Aaaand, we’re back!
When we arrive at the condo, we’re able to assess all the (great) work that’s been completed since our last trip. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty details at this point. The kitchen is done: the beautiful white quartz countertops are in, the jalousie window is out and a new one is in, the backsplash tile has been fully installed, and the shelves are ready for dishes and decor.
Similarly, the bathroom is complete: Ed has finished installing the mirrors and light from Wayfair. It looks fantastic.
With these major tasks done, I touch base with Bjorn about the last big item on my checklist. Bjorn is a local carpenter who has graciously offered to help us transform the shoji doors to match our modern, minimalist aesthetic. He texts me a photo and a report that they’re coming along very nicely.
The transformed shoji door
The next day at lunchtime, he drops them off. I can’t get over how perfect they look.
On our way into town that night, I’m amused to notice that Ron has added some holiday cheer to the Kailua Village complex: A positively ginormous inflatable Santa can be seen driving across the rocks next to the community pool.
The inflatable Santa by the Kailua Village pool
With the bulk of the work complete, it’s time to start thinking about smaller details.
We meet with Cheri from Aloha Blinds, who helps us find the perfect window treatments for our lanai doors.
Lanai door window treatments, c/o Aloha Blinds
When the work is done, Brian returns to New York (we stagger our departures and arrivals to ensure our beloved senior dog doesn’t have to spend too many days at doggie daycare). The morning after Brian leaves, I’m greeted by the Kailua Village housecat Grayson; I guess word has gotten out about the condo. He sits politely at the screen door for over an hour. I feel bad, but decide against letting him in.
Grayson the Cat
That evening, I put on my photographer hat and try to capture the perfect photo of the sunset from our lanai for the future AirBNB listing. I feel a little ridiculous setting up two glasses of wine when it’s just me, but that’s show biz.
Balcony Photographer
The next day, I decide to embark on an 18-mile round trip hike down to Konami South Beach. I find myself all alone, surrounded by wild goats and a picturesque scene of the ocean crashing into the lava coastline. It’s a quintessential Big Island day.
A wild goat spotted at Konami South Beach
That night, I watch the sunset from the bar at Island Lava Java sipping an ice cold Kona Longboard and place an order for the Big Island Pizza. It’s hard to know whether it’s the 18-mile hike talking, but I decide right then and there that this is the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life. “IT’S SO GOOD!” I say incredulously to the bartender. She nods and proclaims, “It’s so good.”
The Big Island Pizza at Island Lava Java
As I munch on my pineapple and kalua pork pizza, I bid adieu to both the sun and behemoth cruise ship, disappearing into the distance.
The cruise ship, disappearing into the distance
The next day, in spite of a painful blister forming on my right foot, I embark on another hike before heading to the airport: this one is a quick 1.5 mile out-and-back a few minutes north of the condo. The Ala Mauka Makai Trail, within the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, offers a lovely trek down to the ocean.
The Ala Mauka Makai Trail
And with that, we are almost there, folks! On the plane ride home, I compile the final ‘to do’ list for our final trip in February before condo completion. When I look up, another rainbow greets me from the tarmac, as if to say “A hui hoi” once more.
Another beautiful rainbow to wish us a hui hoi
