Kona

Hooweee. Last week we went for five days to the western side of the Island, called the Kona Coast. It is amazing to drive over the hump between the two huge volcanoes and leave behind the rainy windward side to arrive on the sunny leeward side. Only about 60 miles separate the two coasts, but the climate and ecology are totally different.

Kona coast has white sand and black sand beaches in abundance, where the windward side has mostly rocky coasts. Kona has gentle swelling surf, while the windward side has pounding, crashing surf. Kona side is dry, desert, looking a lot like the Western US, while the windward side is all jungle.

We had a lot of fun camping on the beaches, visiting the resorts, and snorkeling in the crystal clear, warm blue water amongst myriad different fish. It was awesome--we're both completely tan and relaxed.
Up slope (mauka) of the coast is the best coffee growing climate in the world. Numerous coffee plantations grow coffee that is orders of magnitude better than any other coffee I've ever had. It's almost like it's not even the same drink. To add any cream or sugar to it is close to blasphemy. We got completely wired one afternoon touring and sampling (Debbie drank coffee and got all hopped up--wicked fun!)

Near the southern end of the Kona Coast is the Place of Refuge (Pu'uhonua O Honaunau). This idyllic spot on the ocean is where the royal families of ancient Hawaii made their homes, and where islanders in trouble with the law could escape to receive a reprieve (if they could make it). Very cool spot with lots of ancient Hawaiin buildings and carvings.