Our First Mainland Visitors!
A handful of days ago, I got a message from Anne Bacon: she, her sister, and her mom were heading to the Big Island on an impromptu girls’ trip. A previously planned 2025 trip had been canceled, and the travel points were about to expire — use them or lose them.
I’m so glad they chose to use them on the Big Island!
Of course, the day we planned to meet up was the exact same day our home-on-wheels — Steady Betty — was scheduled to arrive. Timing like that could have been stressful… but instead, it felt poetic.
As soon as I got the port confirmation email, I texted Anne. Thankfully, Hilo was both Betty’s pickup port and our meetup location. Perfect alignment.
As we left ʻĀina Iki Ranch, Joshua, Billie, and I were gifted the most glorious rainbow — full, bold, the kind that stops you mid-sentence. It felt like a clear “Welcome Home” to both us and Steady Betty.
Morning rainbow over our living quarters of Aina Iki Ranch as we left to pick up Steady Betty.
Picking up Betty was surprisingly smooth. Excited, relieved, and with time to spare, we grabbed a quick breakfast and celebratory drink at Booch Bar before finding solid parking for our girl and heading toward ʻAkaka Falls.
A quick walk-around inspection of Steady Betty before heading to meet up with the Bacon Gals
The parking lot was full, but it worked in our favor — we immediately spotted the Bacon gals and let them know we had arrived. Hugs all around.
Seeing Kerrie again — Anne’s mom — was especially meaningful. I don’t think I’ve seen her since I was in my twenties. She was one of my steady teenage “second moms,” and it felt grounding in the best way to reconnect.
We spent about an hour walking the loop at ʻAkaka Falls — catching up, photographing plants, soaking in the beauty, and simply enjoying one another’s company. It was wholesome and easy and exactly what friendship is meant to feel like.
Originally, we planned to take them to one of our favorite whale-watching spots. But with our three-hour parking limit ticking for Steady Betty, we pivoted and invited everyone back to Hilo instead. We shared our next stop — The Temple Bar — just in case, and convoyed back together.
Lunch was another highlight. Kerrie bravely tried new dishes and absolutely loved the mushroom plate. It felt so good to sit across from one of my closest middle school friends and share a meal in my new life — not just talk about it, but let her see it.
Afterward, we headed toward Pāhoa to top off Betty’s propane. There was a maintenance guy working on the main supply tank, and after waiting long enough, we decided we had enough gas and rolled out.
Sharing this chapter of my life with one of my first real chosen friends was magical. And I say “chosen” intentionally — before middle school, friendships felt more assigned than selected. Anne was one of the first people I got to pick as a friend.
It meant something to show her ʻĀina Iki — this sanctuary we steward — and the home Joshua and I are building together. Not just the physical space, but the life.
Eventually, they had to make the long drive back to Kona before dark. For the rest of their trip, I happily nerded out over text, sending my favorite dining spots, beaches, and little island gems.
This day reminded me how far life can stretch — from middle school hallways to waterfall loops in Hilo. Not every friend walks every season beside you. But when paths cross again, even briefly, it can feel like everything aligns — like a quiet affirmation that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
