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.