Kona, HI - Part 2
Saturday (Feb 9)
Hawaii…Kona….oh
how I love you. To have such a crazy long unexpected day on Friday and then to
wake up to this view with the birds singing and sunshine. Simply amazing. My soul took in a nice long inhale.
We were up early on Saturday (5 am) due to the time zone
change,
so we quietly got dressed and left Erek & Laci sleeping. James and the girls went on a walk to what
we call “the little beach” which is only a 5 minute walk down Ali'l Drive.
They then continued their walk into Kona and I met them for our favorite breakfast at Island Lava Java.
 |
| Mac Nut pancakes with coconut syrup |
After breakfast we checked into our condo which happened to be in the same building as Erek & Laci just on the opposite side and lower level. We got all
settled in then had lunch and went to the pool.
In the late afternoon we went to the Farmers Market in Kona for fruit and a few souvenirs. Caroline and Kanani got new hula outfits (Thanks to Aunt Laci).
Then, to the golf course by Kona Coast for our usual non alcoholic pina colada and sunset.
It was pretty spectacular. We had dinner that night at Umeke’s Fish Market. It was pretty late by then and the kids were tired. But the food was really good. We ordered the girls a hamburger and when the food came Anikka inhaled her entire burger in about 2 minutes…for real. We decided she as eating like a piranha and Uncle Erek nicknamed here Piranikka. It stuck the rest of the trip.
In the late afternoon we went to the Farmers Market in Kona for fruit and a few souvenirs. Caroline and Kanani got new hula outfits (Thanks to Aunt Laci).
Then, to the golf course by Kona Coast for our usual non alcoholic pina colada and sunset.
It was pretty spectacular. We had dinner that night at Umeke’s Fish Market. It was pretty late by then and the kids were tired. But the food was really good. We ordered the girls a hamburger and when the food came Anikka inhaled her entire burger in about 2 minutes…for real. We decided she as eating like a piranha and Uncle Erek nicknamed here Piranikka. It stuck the rest of the trip.
We called Saturday our “bonus day” since we really weren’t supposed to be there that day.
And it sure was a really nice bonus day.
Sunday (Feb 10)
We had a nice breakfast on the lanai of tropical fruit and yogurt.
Due to a big storm coming in, all the beaches
were closed for swimming so we took a quick walk down the little beach to at
least enjoy some beach that day.
Then the girls all went to have our nails painted at the spa. Everyone got pretty summer colors with Hawaiian flowers painted on them.
We stopped at Walmart for some groceries and other supplies then back to the condo for a late lunch. The girls went up to play a pirate game with Uncle Erek at his condo so I was able to relax a little after lunch.
We went swimming in the late afternoon and
relaxed by the pool for a little bit.
This year the girls are tall enough to touch the bottom of the pool and
they don’t need life jackets so it is the first year that a parent doesn’t need
to be with them at all times in the pool…which means we can finally have a
little relaxation.
Plus, when you have Uncle Erek to play with, parents are REALLY BORING...
We grilled steaks that night and tried to go to Scandinavian Shave Ice for dessert but they had closed before we got there. We ended up having brownie sundaes in the condo. The girls were so tired by then they almost passed out in their beds.
We had a nice breakfast on the lanai of tropical fruit and yogurt.
 |
| Notice the delicious passion fruit (my fav) |
Then the girls all went to have our nails painted at the spa. Everyone got pretty summer colors with Hawaiian flowers painted on them.
We stopped at Walmart for some groceries and other supplies then back to the condo for a late lunch. The girls went up to play a pirate game with Uncle Erek at his condo so I was able to relax a little after lunch.
 |
| My view from our lanai |
Plus, when you have Uncle Erek to play with, parents are REALLY BORING...
We grilled steaks that night and tried to go to Scandinavian Shave Ice for dessert but they had closed before we got there. We ended up having brownie sundaes in the condo. The girls were so tired by then they almost passed out in their beds.
Monday (Feb 11)
We decided to do a little round island tour and spend the day exploring since the beaches were still closed due to high wind/high surf. Erek, Laci and I were supposed to go on a manti ray snorkel that night but it was postponed due to weather so we had the whole day to drive around.
We drove up north to Hawi and to the end of the road at Polo'u.
We had great smoothies at a road side stand
and saw the King Kahmehemeha statute in Hawi.
Then we headed east over the high road to Waimea.
We were heading to Honokaa to get malasadas at Tex’s Drive-In. But, when we got to Tex’s it was closed! They had no power. The high winds had snapped 15 power poles and the whole area had no power. Such a bummer! Erek was looking forward to tasting them.
So, down through Honokaa we went to the Waipio
valley look out. It was so
breathtaking. I had not been there in a
few years and I forgot how amazing it is.
From Honokaa we went east to Akaka Falls and did the short loop hike to
the waterfall. The forests there are
pretty remarkable.
From Akaka falls we drove into Hilo to have an early dinner at Café Pesto, one of our favorite places to eat. By then, the adults were all starving since we didn’t really have any lunch. We were counting on malasadas to be our lunch. Cafe Pesto never disappoints.
We headed back to Kona in the dark…it’s about a 2 hour drive back on the saddle road. We stopped for shave ice when we got back to Kona.
It was a long day…but lots of fun. My girls love being with Erek & Laci who make everything more fun.
We decided to do a little round island tour and spend the day exploring since the beaches were still closed due to high wind/high surf. Erek, Laci and I were supposed to go on a manti ray snorkel that night but it was postponed due to weather so we had the whole day to drive around.
We drove up north to Hawi and to the end of the road at Polo'u.
 |
| Polo'u Lookout |
We had great smoothies at a road side stand
Then we headed east over the high road to Waimea.
We were heading to Honokaa to get malasadas at Tex’s Drive-In. But, when we got to Tex’s it was closed! They had no power. The high winds had snapped 15 power poles and the whole area had no power. Such a bummer! Erek was looking forward to tasting them.
 |
| Damaged trees from the high winds |
From Akaka falls we drove into Hilo to have an early dinner at Café Pesto, one of our favorite places to eat. By then, the adults were all starving since we didn’t really have any lunch. We were counting on malasadas to be our lunch. Cafe Pesto never disappoints.
We headed back to Kona in the dark…it’s about a 2 hour drive back on the saddle road. We stopped for shave ice when we got back to Kona.
 |
| Snowcap Shave Ice |
Tuesday (Feb 12)
We decided we all wanted to go to ANY beach and the public beaches were closed again so we decided to go to the Keiki ponds near the old airport. It’s a protected area so the surf can’t come in. Everyone had a nice time playing in the water and sand. We packed a lunch and enjoyed the day. It was nice and sunny.
After dinner we went to the resorts welcome luau and saw Aunti Tutu and Joy who sing and dance every time we are there.
The manti night snorkel had been rescheduled for that night so Erek, Laci & I headed for that while James took the girls swimming. When we got to the dock for the snorkel we learned it had been cancelled again. So we went back to the condo and I joined my family at the pool to enjoy the sunset. Erek and Laci went into Kona for sunset, dinner and a little shopping.
While they were gone we had popcorn (after swimming snack) and Elin lost a tooth! She always seems to lose them while we are traveling. Luckily her tooth fairy always seems to find her.
We decided we all wanted to go to ANY beach and the public beaches were closed again so we decided to go to the Keiki ponds near the old airport. It’s a protected area so the surf can’t come in. Everyone had a nice time playing in the water and sand. We packed a lunch and enjoyed the day. It was nice and sunny.
 |
| Starfish |
After dinner we went to the resorts welcome luau and saw Aunti Tutu and Joy who sing and dance every time we are there.
The manti night snorkel had been rescheduled for that night so Erek, Laci & I headed for that while James took the girls swimming. When we got to the dock for the snorkel we learned it had been cancelled again. So we went back to the condo and I joined my family at the pool to enjoy the sunset. Erek and Laci went into Kona for sunset, dinner and a little shopping.
While they were gone we had popcorn (after swimming snack) and Elin lost a tooth! She always seems to lose them while we are traveling. Luckily her tooth fairy always seems to find her.
Wednesday (Feb 13)
We all went to breakfast at Island Lava Java
then loaded up and went to Waialea Beach (beach 69 as the locals call it).
We went the entire day swimming, playing in the sand and relaxing on the beach. We packed lunch and stayed there from 11 am to 4 pm.
We headed back into Kona for dinner in town. We ended up eating on Ali’l drive at a place called Humpy’s. It was the only place we could find without a wait. It ended up being great. The food was good and priced right and we were right along the edge of the deck with a perfect view of sunset.
It was at Humpy’s that Elin told Aunt Laci as she was taking this picture “I think they are becoming friends”. It was funny.
We did a little shopping after dinner for girls destination t-shirts then picked up Mauna Kea Pie from Huggo’s to have for dessert back that the condo. Yet another fun filled Hawaiian day.
We all went to breakfast at Island Lava Java
then loaded up and went to Waialea Beach (beach 69 as the locals call it).
We went the entire day swimming, playing in the sand and relaxing on the beach. We packed lunch and stayed there from 11 am to 4 pm.
 |
| Erek and Laci in the water |
We headed back into Kona for dinner in town. We ended up eating on Ali’l drive at a place called Humpy’s. It was the only place we could find without a wait. It ended up being great. The food was good and priced right and we were right along the edge of the deck with a perfect view of sunset.
It was at Humpy’s that Elin told Aunt Laci as she was taking this picture “I think they are becoming friends”. It was funny.
We did a little shopping after dinner for girls destination t-shirts then picked up Mauna Kea Pie from Huggo’s to have for dessert back that the condo. Yet another fun filled Hawaiian day.
Thursday (Feb 14)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Also, Erek & Laci's last day in Hawaii. So sad.
The girls went to do jewelry making with Joy and she had made them these beautiful head pieces ...
then we all went to the pool to relax for a few hours. Well, I relax and the girls play super exciting pool games with Uncle Erek.
After lunch we went on a snorkeling cruise with Fairwinds to Kealakekue Bay near the Captain Cook Monument. We have done this cruise with Fairwinds before and we loved it.
The weather was questionable at first but it cleared up right as we got to the bay.
We spent a couple of hours snorkeling and relaxing on the boat. Both girls got into the water and were able to look through a viewing box they called “Fish TV”.
It's such a beautiful place with crystal clear water.
Both girls liked it and Elin even went out by herself (without a parent) the 2nd time. Ani enjoyed hanging out on the boat and wouldn’t go in the water again.
James and I were able to take turns going out on our own.
Erek and Laci also loved it.
As we were leaving the bay we saw a humpback whale and then on the way back in we saw 3 more. Everyone had a great time.
After a quick dinner, shower and a shave ice at Scandanaivan, Erek & Laci had to head to the airport.
We were all sad to see them go. The girls had a great time with Funcle Erek and Aunt Fun Awesome.
--to be continued---
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Also, Erek & Laci's last day in Hawaii. So sad.
The girls went to do jewelry making with Joy and she had made them these beautiful head pieces ...
then we all went to the pool to relax for a few hours. Well, I relax and the girls play super exciting pool games with Uncle Erek.
After lunch we went on a snorkeling cruise with Fairwinds to Kealakekue Bay near the Captain Cook Monument. We have done this cruise with Fairwinds before and we loved it.
The weather was questionable at first but it cleared up right as we got to the bay.
We spent a couple of hours snorkeling and relaxing on the boat. Both girls got into the water and were able to look through a viewing box they called “Fish TV”.
 |
| Elin with James and Anikka in the background |
 |
| Elin |
 |
| Elin & Maija |
It's such a beautiful place with crystal clear water.
Both girls liked it and Elin even went out by herself (without a parent) the 2nd time. Ani enjoyed hanging out on the boat and wouldn’t go in the water again.
James and I were able to take turns going out on our own.
 |
| James is in the white long sleeved rash guard |
Erek and Laci also loved it.
As we were leaving the bay we saw a humpback whale and then on the way back in we saw 3 more. Everyone had a great time.
After a quick dinner, shower and a shave ice at Scandanaivan, Erek & Laci had to head to the airport.
We were all sad to see them go. The girls had a great time with Funcle Erek and Aunt Fun Awesome.
--to be continued---
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.