Driving over the top of Kaiminani in the Palisades yesterday afternoon I lost my breath. I was completely bedazzled.
The entire ocean was shining white, clear to the horizon and blinding to the eyes. It had stopped being the ocean and was like a massive river, running south. The winds were sweeping it along.
Kohala winds were cleaning the air from the airport to Kona, down to South Point. You could see every house on the broad, green mountain.
This is why I love Kona and the whole west side, sometimes it is too beautiful to be real, like you’re living in a dream. Mornings here have a golden glow like gold flecks are floating in the air. It makes me know that the word paradise has a real meaning. You can see it right outside your window.
Gabby Pahanui’s old song, “Livin’ On Easy,” captured it perfectly. Around here things are easier. Of course, there are problems but ask yourself, would you rather have your problems in Kona or on the mainland? Living here takes the edge off things.
Many agree with me. According to the Hawaii Tourist Authority, on average 944,000 people, almost a million, flock to the Kona side every year. There must be something here that’s worth the trip. How many other small beach towns have almost a million people visiting each year?
I love Kona and know that others feel the same way, so I went around town and asked people what they thought of our fair side of the island.
First, Jacque H., a chef in Kona, said she loved to see the sun come up over the mountain and the beautiful sunsets over the ocean.
“We get both,” she said.
Jon M., a wood sculptor from Ocean View, said that coming to Kona from Alaska felt like a snake shedding its skin, it let him start fresh and new and he loves the ease of acceptance of the people.
His wife, Nancy, a former checker at Safeway, said that driving in from Ocean View she sees the whole Kona Coast and it is beautiful.
Danette M., a realtor, told me she loves the aloha spirit and the kindness of the individuals. Nick, a contractor, said that in Kona life is simple and unique and he loves the surf.
A visitor from Wisconsin who comes here every year laughed, saying “You don’t want to be in Wisconsin right now.”
And finally, a homeless lady, Joann R., sitting in front of Costco told me her occupation was flying from planet to planet saving people. She said she liked Kona because it’s so sunny. It must be cloudy on other planets. Moving right along.
They always say to look on the bright side, we all live on the bright side.
So you see that making waves doesn’t always mean causing trouble, sometimes waves are smooth and glassy and can give you a real nice ride. Lucky you live Kona side.
Dennis Gregory is a writer, artist, singer, teacher and Kailua-Kona resident who mixes truth, humor and aloha in his biweekly column. He can be reached at makewavess@yahoo.com.