Kona - Slice of Paradise

05/20/2025

the number of earthquakes has increased...

Short Term Vacation Rental, STVR, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, AirBnB, VRBO, Booking.com, By Owner, furnished, long-term, long term, short term, short-term

10/26/2024

Turtles - honu - are in important in Hawaiian culture. They have always been sacred and are also protected by law today.

https://kona-rental.com/index.php/vacation-rental-news/202410-honu-the-importance-of-turtles

Honu - Hawaiian for Turtle, an short summary of the importance of turtles in Hawaiian culture.

10/25/2024

Thinking of the beautiful decorations (Penjors) while in Hawaii.
https://youtube.com/shorts/D9zDF-CDAk0

Penjors are a religious symbol skillfully crafted by Hindus in Bali. The curve of the Penjor is said to resemble the tail of the baron or the top of Mount Ag...

10/08/2024

Tegenungan Waterfall - first movie from Bali. Nice place, maybe a bit touristy but still nice to visit.

https://youtu.be/HbQALZQr5-Y

10/02/2024

Gili Trawangan - impression

Gili Trawangan is the biggest of the Indonesian Gili Islands located in the Lombok Strait. The island can only be reached by boat and is entirely car free. G...

09/15/2024

Enjoyed the sunshine at the Billilla Mansion yesterday. After having driven by there many times I was curious about this place. Interesting story and nicely kept building in the Brighton area.

The Billilla Mansion was built in 1876 by Robert Wright and changed ownership many times over the following ten years. In 1888 the property was eventually pu...

09/06/2024

𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐢
Despite the subdued economy, Hawaii continues to be a popular destination for Australians. The relatively short flight time of about 10 hours from the Australian East Coast to Hawaii, its climate, and the friendliness of its people are definite attractions. While 10 hours may seem like a long flight, it is important to recognize the relative isolation of Australia. For example, a flight to Singapore takes about 8 hours from Australia's East Coast. Having on average 27 direct flights per week from the three major cities on Australia's East Coast (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane) is a definite plus.
Aussies are known for their keen interest in travel and are used to spending good money on this passion. In this light, it comes as no surprise that Qantas, Australia's National Airline, has decided to replace their discount airline flights from Melbourne to Honolulu with a regular service starting in May 2025. At the same time, Qantas will start offering 3 flights per week on this route to capitalize on the interest in traveling to the USA.
While the overall number of Australians probably pales in comparison to visitors from other places, any increase in visitors to Hawaii is a good thing at this time. Year-over-year statistics (see below) not only show a reduction in visitors but also indicate that they spend less money despite the inflationary increase in costs.

(https://kona-rental.com)

08/17/2024

It is canoe racing time - want to come and see?

The outrigger canoe, or wa'a, has been an integral part of Hawaiian culture for centuries. These canoes were originally used for fishing, transportation, and exploration, and were expertly crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques.

07/27/2024

We recently had a chance to go and dive at the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). After about a 90minutes boat ride we arrived at the reef and had an amazing trip. There was a lot of marine life to see, in particular a great many different types of corals and some endemic fishes.

Still, the experience reminded me of the under-sea beauty in Hawaii and the many choices to go scuba diving or snorkeling there. The Big Island offers so many spots that can be reached from the shore or a boat. The options seem endless.

If you happen to be there, and have not yet gone night snorkeling / diving with the manta rays, we can really recommend to go and see these gentle giants by night.
We also made like our experiences with the team from Jack's Diving Locker. They are professional and helpful taking customers to interesting sites.

So, next time in Hawaii, visit and enjoy the rich marine life.

Pictures below: some impression from the GBR

06/24/2024

July is right around the corner - as everywhere in the USA, July is a busy month with many activities, especially on 4th of July.

The Big Island is no exemption. Below a few activities you may want to consider when on this Island.

𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲
- Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Raises in Waimea starting from 7:30am - https://parkerranch.com/
- Kona Parade and Fireworks; parade from Kuakini Rd to Ali'i Dr from 6pm followed by fireworks off moored barge in Kailua Bay (8pm)
- Waikoloa Beach Resort Events and Fireworks; events at King's Shops and Queens Market - https://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/events/
- Hilo from 7am 5k Run/Walk followed by games, cook offs etc at Bayfront; 7pm Hawaii County Band will perform at the Mo'oheau Band Stand and then (8pm) accompany the fireworks in the bay

More different
- Rubber Ducky Race for charity - https://www.kona-kohala.com/news/details/2024-great-waikoloa-rubber-duckie-race
- Turtle Independence day - join the crowd at the Mauna Lani oceanfront when they release little green turtles into the big wide sea.

and finally for the runners:
- 27 July 7am/7:15am start to the half marathon/5km Volcano ‘Ohi’a Lehua run ( https://www.ohialehuahalf.com/about)

Whatever you do don't forget your Aloha and enjoy the many things Hawaii has to offer.

Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race 2024 FLYER Join United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii in celebrating the 4th of July at the Kings’ Shops with our 33rd Annual Race! July 4th, 2024 (Thursday) $5 ADOPTION: One (1) Duck in Race $25 QUACK PACK: Five (5) Ducks in Race & a Free T-Shirt $100 VIP: ...

06/02/2024

May saw the signing of a bill that will not only harm visitors but also STVR (Short Term Vacation Rental) hosts in Hawaii.
The bill allows the elimination of STVR permits and significantly curbs the right of property owners.

The intent may be well spirited to increase available long term rentals for locals - driving down accommodation prices.

The reality is, that this has not materialized in other places. Impacts are more likely a hit to the tax revenue, there will be less work for locals (think cleaning, management of STRVs, local representatives etc.) hotels will drive up their prices and locals will not see drastically cheaper long term living space.

04/27/2024

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 - 𝐋𝐞𝐢 𝐃𝐚𝐲
Leis have a long tradition in Hawaii after having been introduced by early Polynesian travelers. The Leis can be made of many different things, although we mostly see those made out of fragrant flowers. Hawaiians use them for many occasions, weddings, graduations, funerals, farewells and always reflect a token of love towards the recipient of the Lei.

As a token of love, they are not to be thrown into the trash, but to be returned to the earth by burning, burying or scattering the flowers in a natural setting (sea, garden)

Since 1927, May 1st marks Lei Day and there are multiple activities to celebrate this day. On the Big Island check out:

- Waikoloa: Lei Day Festival - 28 Apr 10am-1pm - Kings' Shops
- Hilo: Lei Day Festival - 1 May 10am-2pm - Kalakaua Park
- Volcanos National Park - 1 May 11am-2pm - Volcano Art Center Gallery

No matter what you do - have a wonderful May!

- Slice of Paradise