Cocktails and Soirees: 2013 Bucket List: Go to Hawaii

A new year and a new list! While we were compiling our to-dos for 2013 Skylar said, "Put Hawaii on there then we will have to go!" Just ten days before Goldie's second birthday we were flying over the Pacific headed to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Nine days fly by when there are so many things to see and do so we made our itinerary before we left to make sure we could fit everything in. The top of our list: beach time and fruity cocktails! Of course, it was virgin drinks for Abbie, the last TWO times we have been there. Oh well, someone has to be the designated driver....of the mini-van. Skylar was horrified but Goldie thought it was pretty comfortable.

Where to Stay

Eating out in Hawaii can get expensive. We like to stay in a condo so we have access to a full kitchen. The beautiful outdoor farmer's markets are a great place to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables that are unavailable or too expensive in Idaho.

The Royal Sea Cliff

We enjoyed our stay at both the Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff and Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona. These are member owned condos and it is up to the condo owner to decorate and update the condos but both times our places were very nice. If you are going to do it book the ocean front or ocean view rooms. It is worth the extra money to drink your morning Kona coffee on the lanai while watching the waves!

View from Kanaloa at Kona lanai

Both of the condos had kitchens with everything you need plus washers and dryers. That comes in handy! The condo Kanaloa at Kona had three bedrooms and two full baths. One bathroom even had with a walk in shower and whirl pool tub!

Royal Sea Cliff

Seaside pools were another positive about both locations.

Where to Eat

We have several favorite spots in and around Kona and try to get in as much fresh fish as possible while we are there. The best grilled fish sandwich we found was at Harbor House in Honokohau Harbor which also happens to be near our favorite turtle watching beach. They also have frozen schooners of local beer for less than $5.

Our favorite breakfast coffee spot is Island Lava Java. You drink 100% Kona coffee, which is like a mug of espresso, and eat fresh baked cinamon rolls while watching the tourists and waves. Call ahead for seaside seating! They have a full menu and the island style pancakes topped with banana and macadamia nuts are delicious.

Huge Cinnamon Roll

Breakfast at Island Lava Java

The best mai tais in Kona can be found at The Kona Inn. They use fresh juices and Appleton rum. The food is good too with a fresh daily catch at market price.

Cindy and Skylar at the Kona Inn

Two other locations we recommend are Huggo's on the Rocks and Kona Brewing Company. Huggo's has great outdoor seating and $5 mai tais during happy hour. Our favorite Kona Brewing beer is the Koko Brown which is a toasted coconut ale.

The Beaches

There are a lot of great beaches to choose from on the Kohala Coast but our two favorites are Honokohau Beach and Hapuna Beach.

Keep a distance from the sea turtles!

Shade at Honokohau

The turtle watching is amazing at Honokohau and both beaches offer nice sand and swimmable water.

Honokohau

The key to finding great beaches in Hawaii is buying a visitor’s guide like Hawaii Revealed or using their app for smart phones. The beaches have to have public access so even the big fancy hotels have to reserve a few spots for the public but they can often be hard to find!