Progress being made
It’s been nearly four months since either Brian or I have been on island, but that doesn’t mean we’re not continuing to make progress; our general contractor (and native New Yorker) Ed Skelton has been keeping busy transforming the condo.
When the cabinets finally arrive, he and his electrician get to work.
Cabinets installed!
Once they’re fully installed, Ed is able to install the beautiful vanilla creme LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring from HPM. The effect it has on the overall look of the condo is incredible.
New LVP and baseboards
The bathroom, meanwhile, is just about complete as well: he’s finished installing the vanity, which means all we’re waiting on are mirrors and lights.
The installed vanity, still in need of mirrors
I land in Kona the evening of September 28. Ed and his colleague from Big Island Countertops meet me at 10am the next morning to measure the cabinet tops in preparation for the countertop installation. Once the countertops are in, the only to do items left in the kitchen will be to install the backsplash and new window.
Ed helps with the couch as the expert from Big Island Countertops measures
While he’s busily making his measurements, Ed graciously helps me finish assembling the sofa which finally arrived from Wayfair. Our chat leads to both of them enthusiastically recommending Kona Crust Pizza as the best pizza on island. I take note. When they leave, I size up the place. It’s looking really good.
It’s starting to come together
On Saturday, Brian and I check out nearby Kua Bay Beach. We follow the advice we hear across the board, which is to arrive early; we’re parking our rental car right at 8am, which is when the park opens. We spend the day enjoying the white sands and admiring the perfectly turquoise waters from our new Tommy Bahama Costco beach chairs (available for renters in the Fun Closet!).
Blue skies and water at Kua Bay Beach
The rest of the week keeps us busy: there’s lots to do to get the condo renter-ready. We make a trip to Lowe’s and spend that afternoon installing louvre doors, which tidies up the hallway considerably.
White louvre doors tidy up the hallway considerably
However, we do manage to take an afternoon to check out a nearby coffee farm.
That night, we enjoy live music at Huggo’s. Brian notices the bartender’s cocktail skill, and requests something creative. He wows us with a drink that blends coffee and pineapple: two flavors that are counterintuitive but incredibly complementary. We sip our drinks and watch the sun set.
On our last night, we make our way over to live music at the Brewery Block. We’re tempted by Umeke’s and Kona Brewing, but instead decide to enjoy a delicious and affordable dinner at Willie’s Hot Chicken.
Enjoying beers and chicken at Willie’s
And that’s a wrap! We’ll be back in a month and a half to assess the work, celebrate Christmas Kona-style, and hopefully prepare for an early 2024 launch. A hui hoi …
