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.
1 comment:
Aloha double Dan's of Hawaii:
I sure enjoyed your blog. Having lived here in Kailua Kona almost two years you two have been to places I've only dreamed of so your travel inspires me.
That said I have some very sad news. Caleb Wolfson the article is in the West Hawaii Today online newspaper died on April 11th, 2012. He was killed riding his motorcyle on Palani Road at Henry Street with construction barriers everywhere he hit one. Kona Community Hospital declared him dead at 3:00 a.m. after the 10:00 p.m. accident.
I think you both met him when Dan went snuba on BodyGlove so he was his guide. May he rest in peace. I actually went to a garage sale in the Palisades section near Matsuma's mauka side to see all of his belongings were there for sale.
Take care double Dan's. Life is precious. fondly, ms kailua kona
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