We just spent 8 days in south Kona--Dec. 2-10. Flights were uneventful (DEN-SFO-KOA getting there and KOA-HNL-DEN returning). Car rental -- Priceline took my bid for $260 for an intermediate car. Not much activity to report--mostly just relaxing, reading, visiting with friends. We stayed at this rental-- http://www.vrbo.com/343436 This is our second time staying there--it's spacious, love the kitchen, comfortable beds, luxurious bathroom, gorgeous view, wonderful lanai with a great day bed (perfect for an afternoon nap which is why I only completed one book this time).

We toured the Original Hawaiian Chocolate factory and farm http://www.ohcf.us/ - learned lots about cacao and chocolate. Tours are on Wednesday morning and are only $12. Plus you get to sample the chocolate during the tour and you can buy chocolate after the tour (oh, twist my arm!)

We did eat in restaurants a couple of times--but mostly just had meals at the house (including take out pizza from Paparoni's Pizza and Pasta in Captain Cook--had the sausage and mushroom--quite tasty). Dinner one night at Mi's Italian Bistro was good, as always--(I had veal piccata and DH had pasta). http://www.misitalianbistro.com/ And we had fresh fish sandwiches and fries at Harbor House before heading to the airport for departure. http://harborhouserestaurantkona.com/ (Harbor House is also known for their ice cold schooners of beer).

It was a too-short time in our favorite place but we'll be back for three weeks in Feb-March--so the countdown begins again.