My Hawaiian Vacay: Kailua Kona

So refreshing to escape the hustle of Waikiki and see one of the other islands. I bought a package to tour the Volcanoes and the waterfalls, got away earlier than expected. The flight over to Kona was brief and I have to say, the flight attendants on Hawaiian Airlines look like flight attendants should!

The island is literally made of lava rock, weird, bubbly formations that create a black rolling landscape. The shuttle takes us to the Royal Kona Resort, a huge hotel right on the rocky shore. Built in about the early '70's, giant tiki gods and torches make up the decor...on closer inspection, it's more like the Royal Tiki Dump. Paul and I are spoiled with his platinum memberships at key hotel chains...I booked this one with the package and instead of our usual suite with ocean view....we get the 'mountain view,' which translates to parking lot.

Our intentions were to rent a Harley and ride around the island ... The local dealership is a short walk from the Royal Kona Dump. We were shocked to learn the cost for a four hour ride; $189 for the bike, over $55 in taxes/fees, and a $2000 hold on the credit card for liability! Obscene! No thanks. We dropped a hundred bucks on two tshirts and headed back to the hotel.

Spent the afternoon by the pool listening to the hypnotic sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Paul Definitely needed to relax today and this was just the ticket. An early dinner, an evening rain shower and early to bed...our tour/hike tomorrow is supposed be fairly rigorous .

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