Iwannabeatraveler

Saw that Pony express is no longer doing horseback rides Into the crater. Does anyone know why they stopped? Is there another company that does this ride? Been looking forward to doing the ride....

Our first time to Kona we got a car and went to Point of Refuge then using a map we found online went to check out the coffee plantations. Our 2 trips after that we did nothing BUT Go to coffee plantations. We Loved chatting with the people, trying the different coffees and seeing the endless rows of coffee beans. Some have full on tours, others are as small as someone's living room. Everyone had a great story though and we always come home with a TON of awesome coffee. It is one of those few times we felt like we really connected with the residents of the island.

Hi There- Not sure about a Taxi but we always use these guys at Hawaii23 http://www.hawaii23.com/

$23 one way for up to 2 people from airport to Waikiki. Prompt, super friendly, clean. We have stayed at the Best Western By the airport. Lot of military stay there. It will do for a quick night's sleep which is what we used it for. They had a shuttle a couple of years ago...You would have to ask now to be sure as things tend to change. Not exactly a scenic location as it is right on the Nimitz Hwy. We also almost chose Holiday Inn due to points, looks like a pretty good location if you can get a freebie out of it! We just elected to go straight to North Shore so we didn't stay there.

We visited Pukadog after seeing it on an Anthony Bourdain episode a couple of years ago. I don't recall it being IN the marketplace, but rather in one of the many strips of shops in Waikiki. Will for sure have to check it out when we are out over Thanksgiving!! It was a fun box to check on the list!

That would be a great concept!

I am intrigued with the in the water horseback riding excursions! Any recent expereince with either of the aforementioned companies??

I feel like I do after watching the "feel-good" movie of the year. Thanks for such an outstanding review. BTW- Since when is Raffia ( angels) considered a plant?? Excessive in my book, but then, who am I??!!;)

Gorgeous underwater photos- What camera did you use? I have not seen underwater photos without the blue haze...