  So after a few tries and rebooting phone, connecting to the Airport Wi-Fi, Jeff was able to get his QR code.

  

Hawaii Safe Traveler QR Code - as good as gold

Janie unfortunately needed a dual authentication from iPad, which was dead due to reading on the flight.  1 hour later after all kinds of great help from staff, we started all over and got Janie a code.  A quick walk to baggage claim area an no bags or personnel from SWA.  We were directed to head to ticketing, where luckily we found our bags.  I will admit there was a bit of tension in the air---from me getting uptight and Janie wondering why I had to get uptight!!

Thrifty rental took a while, but Janie got us a convertible Mustang for $200 less then reservation!!  My bargain social chair, buyer came through.

Door LIght on the ground - cool

A 20 minute drive to Kings Land Hilton Grand Vacation just off the island perimeter highway (we got to know very well).  On the way greeted by a rainbow!

Check in, finding of bldg. and room went pretty smoothly.  The room was very nice with a full kitchen, dining room able and living room and very nice bedroom and bathroom area with a gorgeous view of volcano rocks landscaping a golf course.

Negotiating upgrades and free stuff

Small circle Condo - Larger circle resort and hotel

Before figuring out dinner we opted to head over to the resort Queens Market (deli type store) for some supplies.  Beer, Rum, Bourbon, breakfast stuff and we were ready.

Across the road was another shopping area with restaurants, so we headed to A-Bay and lucked out with a nice outside table.  Live music (think Eric Clapton) and hula dancing.  Janie had a Mai Tai times two and Jeff a local lager x 2.  Hamburger steak on rice with gravy for Janie (brown gravy huge on the island) and Fish sandwich for Jeff.  Back to hotel and early bedtime.  As you'll note we pretty much missed NYE, however got a kiss in during dinner at midnight KC time.  HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome 2022!