White "Graffiti" Rocks on the Big Island

When I go to Hawaii I usually hit up Waikiki or Maui. Then a friend suggested that I check out the 'Big Island' of Hawaii and I am so glad that I did. It reminded me of old Hawaii, away from all the tourists and commercialism. I flew into Hilo and took Highway 19 to Kona. The drive to Kona is the most scenic ride that I have ever been on. You drive along the beautiful coast and through some of the most beautiful plants and trees in the world. My favorite part of the drive was the ingenious graffiti that the locals and visitors have decorated the lava fields with. There are close to 20 miles of road filled with graffiti messages spelled out in white coral on the black lava rocks. Every possible message can be seen from anniversaries, birthdays, dedications, and memorials. It's considered bad luck to touch other people's messages so be sure to bring your own white rocks.

Kona Coffee is the Best

I am a coffee addict. I will drink coffee anywhere at any time. So I guess you could say I'm a bit of a coffee snob. That being said, the best coffee I have tasted lies in Kona. It's located in the Big Island of Hawaii in the North and South Kona Districts. The beans are grown and cultivated in the slopes of Mount Hualalai and Mauna Loa. Why is it better here then anywhere else? Well it starts with the weather. Kona's weather is sunny with humid rainy afternoons and cool nights. Another factor is Kona's volcanic enriched soil. Add those two together and you get the perfect coffee bean growing conditions. Be sure when you drink a cup or grab a bag that you get 100% Kona coffee. Often times they sell a Kona blend (with beans from Brasil or Colombia) which is made from only 10% Kona beans.