Beach time......a must!

Coming to Hawaii means that you are going to hit the beaches. On the Big Island, you have so many to choose from. Just the other day, we went to Hapuna Beach which is on the west side. The best time to be there is in the morning before it gets too hot as there is very little shade available on the beach itself. In between the beach and the parking lot, there are covered picnic areas, a snack bar, and public restrooms. This is a beautiful beach......no doubt about it! This white sand beach with clear water is great for swimming, snorkeling and body boarding. You can even see Maui's Haleakala across the ocean when the weather conditions are just right. Being a great beach, it can become crowded on the weekends and just like any beach, you always face the ocean when you go in as you never know when a bigger wave comes you way. It is located right off of Highway 19 close to the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel so very easy to get to and there is plenty of parking. For those that are more adventurous, you can rent an A frame cabin and spend the night so you can catch the beautiful sunset......and if you are lucky, the green flash!

Dinner & Music with Casablanca

If you want an evening of great food, Boston Basil's is a great pick (check out the menu http://www.bostonbasils.com/menu/Basil%27s%20Menu%20dinner%20menu.pdf ).

If you want an evening of great food and great music, then go when Casablanca is playing! http://sites.google.com/site/casablancahawaii/home/schedule or book them for your private party.

We sat upstairs so as to enjoy the live music with our dinner. Casablanca plays there once a month so it was perfect timing for my friend to visit and ended up running into other friends. Sure was the place to be. The breeze coming through the open windows was just perfect......cooled by the evening rain. There was a birthday celebration and we all enjoyed an awesome “Happy Birthday” medley, to which, of course, we got to sing along. The whole evening was filled with laughter, excellent food, and music that takes one back in time.......at times! I got a kick from hearing Cole Porter's “I get a kick out of you” and surprised myself that I remembered almost all the words. I did hear it quite a bit when we did “Anything Goes” at the Aloha Theater but that over a year ago. 

And, for the food. All I have to say is Delizioso! We enjoyed every bite and had no room for dessert.

Let's Eat ~ JACKIE REY'S

There are so many places to choose from when going out to eat in Kailua-Kona town. If you're looking for a good lunch or dinner out with friends, Jackie Rey's is well worth checking out. Here's their menu if you want to wet your appetite http://www.jackiereys.com/menu.htm This time around, I enjoyed the Club Med salad......regular size to make it my meal. The hummus, grilled garlic pita bread, tabouleh, greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, basil pesto vinaigrette. It was a great combo of flavors. Most enjoyable! Other items on their menu that I've had in the past......Tortilla Salad, Cool Summer Gazpacho, and they even substituted the chicken with a veggie patty for the Mac Nut Basil Pesto sandwich. 

You might want to call them for reservations and directions from where you are: 808-327-0209.

EATING in Kona ~ Kona Brew Pub

Whether you are eating on your own, a date, or family, the Kona Brew Pub is a great place to eat. It's always a favorite of ours and having family visiting from out of town made for a perfect “excuse” to go again. Some of us ordered our own dish, while others ordered a big pizza for sharing.......that's an option that works perfect for the kids. We actually ordered two pizzas. One that was cheese only with no "green sprinkles" and one veggie. Simply Delicious! The salads can even make a whole meal!

And, don't forget the beer. After all, this is the brew pub so gotta try some local brewed “liquid aloha!” This time I had the Koko Brown. Here's the menu just in case you want to plan ahead what you are going to eat......or just want to drool!

http://konabrewingco.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/files/2011/06/KON_11003_Menu_Update_Kona_web.pdf