Kona

Kona was a tender port and today was a day that we really appreciated the perks of cruising in concierge as we walked past the lines of of people waiting for tenders. We were escorted straight from the lounge and got on the first tender without having to wait. We were fortunate to have been able to get on shore as the waters were choppy and the ship was not able to stop due to weather conditions just a week ago. Over the past few months it had also been hazy and shrouded with volcanic fumes. And again, just for us seemingly, clear skies have prevailed over the past few days! Thank the Lord! Boy was it hot thought but we'll take it! 

Our tour for today was booked with Kailani tours and our guide was Brett, a young guide, who moved to Hawaii a few years ago. He was fantastic with the children and the van was big, new and spotless. We started with a scenic drive as Brett went through the history of Kona. We made a brief stop for some fresh fruit produce before our arrival at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. This was a traditional place of refuge for the ancient Hawaiians who broke a kapu (rules or taboo). There was a collection of archeological sites as well as displays to recreate ancient village life.

Captain Cook was killed in Kona by Hawaiians who smashed his head into rock and drowned him to test if he was a God...because they thought that he was a God! Brett took us to a lookout where this event was reported to happen. By this time we were starving and we headed up to Kona Joe’s for a lunch with the most amazing view! Our stop including a tour of the coffee making process, free coffee tasting, and free mugs! A dilemma of how to actually carry the heavy mugs home was tossed aside as the Asian "can't refuse free things" trait took over! To my absolute horror, while I was wrestling with this immense decision, young Jonah and his siblings managed to try all the all the coffee!!! He decided that he liked Kona coffee...very much. Talk about parental fail! We ended up buying a pumpkin spiced ice latte as this was not something we could easily get in Australia. Kailani tours provided a substantial lunch, complete with cold wipes for after, the meal, napkins, cutlery, water, place mats, condiments, as well as a bottle of water! 

Our fresh and tasty lunch

Beautiful views at Kona Joe's

A most relaxing lunch!

Ancient Hawaiin games at the Place of Refuge National Park

Gorgeous weather. Blue skies!

Captain Cook's Lookout

Our last stop for the day was a honey tasting shop. The cinnamon honey was a favourite and Jonah decided to buy a small jar with his own money. When we got back to the pier, there was a LONG line to get for tenders to get back on to the ship. It was hot and by the time we got onboard everyone was cranky and tired. We dined at the main dining room and wandered around the amazing library onboard the ship. It was then time to call it a day.

Look who we bumped into at dinner! Our cruising buddies from NZ 3 years ago!

Half of the massive onboard library!