Northward we go!

Time for a trip north. We traveled the busy Hwy 19 north of Kona to the Pololu Valley area. We started off with a moderate hike down to the black sand beach in the Pololu Valley. One of the great joys of getting a very early start is that there are very few people around and those that are around are usually quite pleasant. Our trip down to the beach was no exception. The older couples on the same hike at this time were very interesting and nice. One couple was from Alabama. I can’t imagine going back to Alabama but hey everyone has their thing I guess.

The hike was pretty short and steep but not dangerous, unless you slipped and went over the steep cliff. Once at the beach below, we enjoyed the waves hitting the numerous rocks for a while and decided to keep going along the coast. Because of the cliff, we would need to climb up and through the thick bush. We went about a quarter mile and decided that walking through the thick vegetation was unpleasant enough to turn us around. Unfortunately, we had to go back up the steep trail. We made it out just as many others were showing up. Success!

After drinking about 4 bottles of water each (it is extremely hot and humid, even at 9am!), we headed off toward Waimea. We enjoyed the drive through the plantations and farms, including a trip past the massive Parker Plantation and arrived at Waimea in time for lunch. Naturally, we landed at the local craft brewery, Big Island Brewhouse. Good beers and good food in a humble environment. Perfection.

We then decided to give snorkeling another try. We headed for the western beaches: Hapuna Beach and Beach 69. The area north of Kona is pretty sparse and largely controlled by resorts. It felt elitist and very odd. Nevertheless, we found two very enjoyable beaches, gorgeous actually, but bad snorkeling conditions. The waves were just too much and there was no visibility at all. The swimming was pleasant at least. It began to rain fairly hard while I was in the water and it was pleasant actually to swim while it was raining. We headed back to Kona for a relaxing evening and sunset drink at the venerable Huggo’s on the rocks. Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, it’s overpriced. Yes, the live music was pitiful. But the jumbo mai tai and flatscreen tv with Thursday night football were just right. We decided to give a TK Noodle House a try for dinner. That was good call. We both enjoyed unique and delicious Japanese noodle bowls for dinner. The Taro Bubble Tea was a treat as well.  It was great way to end our time on the west side of the island.