the kona coast...

The sunny Kona Coast stretches for about 60 miles along the Big Island’s lava-lined western coast...the leeward side. Here you will find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks....and lots of tourists.

They come by boat or by plane...there is no other way!

We stayed in the town of Kailua-Kona...sort of the heart-beat of the area. Most everything in and about the town is old.

Mokuaikaua Church is Hawaii’s earliest Christian Church...built in 1820. Their slogan says...'but we are young at heart in the Lord!'

Across the street from the church is the Hulihee Palace...once a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty...built in 1838.

I enjoyed wandering through this beachside cemetery...a most peaceful spot to be laid to rest. I'm thinking the grave markers have not withstood the assault of the sea all that well...as there was not a name or date to be read!

While the tourists snorkeled...the locals fished in the same bay. They seemed to know exactly how to snag the fish they were after...and in no time at all they left with their 'catch of the day'!

Kona coffee is one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world. It is grown on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano. There are about 800 coffee farms in the area...the average being about five acres. Because Kona coffee is very expensive...it is often blended with foreign beans. Pure Kona coffee was selling for about $20 a pound at most places. We, however, found a coffee dealer who was willing to part with his beans at a much more reasonable price.

At first we weren't sure if we had the right place...does this look like a coffee shop to you? The proprietor was a delightful old German guy...who regaled us with tales. We finally made our leave...and had a suitcase full of coffee beans and macadamia nuts. West Jet willingly flew them home for us. It was definitely the right place to make a deal!

Just north of Kailua-Kona is Hapuna Beach...where we went to play in the water...

...and others went to play in the sand.

After an afternoon of 'play'...he left for home and his artwork stayed behind. I'm wondering how long it lasted!

He wasn't the only one playing the sand. This little gal had sand flying in all directions...and I thought of a few grands back home that would have liked to join her!

We ate at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. one evening...and sat on the deck listening to the waves crashing below as we enjoyed our seafood. It all seemed vaguely familiar...and now I know why!


I flipped through an old album...and found the photo I was after. Exactly ten years ago...we ate at the same place...with the same friends...and sat at almost the same spot. We were there before sundown that time...and I see they have replaced their furniture.

My favorite time of day on the Kona coast has to be sundown! We watched amazing sunsets every day. The canoe clubs practice their outrigger skills every evening as the sun sets...and that was always a treat to watch.

And one last photo for today...that of an inukshuk on the Kona coast. We just had to leave our trademark behind. I'm wondering if it will last any longer than the sand sculpture? I'll be looking for it next time...maybe in ten years.

Lest you are tiring of all things Hawaii over here...have no fear. I'm almost done! Soon I will be replacing my banner with something that looks more like British Columbia in spring.

Have a great day...