Growing up, I wasn’t a huge fan of Kona.
I used to dread the drive from Hilo — yes, I never flew into Kona until I was in college — and when we got there, I didn’t know what to do. It was hot. It was desolate. It was so… touristy.
But when you venture beyond the resorts and Alii Drive, there are vibrant and interesting pockets of communities all over the island’s western coastline. And after years of visiting the coastal town, I’ve grown to really love it.
Maybe not enough to move there, but enough to visit several times a year.
This time, though, I wanted to see things and place I had never been to. That included Kaaloa’s Super Js, Standard Bakery, Punaluu Bake Shop and the new restaurant at the updated Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
So here’s what the first day of my quick jaunt to Kona looked like:
Hookena Beach Park
Sorry this post is so late. I’m already back in Honolulu! The Internet service wasn’t fast enough for me to upload entire photo galleries, so it had to wait until I got back home — and to better WiFi. Thanks for understanding!
5 Comments
CAT: Aaaiiiyyyaaahhh! Fuud Pix! Tenks! Punalu’u Bake Shop is owned by conglomerate AIO. I thought one of the kamaaina big 5 developed it. I remember the Kona Surf with its salt water pool overlooking the ocean. Strange to be swimming in a salt water pool and being in sight of the Pacific Ocean.
Sorry Cat but I’m always wary of reviews of food cooked with the executive chef sitting at the table.
Aloha Cat,
I’ll be heading over to Kona this afternoon. Know this area well on our way to Capt. Cook house. The animals you see are consistently out. the Longhorns are I believe Watusi’s & often in the paddock you see a donkey with the zebra. We call ’em the tomodachi’s! Hope your brief stay was satisfying.
Good wkend.
Good looking menu. Looks worth trying on the next Big Island trip.
I love Kona! Rather live on Oahu. Maybe I will arrive on an AIRPLANE lmao