Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Grateful to be enjoying Kona


Our first evening in Kona didn’t disappoint. The sunset was stunning! The first of the spectacular nightly shows performed by Mother Nature!






Feeling relaxed after catching up with some much needed sleep in the afternoon and watching the wonderful sunset we wandered along Alli Lani and the sea wall to take in the friendly familiar sights of Kailua-Kona. Fun happening at the venues showing the footy games! 

Humpy's was packed and rocking with people watching the footy games.
Smiling! :)

What better to do for the football crowd - a money ball competition.
Six footballs, six throws - win the money if you score with the money ball and
prizes for any of the other footballs. Fun and very popular with the patrons
Our favourite for the post Ironman feast -  Mexican
at Pancho and Lefty's


Some surprise changes! 
The iconic “Lulu’s” is no more - the “Frisky Seal” has moved in! Subway has moved in near  Lava Java, and Lava Java has had a facelift. “Hot Corner” now boasts a bank on what use to be a spare block!  An artistic Hawaiian garden has been built and planted along the seawall. Some of the Ironman Expo area won't have its usual home as finally St Michael's Church that was damaged and demolished in 2007 is being rebuilt.

The "smarter" Lava Java



A beautified seawall



Where has Lulu's gone?

A new look for Ironman's "Hot Corner"!


St Michael's is being resurrected

We dined at one of our favourites, Bongo Ben’s, and enjoyed their island cocktail of the day - Lemon Strawberry Bliss. Just right to relax and watch the world go by!




The relaxing evening and great nights sleep saw us revived this morning.

A walk, chats withthe locals, doing the shopping - love exploring the supermarket (Pete likes to check out the beer and wine), and a visit to the local markets in the middle of town - great fresh, homegrown fruit and veges, made for a great morning settling back into the Kona lifestyle! Feeling at home already!

Great beer and wine prices!


Always good fresh homegrown fruit and vege bargains at the local market







$12
7 papaya; 1 pineapple; 3 avocado; a bag of vine ripened tomatoes
a bag of English cucumbers and a lettuce

Enjoyed an afternoon coffee while listening to the very talented guitarist at the revamped Lava Java, and then marvelled at another glorious sunset viewed from the Royal Kona Resort. 




The Royal Kona Resort on the point presides over Kailua Bay


A great spot to relax, enjoy a Mai Tai, and watch the sunset










Amazing as always!


A perfect day! Thank you! :)

Saw this comment today: 

“Be grateful. Everyday remember to take the time to smile, laugh and truly say thanks for all the small and big joys in your life.”

So true. Very grateful we are able to be here and enjoy the special things Kona and the Big Island have to offer.

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