After spending some time on the Big Island's wet side, we completed the circle drive around its coast and ended up back in Kona. Along the way we coudn't help but stop at Hawaii's southern most tip to look over the vastness of the Pacific. It was only then that the utter isolation of Hawaii really sunk in—it's 3,000km to the nearest continent. We stayed at another memorable AirBnB in Kona, and by my standards it was supremely luxurious! It had an incredible ocean view from its 360° wrap-around lanai (terrace), and was smack dab in the middle of a small coffee farm. My favourite part though were the frequent house guests, the imposingly large wild turkeys, who seemed to really like me. See video!

Other area highlights include:

• Pu'uhonua Honaunau, Hawaiian royal grounds and place of refuge

• The secluded Makalawena Beach. It's a seriously bumpy ride across a lava field, followed by a trek on foot to get there, but it's totally worth it.

• Delicious sandwiches at Coffee Shack

• Local brew harvested from Island Lava Java's own coffee farm