Ke Ala 'Ula - Our Tiki Bar

After about a decade of apartment life on Seattle's Capitol Hill, Dan & I moved South to Beacon Hill a couple years back. We rented a great little house just off McClellan. The market was at a peak, and we didn't want to commit to a specific neighborhood until we knew if we liked living in a house, in South Seattle, maintaining a yard, and could handle a little longer commute. The result was that we loved having a house and yard, and didn't mind being a little further out from the core of the city. While living in that house, we transformed an odd little room into a makeshift tiki bar, which we enjoyed as a place to entertain and to escape reality once in awhile.

After two years though, we were ready to buy something of our own. The market bottomed out, the Obama administration was offering tax credits for first time home buyers, and we were ready to have a home of our own. We hooked up with realtor extraordinaire, Sarah Rudinoff, and gave her our list of needs and wants for our new home: including that our new home must have a space we can completely convert into a tiki bar.

After a fairly short search, we found our dream home in the Seward Park Neighborhood, and it included a 18' x 8' pass-through room connecting the former back door with the new laundry/garage addition and the backyard. When we viewed the house, the former owner even had it staged as a bar of sorts - with a leather couch, small wooden bar and wall-mounted TV.

We knew this was the perfect space for our tiki bar.



After moving in and settling a bit, we got to work, first painting the ceiling Surfer Waves blue.



I drew up some general plans, did a lot of measuring, and placed an initial order with Forever Bamboo for materials, including split bamboo poles, bamboo paneling, and lauhala matting. After a little trial and error, Dan & I figured out methods for applying the matting to the top of the walls, paneling to the lower half, and bamboo as a chair rail and trim.



The next big step was to begin building the bar itself, and we opted to start with Billy bookshelves from Ikea as the starting point - with the goal of covering and adapting them to the point that they'd be unrecognizable.



Unfortunately, during a cold snap during the winter, some pipes froze in the walls of our new bar, so I had to pull down large sections of wallcovering to find the problem spot, fix it, and then insulate the pipes in hopes of avoiding this problem in the future. Thankfully, none of the pipes cracked, so we avoided major damage.



Crisis averted, we kept moving forward with the bar build - adding 1/4" plywood as a covering on the front and sides, topping the bar with 1/2" plywood.

I covered the front of the bar with bamboo paneling to match the walls, then edged the top with split bamboo. We covered the top with lauhala matting, sealed it with Mod Podge, then attached vintage-style Hawaiian postcards. All around the edge, I glued down electroluminescent (EL) wire from Cool Neon, then poured multiple coats of bar top epoxy to create a thick, smooth, waterproof, clear seal.



Connected to a driver, the EL wire lights up, giving the entire bar top a red glow.



Once the walls and bar were complete, all that was left was to stock the bar and decorate - which we did with the wealth of artwork and nick-nacks we've collected through the years, as well as with some gifts and some items bought on ebay.





Put all together, the effect is exactly what we hoped for: a room that, when you walk into it, transports you from often rainy and cold Seattle to somewhere tropical where your only worry is whether to drink a Mai Tai or a Pina Colada.

We christened the bar "Ke Ala 'Ula" - which means The Red Road, both because the bar looks like a glowing red path, and because the Red Road is the name of the road along the southeast corner of the Big Island, one of our favorite places in the islands. It runs from Kalapana (where lava flows wiped out the fishing village and blocked the highway) past Kehena Beach (where I spent my first week on the island year ago) to Kapoho (with it's beautiful tidepools).



There are still some finishing touches left - some artwork to put up, cushions to make for the bar stools, and hopefully someday a real reef aquarium... but for now, we're loving our Hawaiian escape inside our home, and enjoying sharing it with friends and family.



After the build was complete, Sarah had a photographer (Elizabeth Petrak) come out and take pictures of the bar. They turned out beautifully:

Kona 2010 Day 8

Saturday.

Our flight wasn't until 12:40 so we had a leisurely final morning. Breakfast at the hotel so Dan could get his mac nut pancake fix. We then soaked up Kona scenery for the last time (until our next trip).



Goodbye, Royal Kona.





View from our side balcony.



Our journey home was delightfully uneventful. Had an iced tea at the Kona airport, and sat outside in the sun until our flight boarded. Our layover was short in Honolulu so we zipped in and out of Kona Brewing Company without any time for food. We were home close to 11pm, which was 9pm, which is when we often go to bed during the week. But after sleepin on the plane and crossing time zones, we were not ready to sleep for several hours.

While it was a pleasure to explore Kona more, it felt strange not to be on the other side of the island. That's the thing about the Big Island. It's big. It's difficult to see it all in one trip - well, really see it all. Our wish list gets widdled down, and then grows again as we spot something new on the street or in the local paper. It's epic. We've been there 4 times together now, and it feels as though we've only scratched the surface on many levels. At the same time, we are often mistook for being kama`aina when we're out and about.

Never an easy place to leave, we're brought back with renewal, aloha and the ambition to return!

Kona 2010 Day 7

Friday. Our last full day in Kona. We started off with our last snorkel of the trip, back at Kahalu`u Beach. The water was nice and calm, as we got there early - or, in Hawaiian, malie.



Right when I got in the water, I looked down and there it was. Finally. After 6 trips and countless snorkel excursions, I finally swam with a honu (green sea turtle). Dan had his first experience earlier in the week, but it took me until Friday. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful week in the water. He was headed for the beach. Later, I caught up with him and took his photo.



Coming down from the excitment, we indulged in a big lunch at the hotel, where Dan discovered his new favorite drink.



The rest of the day was a mdely of running, napping and souvenir shopping. The hotel's gift shop has been transformed and they now carry higher quality items (and less clutter). I hate clutter.

The front desk informed me that the lu`au had changed a bit, but we opted not to take part this trip. We did get a glimpse as we were headed out for dinner that night.



After a week of eating out, one starts to crave ligther fare. So, we found ourselves back at Bongo Ben's that night for another round of salads. We followed that up with some unusually flavored shave ice. I had key lime, fuzzy navel and something called "suicide." I especially liked the key lime. Very tart. It's funny we never really took notice of this guy's cart as it's right next to Huggo's.

Earlier in the week, we went to this sacred land to buy avocado and mango bread. It is a well-groomed plot of land that is usually gated shut. Apparently, they allow churches to sell baked goods there.



We finished up the night at ABC Store, redeeming our gifts with all our receipts from the week. We ended up with a reusable shopping bag and 2 coffee mugs.

Kona 2010 Day 6

Thursday.


This is where I got my iced coffee every morning.



We took it pretty easy today, after a marathon of snorkel/activity on Wednesday. We started the day at Lava Java, sharing of their famous "cinnamon pull-a-parts." I'm glad we shared because even half had us feeling a little too full/sugar-weird for several hours after we ate. Delicious in the moment, though. The one-night stand of breakfasts, I guess.



As we warded off diabetic comas, we sauntered up and down the main drag, shopping for birthday gifts and souvenirs for co-workers. This store turned out to have some finds.



We also took the self-guided tour of Hulihe`e Palace, once the vacation home for Hawaiian royalty. It has been restored as a museum, with each room appointed with artifacts from the ali`i. It was severely damaged in the earthquake of 2006, but thanks to generous donors the palace is now back in its rightful place as a symbol of Hawaiian History and elegance.



The palace was originally built by Gov. Kuakini, but later embellished by King Kalakaua as it wasn't "palatial" enough for his standards. Before Kalaukaua took ownership, Hulihe`e served as the chief residence of Princess Ruth for most of her life. However, she always preferred to sleep in a grass hut on the lawn, not being one for opulence. Admission is cheap and the staff are very knowledgable. While we out on the lanai (that Kalakaua had expanded), one woman told us the story of how the palace got its name. To find out, check out this awesome Big Island blog I just stumbled across.

Kuakini also built Mokuaikaua Church, across the street from the palace.



It was warm all week (drought), but Thursday was exceptionally clear and warm.



I made up starve ourselves all day so we could gorge that night for our special dinner at the hotel's restaurant. I recently started a new job, and a going-away gift from my previous department was a very generous use-it-for-anything VISA. We decided to use it for a special meal together. Surprisingly, we didn't even use it all up! The restaurant is right on the water, making it a romantic spot to dine.



We even got a bit of a show from some humpback whales.

You can read all about the dinner on Dan's food blog. I will just say it was well worth the discomfort of not eating anything but a cinnoman roll all day.

They were celebrating his birthday.

Kona 2010 Day 5

Wednesday. We got up early, and headed down to the Kailua pier to board the Body Glove snorkel cruise. Some sort of organized water adventure was on our wish list for the trip, and after looking through the medley of brochures, we chose Body Glove (the water slide and bar were the tipping points).



The admission price got us a free continental breakfast (with coffee, thankfully!), all snorkel equipment, and lunch. We paid for drinks, but they kept lowering the price as the day went on because a new bartender was training.

Once we cruised out to our destination, there was a brief safety talk and people had the option to upgrade to scuba or power diving (kind of like snuba) for an extra fee. Dan chose the power dive, which we did later in the day.



I loved how easy it was to get in and out of the water - just plop right into water that is over your head! We snorkeled near a coral shelf, and saw many different kinds of fish. Dan got to see some cooler stuff when he did the power dive, like eel and a sea urchin that is like a suction cup.

Body Glove does an awesome job of creating a fun atmosphere, with music and a friendly staff. There were rules laid out, but nothing seemed overly rigid or scheduled. We would go in the water, come out, have something to eat, get back in, repeat. And, on the way back we saw dolphins. They swam right under the boat!



We got back to the boat around noon, stopping in at Huggo's for a drink and then later grubbing on some delicious pizza from Kona Brewing Company. Me stuffing my face, and look so unattractive.



It wasn't on purpose, but it worked out that our two water adventures would fall on the same day. That night we took another plunge - this time with Kona Honu Divers for the Manta Ray night snorkel and dive. We had to drive out of town to embark, and while we were waiting we saw a moray eel!

The first part of the experience was a nice sunset cruise out to our destination.



Once we reached our destination, near the shore by the airport, we put on our wet suits. It was my first time wearing one, and I was surprised by their comfort and effectiveness. I never got cold. We got to snorkel around a bit before the sun went down, but didn't see much. In fact, it was kind of spooky not really seeing much of anything below.

Once it was dark enough, a circle of LED lights was turned on. The lights attract plankton, which is what manta rays feast on. Amazing these gigantic animals can subsist on just plankton! We swam toward the circle of light, and the initial feeling of being in the ocean at night was a bit freaky. But once we hit the circle, it was spectacular. To be so close to these magnificent creatures is indescribable, really. We have had amazing experiences in our lives, and this is definitely in the top tier. Highly, highly recommended. The dive guide was super helpful, too, and he shoots video while he is diving.

Sorry, no pictures.

We were so jazzed up from the experience that we hung out a bit at the hotel bar after we got back that night. Just like two kids who had just been to Disneyland for the first time. But with alcohol.

Kona 2010 Day 4

Tuesday began with another trip to Kahalu'u Beach, for some quality ocean time. The snorkeling was great. We then headed just south of Kona to Kona Stories Bookstore. I had read quite a bit about the place, as it's frequently mentioned in the local writing scene. We were first greeted by a beautiful and friendly kitty, who followed us around as we perused the shelves filled with books by local authors. I ended up buying a book about the historical players of the Big Island, and a memoir called West of Then that is written by a former local woman and details her tumultuous relationship with her mother (and in a way, the islands). I'm about 2/3 through, and so far I am finding it well written and interesting.

After our literary needs were met, we drove mauka to the sleepy little town of Holualoa. Holualoa is known for its many art galleries (all basically situated on the main drag of town, making it an easy way to stroll from one to another). Art has always been at its center, going way back to the plantation days.

Here is the old Kona hotel, or "the other pink palace."



Here is the first gallery we visited, the Treasure Mill. They featured a plethora of wood crafts.



After stopping in at the Ipu Hale Gallery to see the decorated gourds, we stopped for an iced tea and enjoyed the beautiful day.



We then rounded our our art walk, coming very close to buying a triplicate bamboo piece. However, we wanted to wait and check out Hula Lamps of Hawai`i before making our decision. We bought one of their hula lamps in June 2008, and were struck by the oil paintings in the back. There was one in particular we remembered, of a coconut tree. Simple, but yet so complex with the light and movement.

It was there! So we bought our first piece of original art from Hawai`i! It arrived last week, and we look forward to putting it up in our living room once we finish wallpapering.

For lunch, we headed back to the hotel and grubbed on some appetizers from the bar. As you can see, we were very relaxed.



That night we purchased our second piece of original art, a carving of the entire Hawaiian archipelago in koa wood. We had been looking for something like this for above our fire place, and just could not pass it up. So, we ended up with two pieces of art in one week. Not bad.

For dinner, we forged ahead and did the unthinkable: went against the advice of the Blue Book. We ate at Pancho Lefty's, which they concisely dismiss in the 4th edition. While it wasn't the most visionary Mexican food, the drinks were tasty and the food was fine.



As night fell, I had to keep an eye on the clock. Yes, even while on vacation, I must watch LOST live! It's filmed on the islands so it's sort of thematic. Before that, we explored the King Kamehameha lobby and grounds a bit.

Kona 2010 Day 3

Monday started off with a morning run toward Magic Sands Beach. I love how at any time of day in Kona there are throngs of people walking, biking and swimming. It's such a healthy place (in large part, because of Iron Man) and it motivates us to stick with the exercise program even while on vacation!

Taking advantage of our convertible, we decided to take a late morning drive up the Kohala Coast to visit the Mauna Lani fish ponds. Set on the grounds of the Mauna Lani resort, the fish ponds were used by ancient Hawaiians long before Hawai`i became synonymous with honeymoon or sun block. They have been nicely preserved, with signage explaining each of the areas as well as descriptions of much of the plant life. It's a pleasant stroll, despite being in a wind pocket.



Along the path, we came across a lava tube.

Is that heaven up there?



No, but over here is where they used to kill people.



We stumbled across this beautiful beach toward the end of our walk. We had hoped to do some snorkeling, but it was just too windy.



Plenty hungry, we drove up north to Hawi, almost to the tip of the North Kohala coast. I had noticed a placed called Luke's Place during our last trip and noted that we needed to return (I see the sign "tiki bar" and must go for inspiration (side note: our new house has a full-fledged tiki bar and designated posts/pictures to come).



Anyway, it's awesome. And super friendly staff. We love it.



After we returned, I indulged in a massage at Lotus (the hotel's spa). From there, I spent some time at the pool until it was time for a nap. Then--guess what!!!--we went back to Huggo's! We were hoping to hop from there to Fujimama's - a very nice sushi/Japanese restaurant that was there two years ago. At the time, I had a queasy stomach and couldn't really enjoy it. Sadly, it had closed so we went with Wasabi's. We'd been there once before, but this time we took on some more adventurous rolls. Fine choice.

Another beautiful day, another breathtaking Kona Sunset.