The Three Coconuts

#1 You don't need airconditioning here in Hawaii. I would guess that 90% of the houses, condos, and businesses have no AC. Remarkable. This place is pretty dang close to the equator, but the tradewinds keep it very comfortable. Everyone opens up there doors, windows, and turns on the ceiling fans. We talked to a lady yesterday who said her electric bill is about $130 a month.

Insert from Julie: It does get hot in the kitchen if you're cooking.... and I've only done the minimum of cooking here, but if I went on a baking spree we'd need some A/C.

#2 Compared to Florida, there are almost no bugs here. Only a few mosquitos we found in the Kahola forest while zip lining and a few ants here and there. This is why observation #1 is an option. You can leave windows and doors open.

#3 There is a reason that "Keep Kona Country" is a popular bumper sticker and sign around the area. Once you leave the coastline you will find what is best described as country folks and country living...........right down to the yard chickens..........more on that later.

#4 We love eating outside. The lanai is where we ate our meals when at the condo. There is not even a dining room suit inside whatsoever. When eating out most every place was either outdoor seating or open air inside.

#5 from Julie: Lava rocks are used for cover in the flower/plant beds around in condo, I saw a man out doing the weeding with a blowtorch! This appeals to me on all levels, finally a way to make yard work interesting.

#6 From the Kings Swim: we omitted to note that there were 2 finishers that were girls less than 10 years old, and two female finishers over 75.

#7 Rather than rednecks, there are brownnecks in Hawaii, after all this is a southern state. They still drive 4WD, play music loud, have an excessively high BMI(Body Mass Index) and don't "share the road" well.

#8 Golf photo for Chris:

#9 Sport is big on the "Big Island". Swimming, biking, running, surfing, boogieboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, scuba, fishing, and I am sure there is plenty more that I'm missing, all ages and all body types, from beginners to advanced, it doesn't matter. This place loves it ALL!

#10 Not everything is expensive in Hawaii. Most fruits and veggies are as cheap or more so here than on the mainland. Paper products and some of the other consumer staples are pretty pricey though. Gas is about $3.50 a gallon.

#11 Most everyone here is very friendly. Whether it is native Hawaiians or locals that have moved here from the mainland, almost everyone is happy, friendly, and courteous. Some of the young natives not so much.

Today was an off day, nothing scheduled. Tomorrow is volcano day. Stay tuned.

Aloha!

The Three Coconuts