Hawaii Trip 2014 - Big Island Day 9

September 6, 2014 (Saturday)

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau NHP

The last day of our trip was spent at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau NHP. Back in the day if you had broken a law the penalty was death. This site served as a place or refuge, or as it is known in Hawaii a puuhonua.  If law breakers could get to a Pu’uhonua and receive absolution for the kahuna pule (priest) they were given a second chance at life. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau serves as royal grounds and a sactuary. Ki’I (carved wooden images) surround the Hale o Keawe, which house the bones of chiefs that infuse the area with their power or mana. The site is still considered a sacred site and many restrictions are in place.

There was a park ranger talk that we listened to that was interesting. More interesting were some of the films that were shown. 

After leaving the park, we headed out for lunch. We opted to try the Mahina Café in Captain Hook. It was a small place but the food was good. I had the kalua pork and cabbage and Mike had Wahoo fish.

Back in Kona, we wondered around a little and got some Scandinavian Shave Ice. There were so many flavors to pick from. I think I picked Pineapple, Kiwi and Pina Colada. The small size is quite large. They have some recommended flavor combinations listed on the wall if you have trouble deciding.

Sunset

We revisited the Kona Brewing Company – this time to take the brewery tour. The tour was $5/person and you get 4 samples and a glass to take home. The tour lasted about an hour. Since we were there we also had dinner. We had the KBC’illa Po’okela (kalua Park quesadilla) and Naalehu Nachos. Both were excellent – better than the pizza we had at our previous visit.

The sun was about to set so we went in search of a place to see the sunset one last time during our vacation. We decided to try Kaloko-Honokahau NHS – the marina location. Jackpot - great sunset and two green sea turtles resting on the beach! There were also a ton more turtle lurking in the water (I think waiting for us to vacate the beach so they could come ashore). It was a super great way to end the trip.

Sea Turtle at Kaloko-Honokahau NHS Marina

Gas prices on both islands that we visited were about $4.25-$4.50/gallon, which were not all that much higher than they were in Michigan before we left. We were speaking to someone about the gas prices and they said that they had been to Hawaii about 15 years prior and prices were $4/gallon (compared to $1/gallon here in Michigan). Thank goodness prices did not increase as much in Hawaii as they did in the mainland.

Our flight out of Hawaii was not until 10:45pm. We got to the airport kind of early since there really was not a lot to do once the sunset. The airport was not busy but we had to wait quite a while for the airline workers to allow us to check-in.  We had hoped to get luck like we had on the way to Hawaii, but that did not happen – the plane was pretty much full. About an hour or two into the flight a young lady started screaming and acting out. She got restrained and we were able to continue to Phoenix (we really hoped we would not have to turn around and go back to Kona). 

September 7, 2014 (Sunday)

After the smooth flight from Phoenix to Detroit we made it home late afternoon – exhausted. Until next time happy travels.

Hawaii Trip 2014 - Maui/Big Island Day 6

September 3, 2014 (Wednesday)

View from the plane

It was time to pack up our luggage and get ready to head to the Island of Hawaii, aka the Big Island. We headed down to the beach to snap a few last photos and then headed to the airport. When shopping for airfare, I came across Mokulele Air. It was a lot cheaper than many other airlines. Our flight time got changed by an hour, which was not a big deal, since they gave us a couple of day notice. The plane held twelve people, including the pilots.  It was super great to fly with this island hopping plane – no security check-ins, no lines, window seating… 

Fishtrap at Kaloko-Honokahau National Historic Site

Landing in Kona, we were welcomed by a non-existing wait for the rental car – hooray!  First things first we visited the visitor center, known as Hale Ho’okipa (House of Welcome), at Kaloko-Honokahau National Historic Site, which was just south of the airport and is located on the Honokohau Bay. There was a short walking trail and that was about it. There are two other units for this park. First the Kaloko Fishpond, where we were able to see some Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu). There was some shade at the park and other than some park construction workers the place was deserted. The road to get to the parking lot was very rough, but provided nice views of the lava fields. Lastly, we visited the ‘Ai’opio Fishtrap, which you can either hike to or park at the harbor. We parked at the harbor since who really loves to hike in 90 degree heat over a lava field? The beach was very popular at the area by the ‘Ai’opio Fishtrap.

Lava field at
 Kaloko-Honokahau National Historic Site

For lunch we went to Ultimate Burger, which has local grown beef. The cheeseburger was $8 and fries were $4. The fries were yummy – I believe they are fresh cut daily. After lunch, we headed to the hotel we were going to be staying at – Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Our room was not ready thus we just ventured on to our next destination.

Sample of the bracelet

We visited Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site next, and we arrived at a perfect time! We were able to participate in bracelet making (checkerboard pattern). It was a lot of fun and we got a great souvenir. The bracelets retailed for $20 in the gift shop. There are also other activities at the park – canoe rides in the bay occur a couple of times a week, we missed out on that.

Canoe ride at
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site 

The purpose of the park is to protect the temple of Kamehameha the Great. Kamehameha was the most renowned king of Hawai’i. There was also a temple turned fort at the site, it is called Mailekini Heiau. There is a hiking trail that wraps around the temples and along the ocean. There were some videos available for viewing at the visitor center.

Returning to the hotel, we were able to check-in. Our room had a minor issue that was resolved within a few minutes of calling the front desk. Dinner was a short walk away at the Kona Brewery. There was a coupon in a visitor guide book for free garlic twists with a beer sampler, which of course Mike was interested in trying. People raved about the pizza so we tried that, half Hawaiian Lu’au and half Pepperoni Ali’i. There were many other interesting varieties to choice from. The pizza was okay.