Kona – Day 42 – Road Trip to Naalehu

We reached our destination – The Naalehu Market a little after 8AM. We left my place at 6:30.

And a fine market it was. I got green beans, bananas, and papayas, earrings, and a shirt supporting the Kau wrestling team. And a “cupcake” manapua. Billy got a bunch of smoked meat from an old friend and Monique got Xmas gifts.

In addition to bananas and papayas, you can buy a banana or papaya tree.

Gotta stop at Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the way home.

Unfortunately, water hyacinths have completely taken over a unique Anchialine pool.

Billy and Monique – Punaluu Black Sand Beach.

My favorite thing at Punaluu is not the black sand or the turtles. It’s the old abandoned restaurant/hotel complex. The residents never wanted it. It opened in 1972 and was closed by a tsunami in 1976. Several people have tried to develop the area since then. But local opposition has been too great.

The Punaluu Bakery is a mandatory stop.

Last stop before heading home – Punaluu Bakery.

We pass the cut-off to South Point heading home.

OK. Turn around. Let’s go to South Point. The wind is howling.

These gentlemen jumped in. It was too windy for me to get near the edge. It’s about a 40 foot drop into about 20 feet of water. Fairly safe. BUT, you have to get back up. Billy saw the guys climbing out.

OK. Now, it’s time to go home. Before we blow away.

And we drive past Ama’s Food Truck.
Oops, Turn around a second time.
Scored some awesome fish tacos.
An excellent road trip.

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