Hailed as the original "capital" of Hawaii it was the first place settled by the missionaries some two hundred years ago. .
Churches and a palace dominated the harbour along with three ABC stores.
Going, going, gone. Needed to lick the hat!
The shoreline was ringed by absolutely crystal clear water and although metres deep you could once again see to the bottom The near white beach was bustling with visitors taking advantage of the paddle boards and snorkelling gear and although the mountain ring which ran close to the shore was ringed ny ominous rain clouds the shoreline itself was bathed in sunshine.
Another port that has missed the tourists. Very sad really. Abandoned and run down venues form the majority of the real estate. Venues with large signs advertising coffee and food were now little hole in the wall jewellery and trinket shops.
Pathways and walkways were overgrow amd uneven, roofs were missing sections, windows amd doorways boarded up - but still a glimmer of hope with the return of some visitors not only from the cruise ships but from the annual World Ironmam Triathlon.
Kona coffee didn't make it in the highlights reel
The history of Kona suggests that its beaches and weather were so beautiful that this area was the choice of the Kings for their holiday residences. If time had permitted we would have ventured further afield. Would have loved to have visited the volcanic peak of Mauna Kea, the highest mountain in the world (if the depth under the ocean were included) and even to have visited the obelisk that marks the place where Captain Cook was slain by the Hawaiins. Not on the itinerary today.
Bit of beach, some history and shops
We did compensate though with a mountain of shaved ice. It was massive and had the obligatory bubbles in it. Found ourselves a lava wall as a table and sipped, spooned and slurped our way to the bottom of the plate. A definite winner and something they don't compete with at any of the bars or restaurants on the ship.
It was the only tender boat harbour on this tour so that does add a little to the wait and transfer time. By the time we nosed our way through a few shops that was our morning and early afternoon done.
Tender boat - takes a while
Back on board at just after 2 we skipped food lunch and opted for the cocktail of the day and some balcony time before sprucing up ready for "Hollywood" show night. Loved the song and dance tribute to the movies through the decades. Very clever set and costume changes and high energy performance. Had sets appearing and disappearing into the floor of the stage, chairs being plucked from the ceiling and even rain pouring from the lighting rigging into drains on the floor for the "Singing in the rain" tribute. Tapped our feet amd clapped along. Great show.
And it finished right on time for our dining reservation.
Confessing right now, we ate way too much at dinner and that is despite very responsible sizing serves by the Chefs. We were at the specialty French cuisine restaurant Jefferson's Bistro. The problem was we indulged in all four courses - and I have to mention that I maintained my speciality streak with scallops, then crabs, then lobster! Triple header. @Mac was very happy, literally licked the garlic bowls clean from his escargot. Too many options on the menu but we did our best in just one sitting.
Haven't really topped off too many meals with desert but made a double exception tonight - not only desert but also desert cocktails.
Too much food tonight
And now for the "freddo frog face" moment of the evening. Had one of those moments when the more you try to stop laughing the worse it gets. But it was quiet laughing, I just had tears running down my face and I couldn't speak. And it started with the simplest thing. We were sitting in the French restaurant and I am trying to take my nightly photo of "@Mac with the menu." I apologied to him for asking him to hold the pose for so long because right out the window behind him was the doorway to the ladies toilet - and I explained I wanted to wait a little longer in order to snap a picture without the "loo ladies" in it.
His response, as quick as a whip, delivered in absolute deadpan was "Oui, oui."
That was it. Got me a beauty. And then he had the "I'm so proud of how clever I am Freddo Frog face" on. I had to pay that one. I can skip the comedy show I have my own travelling comedian.
"Oui, oui" - the comedian
A definite evening of over indulgence in the late night food department. I don't think I will ever eat again .... well, at least not until tomorrow.
Step Count: 7453
Weather: 28-22 still no views of sunrise or sunset
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