Kona Day 1

Erika and I landed in Kona airport earlier today, though it's not like any airport we've ever seen before. We deplaned down a ramp to the runway and then walked to the gate - an open but partially covered outdoor pavilion with a tiki hut on top. The whole airport - security, baggage claim, and check-in - is like this. 

We then picked up our rental car (alas, not a Ford Fiesta) and then drove to our hotel. By this point we were sufficiently famished but we had places to be so we asked the concier, Vahn, for his recommendation. Lucky we did, because he steered us to a true hole in the wall joint twenty minutes to the south.

We were, admittedly, skeptical when we pulled up to Big Jake's BBQ. The restaurant shares a building with Da Poke Shack (poke is a type of raw fish - who knew?) and it consists of an order window and three outdoor picnic tables. We walked up to the counter and Jakw, pegging us correctly as newcomers, ordered Da Sampler Plate for us: beef brisket, pulled pork, and tied for the best ribs we have ever had. The meat is smoked using local mesquite wood, infused with macadamia nuts, papaya, and pineapple. 

We wolfed if down (a little too quickly), thanked Jake for the meal, and then drove back north a bit to Greenwell a Farms Coffee Plantation. We took a tour of the facility, learned about how Kona Coffee is made, and sampled a lot of delicious brews. Our favorites were the Big City Roast and the Macadamia Nut Roast. 

After that we extended our day a bit and headed further south to the Place of Refuge, a remarkable and beautifully preserved ancient Hawaiian sanctuary in the edges of a dark volcanic beach. 

Finally, we drive back to the hotel and hit the pool for a restful hour. Now we are heading to dinner at the Kona Brewing Company. 

Check back later on. Happy Birthday, Frank!!!