New Sign on the Kailua Pier

They installed this new sign a couple months ago on the Kailua Pier. Finally getting around to publishing it, Aloha, welcome to Kona.

(photo by Randy Magnus)

Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Kailua Village

On Friday we had the official lighting of the Christmas Tree in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, complete with music by the Tiki Dolls, Miss Kona Coffee, and local dignitaries.
The holiday season is now underway.

(photos by Randy Magnus)

Swimming with the Dolphins

Six commercial-tourist boats are just outside of Magic Sands, giving the tourist a "swimming with the dolphins experience," as the light waves provided a kiddy-pool atmosphere along the shoreline.

(photos by Randy Magnus)

The Kahalu'u Bay Concert 2009

This year's Bay Concert featured the three-lady harmony of Na Leo Pilimehana.

The Kona Daifukuji Taiko Drummers opened the evening's program.

Ho'okena headlined with their four-part harmony and storytelling.

Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi read a proclamation honoring the day as Herb Kane Day, after this Hawaiian historical artist.

Oahu comedian Frank Delima was the master of ceremonies, told a joke about how his mom use to make their clothing matching so when the family went to luaus they could find one another.
But at this one luau, this lady bought the same fabric, and he went home with the wrong family.

The concert was put on by The Kohala Center as a fundraiser for the preservation of Kahalu'u Bay.

Click here to see last year's images of the event.

(photos by Randy Magnus)

Yama's Speciality Shop Re-Opens

Yama's Fishing Tackle & Bait shop has re-opened after being closed for six years.
Started by the grandfather as a pet shop, then Donn Fujiwara's uncle converted the business to a bait, tackle and reel repair
- a fishing shop.

This landmark building still has the lures and fishing supplies from when it closed six years ago,(although some people didn't realize that the shop hasn't been open for the last six years.)
In addition to the original items, there is some fresh stock, and someone to fix your rod and reel when needed. Just go in and ask for Donn.
(A new ocean mural is planned for the building located on the corner of Lunapule & Ali'i Drive in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.)

(photo by Randy Magnus)

Laka - The Goddess of Hula

At the Keauhou Beach Resort is the celebration of hula with 11 halaus (hula dance groups).
Here Keala Ching is chanting with his halau for the opening act. Bobo followed, and Aunty Jo was there with her sister to perform.

Click here to view last year's event photos.
(photos by Randy Magnus)

Kona Coffee Grand Parade 2009

Robert Punihaole was the Grand Marshall in this year's Kona Coffee Grand Parade.

Miss Kona Coffee Wikolia Enos.

Mar was there with his Filipino group.

The Kona Coffee Lei Making Contest.

This is the first year that the end of the parade and the Kona Coffee Village was at the Old Airport.
So the parade went in the opposite direction, with their backs to the sun.
Robert Punihaole from Kohala was the Grand Marshall, and enjoyed hanging with Miss Kona Coffee (Wikolia Enos) and Miss Aloha (Mahea Naka'ahiki) and talking to his old friends.

(photos by Randy Magnus)

Miss Kona Coffee Pageant 2009

The yearly event this year was at the Hapuna Prince Hotel.

Some of the winners of the pageant looking like a giant bouquet of flowers.

Sound tech John Week with Miss Hawaii 2009 (Raceene Keanuenue Woolford). It was a fun night with a James Bond theme being projected on the giant screens.



(photos by Randy Magnus)

Kona Coffee Festival Lantern Parade 2009

The Taiko Drummers were out. Pictured here is the Kona Hongwanji crew.

Jane with a few of her Filipino club peeps. There was 3 different Filipino clubs marching in the Lantern Parade.

And the Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts groups participated.

Cindi with her Dad helped to line all of the groups into order for this year's Kona Coffee Lantern Parade as they prepared to march through Kailua Village.


(photos by Randy Magnus)

It's Time for the Kona Coffee Festival 2009

Tonight is the Lantern Parade in Kailua Village, tomorrow is the Holualoa Coffee & Art Stroll and the Kona Coffee Pageant. Sunday is the picking contest.

(photo of Jon Kunitake by Randy Magnus)

Halloween in Kailua Kona, Hawaii 2009

They walked back and forth on Ali'i Drive between the three stages, to see and to be seen, in the largest block party in Hawaii for this year's Halloween.
There was also the traditional Huggo's Halloween costume party, and Zack was all dressed up at Kanaka Kava.
It was definitely a night to remember.

(Click here to see last year's shots of Halloween in Kona, HI.)
(photos by Randy Magnus)

Aunty Lei's 73rd Birthday

Aunty Lei Belanio and the Ladies celebrating Lei's 73rd birthday in the Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Kailua Kona, HI.

Both Aunty Lei of Kohala and Aunty Genoa Keawe were Halloween babies.
Aunty Lei started her musical career by backing up Aunty Genoa on a trip to Japan, many, many, many years ago. When she was eighteen, Lei was one of the dancers on the tour, and began also to sing backup to Aunty Genoa.


(photos by Randy Magnus)