USA Trip Day 6

Saturday, August 6th. Honolulu to Kona.

Laureva discovered the Tooth Fairy had come during the night and left her $3. Apparently, Hawaii inflation also applies to teeth. 

We went to get donuts with Dad and Pam, both at Donut King and Holy Grail as I wanted to try a tarot one, and I told the girls they were participating in the time-honored Tromble tradition of the Donut Walk with Grandpa. 

Before checkout, the girls and I did some backpack and souvenir shopping. We were successful on the latter. After

Checkout, we explored Waikiki with Dad and Pam. Sylvain looked unsuccessfully for a GoPro cable. We stopped briefly to observe a kids longboard surfing competition, but there wasn't much excitement, so we moved on and found a Christmas store where the girls picked out their 2022 ornaments and got them personalized. 

We had lunch at the Hula Grill overlooking the beach. We had to wait about thirty minutes, but the food and view were appreciated. Laureva inhaled her burger in just a few minutes. I had a caesar salad. 

After lunch, it was time to head to the airport. Dad and Pam dropped us off before going to return the rental van. We were having trouble checking in. The machine wouldn't find us. Thankfully, we got called over to check in at the first-class desk, thanks to Evan.

Our flight was about an hour late, but we eventually arrived at the Kona outdoor airport. Rental car pickup went smoothly and we were soon on our way to the resort. 

We arrived at the Hilton Waikoloa Village after a 25-minute drive through a desolate black lava rock landscape. A few goats were spotted on the side of the road.

After check-in and a hiccup with Evan's room (the air conditioning unit had leaked water all over their first room and they had to change), all eight of us met up for a late snack dinner at the Kona Tap Room. I tried two beers: the Big Wave golden ale and the Longboard island lager. They were fine, but I still prefer the Maui Big Swell IPA so far.

The kids played Telephone as the adults talked. Eventually, we all joined in and even attempted some rounds of French phrases. There was a lot of cheating and changing of phrases on purpose, but everyone still seemed to have fun with it.