coyboy1971

Ahhh... spent my 40th birthday in the Black Diamond Suite aboard the Jade (Venice-Greek Isles). Certainly one of my favorite suites at Sea.

I just came off the Crystal Symphony where I attended five lectures on espionage, surveillance, and world affairs by the thoroughly captivating and entertaining speaker calling himself Nigel West. I see a few other CC'ers have also enjoyed his talks.

Turns out, the lecturer is actually called Rupert William Simon Allason, a military historian and journalist and former Conservative Party politician in the United Kingdom and Member of Parliament (MP) from 1987 to 1997. He writes books and articles on the subject of espionage under the pen name Nigel West.

As a historian, Allason has concentrated on security and intelligence issues and his controversial books have frequently made headlines. He's quite a storyteller and if you look him up, you'll find he's no stranger to the courts.

It's funny, after a lecture where we referenced "open sources," I did look him up. It made the lectures all the more entertaining to know about the colorful past of the speaker.

Having known his true identify for the last couple of lectures, I was thoroughly entertained when a fellow guest asked "Nigel" to share more about his own past and how he came to be an expert on covert matters. He responded to the question with the answer, "Most certainly not," with a twinkle in his eye.

The barber at Fortnum & Mason, without a doubt.

http://fortnumandmason.mysalononline.com/

Some of my favorites in the area are The Windmill Mayfair for meat pies and traditional pub atmosphere, and the Mews of Mayfair for its bar menu and farm to table brasserie menu featuring food sourced across England.

http://www.mewsofmayfair.com/site/eat.asp

http://www.windmillmayfair.co.uk/

I've eaten at both in June-July and can't wait to go back in August.

Just had the pleasure of meeting Lindsay and enjoying a performance on the Avalon Impression (Danube river cruise). She has a CD of her hits and CD of lullaby music. Sounds like she's really enjoying raising her family and is doing really well. Performing on our river cruise meant she didn't even have to be away from home overnight.

I've been on many of the snorkel tours...can definitely say that the Body Glove (which leaves from Kailua pier where the tenders bring you ashore) and the Fair Wind II (which leaves from Keauhou Bay near the Sheraton) are both big, comfortable boats with great crews, good food, easy to use toilets, and plenty of shade. If someone in your group doesn't want to snorkel, they will be comfortable staying aboard and watching.

I'm a big fan of the Kamanu, a true sailing catamaran, that carries fewer passengers and leaves out of Honokohau harbor. Call ahead, they can provide transfers to and from the Kailua pier. This is the same harbor where many fishing charters and other snorkel/dive boats depart.

"The smell of sulfur is strong, but not unpleasant to a sinner." - Mark Twain, writing about visiting Kilauea as published in The Sacramento Daily Union, November 16, 1866

I'm going to recommend the folks at Kamanu sailing charters. They have a zodiac called Kamanu 'Elua that foes the dolphin swims, and they are nice folks. We've been out on their sailing catamaran which is a delight.

Here's how this dolphin thing works with a respectful and reputable operator. They cruise the coastline looking for spinner Dolphins who are in their semi-sleep rest mode pod, and they drop you in the water in the path of the pod. You stay nice and still and watch as they swim by...no touching or interaction because daytime is the spinner dolphin's rest cycle.

As noted by other folks, these are protected animals and are a treasure and should be respected as such.

This tour runs about $99.

I live in Kona. To put it in perspective, we've had less than 250 confirmed cases island-wide since the outbreak began. We had 120,000 arrivals of passengers to the Big Island in the month of December alone. The biggest risk to tourists in Hawaii comes from sun overexposure, swimming in unsafe conditions, or not using crosswalks after checking both ways for cars.

On the Kona side, the state has closed access to state lands near Milolii and Honomalino Bay, which were "hotspots" for the mosquito-borne virus. On a cruise ship stop, these are not very likely practical places for you to visit... too far from port.

More recently, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the Muliwai hiking trail on the far cliff side of Waipio Valley and its Waimanu Valley campground. These are beautiful spots on the Hilo side, but again, it's unlikely that you were planning a 12 hour hike or overnight camping trip.

The North Kona district, where the port/pier is located in Kailua-Kona and South Kohala, the most commonly visited areas, are very safe (because they get much less rain, and mosquitoes need fresh, standing water to breed). Also, whale watching, snorkeling boat excursions, and the like are safe, because mosquitoes don't range over salt water looking for hosts to feed from.

So use common sense, avoid the closed areas, and if you are planning to hike inland or visit south Kona, cover up and use DEET (contrary to news reports, you can find plenty of OFF! in our shops and drug stores.)

Admittedly, the media have sensationalized the outbreak, which is a public health concern because dengue outbreaks are few and far between in the islands, but if I were to fall prey to the hype, I'd never visit the mainland lest I be gunned down, killed by a tornado, frozen in snowmaggedon, or stampeded by people with powerball fever.

I live on the Big Island. My Verizon iPhone GPS works great 90% of the time.

Ahhh....this topic always gets people stirred up. Bring out the poi (instead of popcorn).

I agree with previous posters that the commercial luaus you'll find are more Polynesian than Hawaiian (they make this very clear as they introduce various acts featuring traditions from Fiji, Somoa, New Zealand, Hawaii, etc). They can be overacted, corny, the food mediocre, and you may sit in fear until the audience members who are lucky (unlucky) enough are called on stage, put in a grass skirt and coconut bra, and made to dance the hula.

My parents loved Germaine's Luau on Oahu. Too crowded for me, but it was amusing and the food was 3/5 stars. They do a great job for feeding a big crowd. It helped to have a few Mai Tais before boarding the coach from Waikiki to the luau grounds.

My personal favorite, which I've actually taken business colleagues to, is the Royal Hawaiian hotel luau. It's on Monday nights, but it's ocean/beach front at Waikiki. The dinner is an elegant plated affair, rather than buffet (4/5 stars). The bar is fantastic. The show is very well narrated and weaves a historic theme from past to present. It's mostly Hawaiian. It's expensive, but I think it's a good value. And the young dancers are mostly local kids who are very serious about representing their culture and traditions, and their heart is in the production.

Here in Kona most of my friends think the current luau they are least resistant to being dragged to by out of town friends is the one at the Royal Kona Resort. I've listened from the hotels tiki bar, and it sounds pretty good, but I haven't been to it or had the food. Meh, it is what it is... If you've never been to one, go check it out.

Helpful hints... (1) happy hour before is a must. The drinks at the luau won't be cheap, and the show will be better after a couple of Mai Tais. (2) don't fall prey to upgrades for premium seats. You'll have a good view, regardless. (3) shorts and an Aloha shirt are always appropriate attire. (4) bring your own lei. The one they put on you for the photo (available for a fee) is usually a loaner, and has the sweat of everybody in front of you on it. (5) luau MC's can smell fear when it comes to pulling "volunteers" from the audience. See tip #1.

Thanks, again, Coy, for the detailed reply. Looks great, right what I was looking for.

 

Our time in port is 7AM -- 5PM.

 

It is a tender port. Since we'll be doing "our" thing, we'll not have priority tendering. Assuming we'll be out around 9.30Am, have the car at 10AM, can we manage to be back in 5.30-6 hours (at 4PM at the latest?)

Yes... We do that itinerary in 4-5 hours max, because we don't like leaving our dog at home any longer than that.

Thank you both!! We will have 2 16 year old boys with us...would the fair wind II or the Hula Kai be a better fit in your opinion?

Both are very nice. I prefer the Fair Wind II because there's more shade and the seating is more open feeling to me.

Thanks, Coy, for the updated "best" of Kona. Much appreciated.

 

Looking at it, I'm wondering if, coming from a "sunshine & beaches" country (beside other not so pleasant things), is there something else interesting to do in Kona, beside "water activities"?

 

We don't mind renting a car, but can settle to wander around and eat some fresh fish/sea food at one of the recommended restaurants.

 

We are mainly interested in the fabulous views those islands are famous for.:)

 

Dani

Great question! I'd suggest renting a car and heading south...first stop, Royal Hawaiian Coffee Company. They have a nice self, guided tour, a small museum, and a very easy lava tube you can walk through. Free samples of all their coffee. This is an historic, working, coffee mill. Great views from their elevation.

Next stop, Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau a National Historic Park. This is the best preserved "city of refuge" in the islands and is a national treasure and very sacred to the Hawaiian people. Very shady, easy to see in 1-2 hours, flat terrain. I do recommend mosquito repellent as a precaution. You can pick some up at an ABC or Long's. Parking is $5 if you don't have a National Parks pass. Admission is of course, free. This is old Hawaii, circa 1300 AD. Ancient temples, Palm grottos, a beautiful view of the ocean. Excellent small bookstore, and great ranger lectures. Great photo ops.

Head back toward Kona stopping for lunch at Managos... Very old Hawaii, circa 1900 AD. Butterfish, Ono, and other fresh off the boat fish lovingly prepared by local ladies in a 100 year old hotel kitchen. This is as authentic as it gets. Stop in the Kona Chip Company next door after lunch and pick up some genuine local chips to enjoy back on the ship as you sail away.

It will truly be a day of time travel, but will show you Hawaii in a different light. This is the itinerary I plan for guests for our non-beach days.

Direct question for Cowboy who apparently lives their. Same situation. Coming into Kona off Solstice ship. Need to get to Kahaluu Beach. The Kona trolley , if you download the time schedule, shows a 10:20 pier pick-up, but after doing stops does not get to Beach until 11:20. That's an hour for the 5 miles direct to Beach.

Options???

What is the Alii Shuttle. That picks up at King Kam Hotel and does a few stops and goes to Keauhou.

I've never done the Ali'i Shuttle. Honestly, I'd grab a taxi, especially for 2 or more people. Get the driver's cell phone number...they are very good about keeping their word for your return trip. I've used Kona Taxi and Cruz'n Taxi when I don't want to drive into town, and I like both.

Great suggestions coyboy1971! Thank you so much! I thought Magic Sands looked really nice, but had read that the winter storms usually wash the sand out. So I was worried we might not have much of a beach to enjoy there. ;) I definitely think that will be our stop if it's still sandy in 3 weeks.

It's called magic sands because the sands can disappear and reappear overnight. It's pretty sandy right now.

As punkincc says, it should be doable as long as the POA is on schedule. Talk to the Fair Wind folks directly...I'm sure they've done this with other cruisers. It's a great snorkel cruise on a big, comfortable catamaran.

The Fair Wind II leaves from Keauhou Harbor, right next to the Sheraton, so ground transportation is usually not an issue on the way back to the pier.

Otherwise, I highly recommend the Kamanu. They have a van and can arrange transfers to and from the pier. It's a small enough boat, I've actually been aboard when the skipper waited for late arrivals and just extended the return time so everyone got the full cruise in.

Fendbass is spot on. You can often get a local to drive you down and back once you get to the last road down to the green sand beach in a big 4x4 for about $15 round trip. It's a very unique geological feature, but not really a beach to swim due to the wind and strong currents.

One of the private tour operators on the island like Wasabi Big Island might be able to put together a private/custom tour for you.

PS - I'd suggest stopping into the ABC store at the King Kamehameha Beach Hotel right at the pier and getting a couple of cheap beach towels, beach mats, and some drinks and snacks. The towels can be souvenirs. That way, you wo t have to worry about keeping up with towels from the ship, or being overly laden on the tender ashore. If you don't want to take them back, you can usually find a local family at the beach to give them to. Both beaches I mentioned have restrooms and shower facilities. Enjoy!

Aloha... For swimming, take the Kona trolley ($2 per ride) or a taxi to Magic Sands beach on Ali'i Drive. For snorkeling take the trolley or a taxi to the next beach, Kahalu'u Bay. There's a snack wagon and place to rent snorkel gear and surfboards and the like at Kahalu'u Bay.

You can easily find the trolley schedule and stops online.

Enjoy and welcome to Kona!

Here's my personally tested 2015 best of Kona list, compiled with a cruise ship's arrival and departure schedule in mind:

Best places to walk from the pier and eat/drink with the ship in plain view:

Splashers (local beer, tropical drinks, great burgers, fish tacos)

Kona Canoe Club (local beer, excellent Mai Tais, the best calamari)

Daylight Mind Coffee Company (farm to table, foodies, relaxed, elegant)

Huggo's on the Rocks (beach bar with pupus and music)

Best walkable place for breakfast hands down for those in the first tender ashore:

Island Lava Java Bistro

Best place to walk off the tender and rent a paddle board, kayak, etc:

Kona Boys Beach Shack in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel

Best large catamaran snorkel cruise:

Body Glove (right at the tender pier)

Fair Wind II (10 min taxi ride to Keauhou)

Best small catamaran:

Kamanu... Usually only 12-15 guests and they snorkel Pawi Bay (excellent!), 10 min away, leaves from Honokohau small boat harbor.

Best fresh off the boat fish:

Bite Me Grill and Bar at Honokohau. Bite Me also has a fleet of fishing boats if you like to catch your own. This harbor is where you will find numerous excellent sport fishing boat trips.

Best snorkeling if you're on a budget:

Kahalu'u Bay... Take the Kona trolley ($2) that runs up and down Ali'i Drive and rent gear at the beach. Showers and snack wagon, lifeguards, this is a very family friendly beach. You can also take surf lessons or rent a surf board.

Best helicopter tours to the volcano:

Paradise Helicopters - leaves from Kona Airport (much closer to ship than other companies) and flies luxurious Bell 407 helicopters. Not cheap. Unforgettable experience.

Please feel free to ask me for current, local info. If I don't know the answer, I will ask around!

Aloha,

Coy

DH and I are trying a river cruise with Avalon from Vienna to Prague in 2016. He's fascinated with the Krampus, so we're doing a Christmas Market cruise. This will be my third time to Vienna, one of my favorite cities in the world, first time to Prague.

This is very exciting! I registered on their website to be on the mailing list for the inaugural cruise. I bet it will be a 14 day Barcelona-Pireaus itinerary with small ship ports.

On my NCL cruises these have been fairly well attended... 6-12 people per night, mostly couples, and mixed G & L. Occasionally these have been unofficially hosted by one of the CD staff.

One memorable night in the Star Bar on our Alaska Cruise, we ordered pizzas, martinis, and bottles of wine and kept the party going... Pretty soon, the bar servers were bringing in more party food items from the buffet. It might have been a record tip night for the bartender and servers.