Our Last Day in Kona

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Well, we awoke this morning for our flight to Honolulu, so I know we aren't dreaming; although it feels like a dream.

I'll recap our last full day in Kona, Monday, May 10th

Another early morning wake-up for me; 4:15AM. Malia and Napua are early risers and they are also, "early to bedders"; the perfect match for us!! The morning gathering around a piping hot cup of Kona coffee has been one of the highlights of our three days here! Starting in the kitchen each morning and ending up there in our after-dinner chats have been so much fun; very refreshing and somewhat spiritual!

Monday morning people actually go to work in Hawaii, but is it really work if you are here? :) Napua left early and Malia didn't have to work. However,she had an afternoon doctor's appointment. They graciously offered us their truck and gave us directions to a secluded beach, known only to locals. It is about 7 miles from their home. Mike ran down there and I met him. Talk about breath-taking! As you can see in the pictures, the water is so clear and a beautiful turquoise. We hung out for an hour or so and then headed into town.

We had brunch at Ben Bongo's, a really cool restaurant on the beach. It wasn't until later when we were walking by and looked up to see recognition of the "Cubbies" and a big picture of Harry Carey. That made Mike feel like we had picked the right restaurant, for sure!

We wallked around the shops along the beach and found a really cool coconut that you could send in the mail. Mike wrote on it and sent it to Steve, at Buffalo Wild Wings, recognizing him as the "best bartender in the world". It will be fun to hear his response when he receives it.

We wanted to try and pay Malia and Napua back for their amazing hospitality so we planned to take them out for a nice dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, but Napua's back went out on him and he wasn't feeling so great. Now that was not a big dissapointment to us, because our times around their table had been so meaningful. Come to find out, it wasn't a big dissapointment to them, either as they really love thier home; it is their first preference when it comes to dining.

We had some of the tastiest bbq ribs we have had in a long time, along with a Caesar's Salad, a bowl of stew from our previous nights dinner and dessert. Talk about a dessert: Napua had purchased a Red Devil Cake with creamcheese icing and a cream filling. I think he cut it into fourths; one huge piece for each of us. I ate more than I should have, but could not finish it! LOOK AT THIS PIECE OF CAKE!!

Our last sunset in Hawaii.

We went downstairs to watch 24, which came on at 8PM. I went to sleep before it was over.

Tuesday morning, May 11th:

They insisted on taking us to the airport so around 3:45 we all awoke and worked our way to the gathering spot for a last cup of Kona coffee before our 6:15AM departure.

Napua's family has been on the island for many, many years and have made huge investments; donating land for churches and cemetaries and selling property that eventually, very sadly, became parking lots! He sneaked us in to the "Palace Pond", something only a native could have done; as I think about it, I don't think even most 'natives' could get into the places into which Napua 'makes' access.

Several people waiting when we arrived at the airport. The previous night Napua had made a call to "Jamie". Little did we know that "Jaime" is the 'man' at the Kona airport. He was late for work, so the airport was at somewhat of a standstill, until he arrived. Yet, his not being there did not put a hitch in Napua's advances. He knew everyone, said hello to a counter agent and the next thing we knew, we were in the front of the line and processing our way to Honolulu. Two of the first through security and carrying in our possession (Mike's memory bank) the code that would get us into the Hawaiian Prestige Lounge! I guess the old addage holds true, even in Hawaii, 'it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know' and we know and love Napua, even without all of the perks. He is a genuine, honest, loving man, who loves and takes really good care of my precious friend, Malia.

We are already planning our next trip to Kona! :)

For now, we are hoping to get to Korea. I'll post again when I can.

Well, I heard recently, if you want to hear God laugh, tell Him YOUR plans. We did not succeed in our plans, but are loving the new plan! Or maybe it was the ultimate plan. Did not make the flight out of Honolulu to Korea. We got a room and will try again tomorrow morning; pictures and story coming soon! :)