July 27th, 2008
My Big Island Adventure
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to venture over to The Big Island for a few days. I decided to stay at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. I put alot of my clients at this resort and this was my chance to experience it for myself.
This 10 acre oceanfront resort offers 311 spacious rooms and is adjacent to Kahalu’u Beach, also known as Turtle Beach. I spent Saturday morning there snorkeling amongst many other curious tourists. I was able to rent a mask, snorkel and fins right there on the beach for only $9.50 for the whole day. It was a little crowded, but I managed to catch a glimpse of several different triggerfish, butterflyfish and a school of yellow tang that seemed to be very intrested in me. Later that day, I explored the grounds of the resort and I found out that the hotel and the entire Keauhou Bay is rich with Hawaiian history. King David Kalakaua had a beach cottage here with a royal bathing pool. On Sunday morning, I had a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant, The Kama’aina Terrace, which has a lovely panoramic view of the Kona coast.
The resorts guestrooms have been refurbished with color schemes that echo the sea, sky and flora that surrond the resort. Bright bedcovers, warm rattan furnishings and complimentary high speed internet offer contemporary comfort.
That afternoon, I headed for Kailua Kona Town for an evening of fun. I hopped on the FREE Honu Express Shuttle. The Honu Express is like a big trolley car that runs from The Sheraton all the way to the Kailua pier, at the other end of town. With many stops along the way, its a great way to see Kona and enjoy the wonderful open air experience.
I was able to enjoy a great ride and a beautiful sunset along the way.
Next stop, The Royal Kona Resort…………………………
Set ocean front overlooking Kailua Bay in the heart of Kailua-Kona, The Royal Kona Resort is within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, historical sites and activities.
As part of the Resort’s multi-million dollar revitalization project, the Alii and Lagoon Tower guestrooms received a mini makeover including re-designed bathrooms, updated room amenities, and plush bedding. The resort’s Bay Tower was refurbished in 2007 and offers travelers comfortable, value priced guestrooms. Each of the resort’s spacious guestrooms features a large lanai with beautiful mountain vistas or magnificent ocean views.
I made my way thru the lobby and the lush tropical gardens, pass the tennis courts and the split level pools, and I found myself at the “Don the Beachcomber Restaurant.”
The restaurant’s specialty is Seafood and Prime Rib and Pacific Fusion cuisine. They also serve light meals and a variety of tropical drinks and there’s LIVE entertainment. Several nights a week, the resort is home to Kona’s Best Oceanfront Luau “Lava Legends and Legacies Luau”. It’s an evening of feasting on authentic island cuisine while celebrating the traditional music and dances of the South Pacific.
WOW and you have to check out “Don’s Mai Tai Bar”. The bar has also gone thru some great renovations and is an excellent place to watch the ocean and the magnificent sunsets.
This is also where they invented the Original Mai Tai. After a few drinks and flirting with the bartender, her name was Jana, I made my way to dinner. I used to work with Jana, years ago, at The Honolulu Planet Hollywood. It was great to catch up with her and laugh about old times..gif)
I headed out, down Ali’i Drive, towards the pier to a restaurant called “THE FISH HOPPER”. What can I say, Great food and a Great view of Kaiula Bay. I had a delicious bowl of Clam Chowder and The Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Rissotto. OMG ! I was so full I had to pass on dessert, but they had an awesome cheesecake on the dessert tray, that I will definantly be back for.
A special MAHALO to the staff at “Fishhopper” who took great care of me. Thank you Bonnie, Joel and the “World Famous Waiter”, Michael for showing me what True Hawaiian Hospitality is all about.
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Once in the cage, the big plexiglass windows are nearly transparent, so when that 10 foot long Galapagos shark presses his nose against the glass, it looks like he is coming right in. Not to worry though, he’s not getting in. In fact, press your nose against the glass, and you will be just one quarter of an inch away from the business end of one big shark! 
