We start the day by walking around the resort, and with every turn we're greeted with incredible beauty! There is a plumeria bush on the grounds – Locke educates me of their use in leis and the flower's wonderful aroma. Then, Locke and I don our swimsuits and head for the back pool. It's got a 200 foot waterslide, a large shallow end with sand for kids and a small connector that allows you to swim into the front pool – the adults joined us and we were kids for day! By far, the best accommodation on our trip!
Known as Ka Lae, this is the southernmost point of the 50 U.S. states at a latitude of 18 degrees north. The winds are consistently strong and the waves ferociously pounds the black lava shoreline. There's a green sand beach about 2 miles east, but the road is in such bad shape that we abandon the trek after just 100 feet. A line of modern windmills takes advantage of the winds and cows freely roam underneath.
Known as the "City of Refuge", this historical site allowed native Hawaiians a chance to escape the village if they broke a kipu (taboo) or were expelled from the colony. One of the best archeological sites of past Hawaiian culture with heiaus (temple of worship), wooden statues and a retaining wall to demarcate the refuge's edge. Along the quiet beach, Locke spots two green sea turtles basking in the sun...nearby, several crabs scamper about with the vibration of passing tourists.
In the evening, we head for the main port on the Kona Coast – Kailua-Kona, which has a bunch of fun bars, a good & eclectic mix of restaurants and a nice – but not overwhelming – collection of souvenir shops. On our stroll, we find a good Thai restaurant and enjoy the relaxed evening of the Kona Coast. This was – and still is – my favorite spot in all of the Hawaiian Islands.
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