Woke up to rain this morning and the skies remained overcast and watery on all day. The locals were really happy as rain is needed badly. We went and had our swim and then took advantage of the cooler, rainy day - we scoured the shop, galleries and accommodation along Ali'i Drive in Old Kona Town.
Our highlight was the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Not only is this iconic Kona landmark beautiful, it is situated on a famous historic site - King Kamehameha I's home, Kamakahonu, where he lived from 1812 until his death in 1819. King Kamehameha I, rightly
proclaimed "The Great", unified Hawaii to ensure its survival as a nation - a huge, huge achievement!
The lovely grounds of the hotel are worth a stroll and the significant cultural site, the representation of Ahu'ena Heiau standing impressively on a stone platform on the point beyond Kamakahonu Beach, transports you back to King Kamehameha's era. The small but beautiful Kamehameha Beach is very popular with hotel guests and visitors. Great snorkelling here apparently - will have to come and see for myself - love snorkelling! Hawaiian canoe paddling is also very popular.
Inside the hotel, the massive L-shaped foyer also transports you to an earlier Hawaiian era, displaying historic items linked to Kamehameha I and a very impressive gallery of 40 amazing paintings by talented Kona artist, Herb Kawainui Kane, which cover the history of the settlement of Hawaii to the removal of the Hawaiian monarchy. Definitely worth viewing and enjoying!
Being the premier historic hotel in Kona, the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel is the host hotel for the Ironman World Championships held each year in October.
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| Part of the impressive foyer |
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| Wall paintings capture the history of the site the hotel stands on |
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| The native flowers make beautiful arrangements |
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| A prized koa canoe |
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| An impressive warrior and statesman! |
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| The wonderful art exhibition |
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Kona artist, Herb Kawainui Kane's comments on his amazing artwork -
"If my work contributes to our comprehension of Hawaii's past, that will ultimately become the greatest reward." |
The exhibition is excellent and so interesting. A "must do" (and see) when in Kona!
Enjoy just a few glimpses of Herb's talent and the interesting and dramatic story that accompanies them.
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| Read the description of this amazing man |
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King Kamehameha I
Notice his high rank is indicated by his regalia |
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The State Temple (luakini heiau) King Kamehameha built for Ku-ka-ili-moko,
patron god of war and politics.
Thousands of men passed rocks hand- to-hand over great distances to build the temple -
No mortar was used to bind the rocks.
The King led the work, passing rock like all the other men. |
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The scene in the painting of the earlier historic era has been replicated and
the scene looks exactly the same today as you view it from the hotel pool area
and the beach. |
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| The hawaiian canoes line Kamehameha Beach |
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| This canoe is made of koa wood |
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| Everyone enjoys beautiful Kamehameha Beach |
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| The beach shack is always busy |
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| The hotel's lovely pool |
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| Honu's Restaurant lovely outdoors area which overlooks the beach |
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| Friday and Saturday nights they have a magnificent Buffet! |
After spending an enjoyable few hours touring the hotel and appreciating the huge impact King Kamehameha the Great had on Hawaii, we took some time out and enjoyed a Kona Coffee at another popular cafe, Kopi Lani, before heading home. The ice cream here is also very good! :)
Whalers Row is another notable cluster of shops and restaurants on Ali'i Drive in Old Kona Town. The Wyland Kona Gallery in this complex is full of lovely art work to be enjoyed.
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| Wyland Kona Gallery |
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Footy fever was rife in Kona this afternoon with lots of whoops and shouts exploding from
Humpy's and Bongo Ben's! |
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| Halawai Beach |
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Carnival's Spirit was visiting Kona today.
It started its journey in Vancouver and is heading for its new permanent home in Australia.
Enjoyed a nice chat with a Canadian couple enjoying the cruise. |
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The Atlantis submarine was just off shore today (big ocean swells today1) - a great experience yet to be enjoyed by us.
Colourful fish galore and shipwrecks. |
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| The big surf was creating a spray haze which made a fabulous scene at sunset |
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| Lots of action in the big surf |
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| A stormy sunset today!, but still beautiful! |
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Watching the sunset from the main pool at Alii Lani - a great way to end another wonderful day in Kona.
It really didn't matter that it rained! |
Todays magic moments : -
The sight and perfume of these beautiful flowers....the rain accentuated the lovely scents!
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