Tripping Over Turtles and Burying Pigs

Suzie, that bundle of spitfire, showed up in the AM to spend the day with us and enjoy a bit of frivolity.  After a long leisurely breakfast and an even longer bout of catch up for the last 20 years or so, we went to Puako, a very quiet non touristy beach.  Swimming with sea turtles.  'Nuff said.

A quick shower and in line for the Royal Kona Resort Luau with the rabble of Hawaiian tourists.  We are well aware that this is an extremely touristy thing to do, but there you have it.  We enjoyed an open bar and huge punch bowls of Mai Tais, uggg, no more fruity drinks instead opting for vodka, soda and lime, very refreshing on a hot spring Hawaiian evening.

The dinner was decent, with Fish Poke (too much sesame oil), another fish option, salads, and of course the Imu, or buried pig.  We were fortunate to see the process of prepping the pig earlier in the day and we were excited to be there for the big reveal.  The best thing about the reveal was that everyone was distracted for long enough for us to get another round from the bar.

The meal?  Ok  The company at our table?  Uninspiring.  The show?  Not bad, a plethora of Polynesian dances, including the Hakka from our New Zealand Maori friends, and of course the finale fire twirling.  Although the dancers were good, we figured these must be the scrubs as all other hula dancers must be at the Merry Monarch Festival in Hilo, on the other side of the island.