A Tale of One City (and Three Restaurants)

Normally, when I write about food, I write primarily about the positive experiences. If I have somewhat of a bad experience, I leave that at the door, thinking that maybe it was just a bad night for the restaurant. But this is a tale of one city-----Mission Viejo----and three restaurants. A cautionary tale, for it was the experience before I could even order food that serves to enlighten you, dear reader. Indeed, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Twas one of those nights, the nights we know so well, when the day just gets out of hand and the evening's meal and libations get spoiled by the events of the day. This night, all my dinner plans went awry. The only solution, at 8:10 in the PM, was to pick up some takeout food on the way home from the visit to the Shops at Mission Viejo. My task was such----to bring home a quick meal, something to satisfy the cravings that I had been informed of----------some ribs. Gone were the plans for the visit to Lucille's and in their place, only the dreaded words "pick up anything". Fortunately, I knew that there was a rib place at the corner of Marguerite and Crown Valley Parkways. With that thought in mind, my heart lifted as I saw a solution to the heavy weight placed upon me.

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At 10 after 8 o'clock, I pulled into the mini-mall where EJ's is located. The music was shaking the windows, so I thought that there must be a merry party going on inside. As I opened the door, a telltale scent hit my nose. Not, as I had so unwisely presumed, the aroma of ribs covered with a mouthwatering sauce. Instead, the scent was-----bleach! As I walked in, I saw someone mopping up. I yelled above the music, "are you open?". Still, with the lilting sounds of heavy metal rap hip-hop in the foreground, I heard, "no". Okay, I thought. I asked for the establishment's menu, at least to peruse their offerings for the next time we had a craving for ribs-----at least for the midday repast. I was given one, and with that, I bade the worker adieu.

A sign directly across from me beckoned-----"OPEN". It was at Crown Valley Chinese Restaurant, a place that I had dined from in the past but had been unimpressed with. On the other hand, I knew that many restaurants of this type had pork spareribs, so I went in. For you, gentle reader, the ones who have not read my reviews of Chinese dining, I beg forgiveness. I grew up eating Chinese food-----my family's twice a year pilgrimage to Chinatown, to eat at the Grandview Gardens on Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles; one of the highlights of my childhood. Later, as I learned to drive the four-wheeled combustion-driven motorcar that so defines our life these days, I drove to Mon Kee and Yang Chow for food-not chop suey and chow mein, but rather the regional specialties both places were known for. Next, I travelled some, deciding the best food I had in Europe was not coq au vin or Homard l'Amoricaine, but the Chinois food at a small Chinese restaurant in the Montmartre district of Paris' 18th arrondissement, perchance the same area frequented by Monsieur Defarge.

Later on, during my campus days at a well known University very close to downtown, I would stop everyday at the Chinese Bakery on Alpine Street, to imbibe a daily cup of coffee and some Chinese pastries with some denizens of Chinatown, grizzled Chinese who came to enjoy seeing and talking with the Anglo who came in, ordered what they did, and was never afraid to try something they suggested. Perhaps you have even read my rambling words about Capital Seafood, the min-chain that is now my benchmark for fine Chinese regional specialties and fresh-from-the-tank seafood. Thus, when I walked in and asked for the To-Go menu, I was looking at it with the eyes of someone not entirely unawares of the intricacies of Chinese cuisine.

I interrupted my perusal of their menu as my eyes fixated on the daily special board. "Beef Stew Noodle Soup .95". Since I had been craving some Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue (the delicious spicy beef and pork Central Vietnamese noodle soup) the past few days and had not dined on Shabu Shabu for several weeks, I asked the proprietor to tell me about it. And yes, dear reader-----she did tell me something. "Asian soup, Americans no like taste. Not for you". I had magically been transported from Mission Viejo to the land of the Soup Nazi. Just then, a young waitress walked up to the counter where I stood. They exchanged some words and I got a funny look. To put them at ease, I told them that I knew Chinese food and that I regularly dined at Capital Seafood in Irvine for my Chinese food. The response, much to my enlightenment, was this---"we no do much seafood", after which they chatted in Chinese and gave me a few unfriendly looks. I quickly bade them farewell and removed myself from the establishment.

Thus, with a heavy heart, I gave up my search for the fabled "rib." Before I exited the mini-mall, however, I spied several establishments. I had dined upon sushi twice in the last week, so that was out. Mexican was the meal of choice only two nights before, so I sought out the open sign that said "Jojo's Pizza Kitchen". As I walked in, they were also cleaning up, but the gentleman there was quick to welcome me in. Thus, I saw the first friendly face in my night's search for food to redeem myself at home. I asked about the pizza (I had seen a sign on the front door for a special that had quickly piqued my interest) and the gentlemen told me about the special, a 12" pizza with two toppings of your choice for only .00. With hopes of redemption at hand, I called home to make the offer of "one topping for you and one for me". Forthwith, I began to order my pizza------half my choice and half hers. Sensing impending discord, the kindly gentleman advised me that we could get the pizza with half her choice and half mine.

With those words, I committed to all mushroom, with half green pepper and half Italian sausage. My dilemma solved, I sat down for a glass of one of the establishment's fine beers on draught. Before my last swig of the pale nectar, my pizza was ready. As I bid a fond farewell to the gentlemen who manned this fine dining place, the words of some famous Bard slipped into my head, and before I knew it, I saluted them with "I'll be baaaack". And thus my tale comes to an end. The pizza was delicious, the crust not paper thin but not thick either. The toppings were generous and the sauce and cheese flavorful. The crust had just the right ratio of crunchy and soft, chewy goodness to it. I had redeemed myself, as well as having found a pizza place worthy of the name "Pizza Kitchen". So, my tale of woe ends on a positive note, my esteemed reader. Not only had I found a gentleman in action, but also a restaurant to replace the pizza parlor that I had decided had lost their touch for making fine pizza. And to you, the soul of Dickens past, I beg forgiveness for this parody. But as they say, "itis a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better restaurant that I go to, than I have ever known."

THE END

With apologies to Charles Dickens---any misquotes are intentional but done with reverence.

Jojo's Pizza Kitchen

27620 Marguerite Parkway #G

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

949-347-9338

A Tale of One City (and Three Restaurants)

MISSION VALLEY

Custom Window Blinds Made To Fit

Have you been searching for new blinds for you home, but having trouble getting every window covered? There are windows that require special order or custom window blinds. Typically these windows are sliding glass doors or double wide windows. Standard windows in a home can be easy to fit, but how do you get the rest of your windows covered and with the same type of blinds?

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The answer is actually easier than you would believe. In fact all you have to do is find a hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot and you can ask them to special order blinds for you. They have many styles to choose from and many colors. You might find having custom window blinds for all your windows is important for matching the exact color, but most companies offer custom window blinds in all the colors they sell on the shelves. The easiest way to get your custom window blinds is to have a professional come out and measure all of your windows to ensure that you are ordering the proper size.

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Once you have the proper measurements you are then on your way to completing your home decor, but you are still going to want to find the type of blinds, you can choose from venation, vertical or horizontal blinds. There are aluminum blinds, bamboo blinds, and even cloth blinds. The choice in material will in part be up to the style you choose and the color you prefer. Most metal blinds are cheap and only come in two or three colors. So once you have decided on the style of blind you can then begin choosing the blinds for all your windows.

The best way to find the blinds that will fit your needs is to shop around. Go to the custom window blinds shops in your area as well as your local hardware store. You will see that there are many types of blinds as well as different pricing. You may find your budget stretched to thin if you go to a specialty shop for something you can find in your local hardware shop. When you are completing your home decor it is important to get what you want and be happy with the purchase.

Custom window blinds is the best way for you to get all your windows covered even those round ones that have always been difficult to find the best way to block the sun. You will have some many choices you may have to take a few days just to research them all or you might know just what you need.

Custom Window Blinds Made To Fit

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Secrets On How To Get Lowest Airfare Prices

First of all, a discounted airfare simply stands for getting airline tickets at a lower rate and much more discounted than you would normally obtain from the airline or your travel agent. You are able to compare last minute tickets and to find a lot of discount fares and low-priced vacation packages that are available online. What you have to do is to browse a number of travel websites and have a look to the reviews on it.

However, it is really significant to all of the time have a look for hidden expenses on the ticket because many advertised fares do not have on them airline surcharges, ticketing fees and airport taxes. So be sure you read the fare properly to keep off any surprises because the taxes can increase the ticket price by 10 to 20 percent of the airfare. Add them up and see if the value is worth the money you have to pay for.

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Timing is everything and the sooner you know time and date you are able to go the sooner you can make use of great vacation packages and best price ticket bargains. In general being flexible can work in the traveler's favor. On certain times of the day, the airplane may not be filled up. Therefore, airlines put up savings, even to popular locations. On my search for bargain-priced airfare, I discovered that a lot of travel websites sometimes have some special promotions that allow you to get savings as much as 40 percent if and when you spend some time to check the fare rates of several airline carriers prior to buying.

Find out if you are qualified for frequent flyer discount from your airline. As a frequent flyer the airline organizes special discount for people in this club, so the longer you fly with the airline the more travel miles you gain. Booking a vacation package for a group travel can reduce the cost of airfare. If you want to travel with your family, search for any vacation packages for business class as well.

Nearly all airline carriers will run periodical specials to certain places, and if you hop on one of these special fares you can still get cheap flights tickets at the last-minute. The best bargains on student rate airplane tickets include overseas travel with many of domestic and international airfares featuring travel stay limitations and call for student identification at the time of the booking. If you haven't planned anything and still intend on traveling at the last minute, then the best way to get the most values is to not consider on traveling to a particular spot.

Another good way of finding out a great bargain on your low-budget flights to foreign destinations, e.g. Thailand, is to combine several fares instead of using a non stop fare. Find the cheapest flight to Korea or Singapore and then grab one of the lowest fares to Thailand available from those locations. You must be clever to get a great deal.

You shouldn't rely on travel websites at all as they occasionally don't really look into all fares as they claim. It is also good to look into the airline carrier websites too. To conclude this article, know that to get lowest airfare prices, it's more effective that you get start your search for the most inexpensive pricing several months prior to the time of your vacation, specially for foreign flights.

Secrets On How To Get Lowest Airfare Prices

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Housing Slump Continues Due to Failed Subprime Mortgages

The U.S. housing market is still in trouble, due mainly to failed subprime mortgage practices. Recent home sales reports show a modest increase, however the increase is considered by many analysts to be half of what they were expecting.

lowes bathroom vanities

Analysts believe the major contributor to the housing slump is the increase in mortgage foreclosures, or more specifically subprime mortgage foreclosures.

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Over the past several years, many subprime home mortgage institutions were offering home mortgages to individuals who should never have received them. The homeowners receiving them did not meet traditional basic financial home mortgage standards. However, as with any sector boom, there are always folks out there looking for a quick buck. Unfortunately, in this case it was fly-by night home lending institutions that quickly setup shop and took advantage of the housing market boom. Normally good lending institutions cap the amount a homeowner can finance, relative to their income. This cap usually has been in the range of 28-33% of their income for the home mortage, and around 36% for total financing including; home, car, credit card purchases, etc. These fly-by night home lending institutions allowed much higher caps, basically enslaving the homeowner to a home mortgage that they could not sustain. The result, eventual foreclosure.

The housing market has now taken a hit by this type of lending behaviour and companies such as Lowes and Home Depot have already seen an impact in their businesses.

The speed in which the home industry turns around will be directly proportional to how quickly the subprime mortgage industry gets cleaned up. Fortunately the cleanup has already begun, however there is probably another year ahead of us before the smoke fully clears.

Housing Slump Continues Due to Failed Subprime Mortgages

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Muskie Fishing

At Pine Falls lodge you are just steps away from a few of the greatest fishing trip in Northern Ontario. On one side of the lodge is Lake Murray where you can do Muskie fishing, Northern Pike, Pickerel and Small Mouth Bass. The Muskie is trophy size in this lake, Pike are in the series of 20lbs, and Bass are in the 1 to 5lbs range.

Spring, the time for renewal, and the time for early muskie fishing. At this time of the year muskie are still tired due to colder water, and may be a slight harder to find than in the summer. These are some instructions that should make you more victorious at the end of the day. Muskie fishing can be a funny game. An angler can use many hours beating the water to a bubbles, only to have a muskie finally appear, slowly trailing the bait then slowly disappearing out of sight. Muskie follows are a general incidence when chasing this majestic beast; however, there are a few actions that can be utilized to turn those snooping fish into solid takers. Try these tips when out on your next hunt and get ready to land your fair split of arrogant size skies.

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The muskellunge, or muskie, is a resident species in Ohio and is found in both major drainage basins of the state. Traditionally, it was abundant in the bays and tributaries of Lake Trout and in many streams in the Ohio River drainage. At present, it is also found in several trendy fishing lakes around the state including Ontario. A common delusion amongst non-muskie anglers is that this species often ruins the fishing for other beleaguered fish species in a given lake, such as walleyes and saugers, crappies, etc.

Waking up early in the morning and selecting a lake to fish is not a method that will consistently put muskie in your boat. Researching, and obtaining data form year to year is the way to become successful again and again.

Each lake in Canada has a "peak muskie time" as well as a phase I like to call a "valley". Capitalizing on peak times and avoiding the "valley fishing" is a method that will lead more muskie to your decoy. Lake hopping during their peak periods will likely help you consistently catch fish year round. Avoid the "valley". The "valley" is a period of time on any given lake when muskie populations are sprinkled and hard to catch. Every lake has a" valley" at diverse times of the year. Knowing what time these "valleys" take place is the key to your success. Stay as far away from a lake in its "valley" as you can. Only fish lakes that are climbing to their crest at any given moment of year.

Muskie Fishing

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Sport Fishing Highlights in Alaska

Alaska is a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Sport fishing is a lifestyle for many residents of Alaska, and many fishermen dream of heading up north for the unique experience. From the Northern Pike fisheries in the interior of Alaska, to the Eastern Kenai Peninsula, there is plenty to see and do for every outdoor enthusiast. Each region of Alaska offers optimum times for targeting specific types of fish; each region is timed in cycles, and it's important to understand the climate and weather influences of the area.

The Nine Regions for Sport Fishing in Alaska

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The entire landscape of Alaska can be broken up into specific zones and regions. Each region offers its own unique and diverse set of fish. The nine regions for sport fishing in Alaska include:

o Arctic, Yukon, and Kuskokwim area

o Bristol Bay, Kodiak

o Anchorage and Matsu Valley

o Northern Southeast

o Tanana Region

o Susitna Valley

o Kenal Peninsula

o Southern Southeast

o Prince William Sound

The northern interior and arctic region of Alaska are very primitive areas, but filled with a diverse range of fisheries and fly fishing opportunities. The Tanan region lies in the heart of Alaska, and includes the communities of Tok, Delta Junction, and Fairbanks. Freshwater and saltwater fish abound in the northern southeast area of Alaska, and this area is also rich with history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Key communities of this area include Cape Suckling, Cordova, Baranof Island, Yakuta, and Skagway. Kenai Penn is a diverse community that covers the Anchorage, Matanuska Valley, and Kenai Peninsula area. This is a highly developed fishing and tourist area, offering some of the most challenging waters in the area.

Targeted Fish for Sport Fishing in Alaska

Fish types and styles vary in Alaska, and throughout the nine regions. The targeted fish of the area include:

o Rainbow trout

o Grayling

o Burbot

o Northern Pike

o Lake Trout

o Sheefish

o Whitefish

o King Salmon

o Chum Salmon

o Coho Salmon

Popular Sites and Excursions for Sport Fishing in Alaska

You'll find a diverse range of sites and excursions to explore in the Alaska region. Sport fishing enthusiasts take part in a variety of year round activities, including Fly Fishing tournaments, Trophy Rainbow Trout excursions, and other fishing experiences. The most common fishing experiences in Alaska include:

o Sockeye Salmon Fishing

o Giant Halibut

o Fly Fishing

o Fly-Out Fishing

o Kenai River King Salmon

o Silver Salmon Fishing

King Salmon fishing is a popular choice on the Kenai River, and is famous for some of the most prized King Salmon in the world. The salmon runs at two key times of the year, and draws thousands of fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts each year. The annual return of Sockeye Salmon to the Kenai area also brings together a popular seasonal event.

Sport Fishing Highlights in Alaska

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Big Island Day Trips #1 - Kona and Kohala

Trip 1: North Kona and Kohala: Ancient History, Sumptuous Beaches

Approximate minimum time start to finish (to see every site) 11 hours

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The tour begins at the Keauhou Historic District with ancient battlefields, heiau (stone temples), surfing beaches and shopping in Kailua Kona. 15 minutes north of town is Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. See how Hawai'ians used aquaculture to create thriving communities in desolate areas. Among the many coastal sites, Hapuna Beach State Park, 30 minutes north, is rated in the Top 10 Best Beaches of the world, then stop 20 minutes further at Pu'u Kohala National Historic Park to visit an enormous heiau erected to the war god, Kuka'ilimoku. After several more sites, the road ends at Pololu Valley where wild ocean, cliffs, rainforest, waterfalls and a black sand beach make for stunning photographs plus a one hour hike. Looping back, Highway 250 cruises 45 minutes over Kohala Volcano to the lush pastures of Waimea for history of ranching in Hawaii as well as great shopping and dining. From Waimea it is one hour back to Kona.

Leg 1) In Kailua Kona, start at Keauhou Historic District, southern point. Drive Ali'i Drive north to Kahalu'u Beach, Keauhou Historic District (north terminus), La'aloa Beach and Ahu'ena Heiau.

Keauhou Historic District and Kona Coffee

For almost 400 years, temples and palaces along the Kona coastline served as a kind of "Rome of the Pacific", a great political, religious and cultural center in Polynesia, until the capital was moved to Honolulu in 1850 by Kamehameha III. The most important, interesting and best preserved historical and cultural sites lie within the Keauhou Historic District, between Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kailua running south 6 miles to Kuamo'o Bay in Keauhou. The District contains perhaps a dozen fascinating sites that are easy to walk to, well maintained and quite interesting.

To see the numerous fascinating and important archaeological sites in the Keauhou Historic District, it is necessary to park your car in the free parking at either Kahalu'u Beach Park or the Keauhou Beach Resort and explore on foot.

Just uphill from the Historic District is the Kona Coffee District. Hawaii is the only state in the union which produces coffee, and Kona coffee is perhaps the finest in the world. Over 2 millions pounds of coffee a year are produced on about 600, 2-3 acre farms; tours of coffee farms and roasteries are available.

Kahalu'u Beach County Park

Loll in sand and sun under swaying palms, snorkel among rainbow-colored fish on a protected reef or ride surf where the Kings of Hawai'i defined the sport a thousand years ago! Kahalu'u is the crown jewel of Kona Coast County Beach Parks. This is the premiere snorkeling beach of the Island of Hawai'i; the snorkeling is in calm, shallow water. There is an abundance of fish of an enormous variety...perhaps the best display on the island. Go carefully into the water, being sure not to harass the endangered turtles, feed or harm the fish, nor touch or stand upon the corals.

There are numerous sites of historic importance around the park. It was here that the great queen, Ka'ahumanu, and her cousin Kuakini (later Territorial Governor) were raised. Abundant parking, disabled access, picnic tables, two shaded pavilions, two sets of public restrooms, showers and lifeguards round-out the facilities of this beautiful beach park.

La Aloa Beach County Park (White Sands/Magic Sands)

La Aloa Beach Park is a small, but fascinating, beach. The beach derives the name "Magic Sands" from the fact that for most of the summer and fall, it is a beautiful sandy beach. However, winter and spring storms wash the sand offshore, exposing a rocky terrace. With the onset of summer currents, the sands return. The surf is short, but spectacular, here, and many locals boogie board and body surf. Because of the violent, near shore nature of the break, it is not recommended for beginners. 

The La'aloa Heiau, makai of the parking lot, is very sacred to the native Hawai'ians and a hotly contested archeological site. Although not fenced off, visitors are asked not to wander the grounds of the heiau, disturb stones or walls. A county facility, it boasts showers, toilets and running water in addition to a volleyball court and lifeguards stationed throughout the day (except State Holidays).

Ahu'ena Heiau and Kamakahonu Beach

Centuries ago the inhabitants of this region built a series of sacred temples, or heiaus, which were originally used for the purpose of sacrificing human beings to their war god, Kuka'ilimoku. This particular archeological site is called Ahu'ena Heiau, which in Hawaiian means "Hill of Fire".
 

Built originally in the 15th century and rededicated by Kamehameha the Great in the early 1800s as the main temple of his capital, the current structures seen at Ahu'ena Heiau were re-built in 1975 under the auspices of the Bishop Museum with financial help from the Hotel King Kamehameha and are constructed to 1/3 the original scale. There are restrooms and showers located on the pier near the beach. Adjacent Old Kailua Town is a treasure of shops, restaurants and aloha.

Leg 2) From Ahu'ena Heiau, drive Palani Road east to Hwy 19; go north on Hwy 19 to Kaloko Honokohau National Historic Park.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park

At Honokohau, ancient Hawai'ians took advantage of abundant freshwater springs to site a large community centered on fishing, fishponds and taro fields. The National Historic Park preserves a vast complex of important archeological sites, including heiaus, fishponds, a fish trap, house sites, burials, a holua (sledding track), a Queen's Bath and abundant petroglyphs. The Information Center, which is near Highway 19, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and has full facilities, restrooms and a small souvenir and bookshop.

Leg 3) Continue north on Hwy 19 to Kekaha Kai State Park, Kua Bay, Anaeho'omalu Bay, Waialea Beach and Hapuna Beach.

Kekaha Kai State Park

At Kekaha Kai, there are a wonderful set of beaches plunked down in one of Hawai'i Island's gem parks. The northernmost and loveliest beach is Mahai'ula and the smaller, more southerly, less fine one is Ka'elehuluhulu Beach. The water is fine for swimming and boogey boarding but may be a little murky for ideal snorkeling.   There are numerous small springs along the entire beach making the near-shore water a little cold. Hidden in a little pocket of wilderness, perhaps the finest beach on the island, Makalawena Beach, is contained in this park. It is reached by a 20-30 minute hike over beaches and rough lava from the parking lot. Swimming and snorkeling on this uncrowded, indeed largely unknown, beach are beyond excellent. Facilities include public restrooms and picnic tables, but no drinking water.

Kua Bay

The site of Kona's newest beach park, this is a lovely white sand beach. Although there is no shade to speak of, the swimming and boogey boarding in the crystalline waters is primo. Strong currents and large waves call for respect here, if the surf is up. Also, sometimes in winter the surf removes the sand to offshore, leaving a rocky shelf that is less fun to frolic on than the sandy beach.

Access is via a newly paved road recently opened to the public (on the ocean-side from the Veteran's Cemetery). Park facilities include parking, picnic tables, restrooms and water. Wild goats are frequently seen in this area.

Anaeho'omalu Bay

The most photographed sunset view on the Island of Hawai'i, Anaeho'omalu Bay is the icon of what most visitors envision Hawai'i to be like before they get here...swaying palm trees, a clean beach fronting warm, safe, swimmable ocean and eager beach boys bearing large, tropical drinks with comical names like "Malahini Wahine Wahoo". Here at the bay, one can rent snorkel or surfing gear, sign-up for sailing trips, snorkel tours, windsurfing lessons or scuba dives, order food and drinks, or just lounge pleasantly in the niumalu (shade of the coconut palms). Facilities and services are available at A-Bay and on the nearby resort grounds.

Waialea Beach (Beach 69)

A perfect crescent of golden sand backed by abundant shade at the edge of the beach makes this an ideal, though little known, family beach. A chain of tiny islands and pinnacles leads northward to crystalline water and a long coral reef for some of the most outrageous snorkeling and shore diving anywhere in the state. On windy days the water in the bay is a tad murkier than ideal for snorkeling, but most of the visitors to this beach don't seem to mind. Restrooms, picnic tables, water and showers round out the facilities.

Hapuna Beach

Always rated in the Top 10 of American beaches, Hapuna Beach is the premiere beach destination on the Island of Hawai'i. Long, wide and phenomenally sandy, it has everything one dreams of in a Hawai'ian beach: abundant sun, surf, clean, clear and quiet snorkeling water, shade and well-maintained facilities.

There are lifeguards, several pavilions, barbecues, picnic tables, restrooms, showers and a small café. The center of the beach is for wave play and boogie boarding, the north and south coves are quieter, for snorkeling or gentle floating.   Although most patrons must walk about 100 yards down a path from the parking lot, Handicapped Parking exists right on the beach.

Leg 4) Continue North on 19 to jct with Hwy 270; north on 270 to Pu'u Kohola and Lapakahi State Park.

Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Park

A temple inspired by a god-sent vision of greatness, Kamehameha built Pu'ukohola in response to a prophecy by Kaua'i kahuna Kapoukahi that foretold if he built a great temple to his war god Ku in one day, Kamehameha would prevail in his wars of conquest and unite the Hawai'ian Islands. Perhaps as many as 20,000 people passing stones hand-to-hand from Pololu Valley raised this massive Heiau in a single day. 

Pu'ukohola is the largest stone structure in Polynesia, not counting the modern rock wall in front of the Kailua Lowe's Hardware store. The National Historic Park has a very nice, new visitor's Center and Book Shop, clean restrooms and picnic facilities. Adjacent to the Park is Spencer Beach Park which has a full range of facilities as well as wonderful, protected swimming and snorkeling.

Lapakahi State Historical Park

At Lapakahi State Historical Park you can walk through the partially -restored remains of a 600-year old Hawai'ian fishing village, Koai'e.

Bear in mind that Kohala was not always the barren wasteland seen today. Initially dryland forest, a thousand years ago or more the native Hawai'ians burned the forest to clear farmland for dryland crops such as sweet potato. Primitive farming techniques, overpopulation, overgrazing by cattle and climate changes caused this area to become desert like. Admission is free, self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes. There are portable toilets but no water available.

Leg 5) Continue north, north east on Hwy 270 to jct with Upolu Point Road (incorrectly spelled "Opolu Point Road" on Google Maps; sometimes also labeled "Upolu Airport Road"). Continue north on Upolu Point Road to Mo'okini Heiau.

Mo'okini Heiau

Have you ever seen anywhere as stark, impressive, primitive and ancient, yet still able to raise the hackles on your neck? Here, untold thousands of people were sacrificed to worship a new god, the war god Ku.   Mo'okini Heiau stands today at the north end of Hawai'i, the well preserved remains of a terrible luakini heiau built by the powerful Tahitian kahuna Pa'ao in the 11th or 12th century. This heiau was the first temple of human sacrifice in Hawai'i and the first site in Hawai'i to be preserved as a National Historic Landmark under the Historic Sites Act of 1935. Mo'okini Heiau is now part of Lapakahi State Historic Park; as Mo'okini is an active Heiau and visitors are reminded to stay away if religious observances are being celebrated. There are no facilities here.

Leg 6) Return Upolu Point Road to Hwy 270, continue north east to King Kamehameha Statue, Pololu Valley.

King Kamehameha Statue and North Kohala

The green and lush north end of Hawaii Island contains a treasure trove of interesting small towns, important historic sights and incredible scenery.

The dreamy mountain town of Hawi is one of the few remaining outposts of what locals call "old Hawai'i". Several small shops, galleries and restaurants make this a pleasant place to visit and grab something to eat on the way to or from Pololu Valley.

At 5480 feet, Kohala Volcano is the northernmost and oldest volcano on the Island of Hawai'i still above sea level. Perhaps the most ecologically diverse area on the island, the Kohala Mountains are dissected by deep, lush tropical valleys, and the slopes are covered by dryland forest, lava deserts, lonely windswept steppes and end in some truly wild beaches. 

In the center of the tiny town of Kapa'au on the mauka side of the highway, stands a storied statue of King Kamehameha the Great.   There are a few charming restaurants, shops and galleries in Kapa'au, including the justly famous Kohala Book Shop-definitely worth spending some time poking around. Hawi and Kapa'au have the only food and gas available north of Highway 19.

Pololu Valley

Violent, lush, wild; the north end of Hawai'i Island is as varied and exciting as it is unexpected. At the end of the highway are the Pololu Valley Overlook and the trail leading down to Pololu Black Sand Beach. The trail down to the beach drops 400 feet in 20 minutes of hiking-be forewarned, the hike up is difficult for those not in good physical shape and shoes, rather than slippers, are best here. This is one of the most beautiful, untamed spots in the tropical Pacific and should not be missed. There are no facilities at the valley overlook or within the valley.

Leg 7) Return west on Hwy 270 to jct with Hwy 250; take Hwy 250 south to Waimea.

Waimea Town and Cowboy Country

Snuggled between Mauna Kea and Kohala Volcano in Hawaii's scenic mountain heart, seemingly always shrouded in mist and chilly, Waimea is definitely Hawai'ian cowboy country. Although jeans and flannel shirts appear to be the town uniform, Waimea is very sophisticated, boasting some of the finest shopping and restaurants and the most modern hospital on the island.

From Waimea, Highway 250, the Kohala Mountain Road, spills beautifully through mountain, upland meadow and forest to the "Old Hawaii" town and artist community at Hawi.

Additionally, the cattle industry centers in Waimea. In 1793 British Navigator George Vancouver presented cows to King Kamehameha which were allowed to roam free and soon became a problem. Shortly after horses were brought to Hawaii in 1804, Kamehameha recruited California vaqueros, whom Hawai'ians called "paniolo"--a corruption of the word "espanol"--to control the wild herds, and the generations-old ranching lifestyle here was born.

The vaqueros also brought their guitars and their love of music. A deeply musical people, the Hawaiians were intensely interested in these, the first stringed instruments they had seen. They quickly learned to work-out their own tunings, called "slack key guitar", which more suited the style of their indigenous music.

Leg 8) At Waimea, take Hwy 190 to return to Kailua Kona.

Big Island Day Trips #1 - Kona and Kohala

LOWES VALLEY