I visited Kona (photos) for the first time last Wednesday and on the tender boat ride from the ship to the pier a group of wild dolphins swam past. It’s one thing to see a couple rounded up and in a tank for show, but to see a whole group of at least 6 dolphins just swimming natural as can be is a beautiful sight. I wish I had thought quick enough to grab a photo before they swam away. But the even cooler thing is, now I can cross of “see wild dolphins” off my “things to do before I die” list. And I didn’t even plan it!

After we docked I decided to find a spot to eat. Of course right off the port there are numerous options to eat, but prices are sky high and I was really just looking for a sandwich to eat while I read a bit more of my book. So I wandered on down the main road where hundreds of people were gathered to train for the upcoming Iron-Man Triathlon.

About 15 minutes from the main port I spotted a line 6 people deep coming out of “Lava Java” and so I crossed the street to see what all the fuss was about. It was a little cafe/bistro that served coffee and lunch. Sounded perfect for what I was wanting and if there was a line that long it must be worth it. Turned out to be pretty delicious. A simple turkey & avacado sandwich was my lunch of choice while I watched the water in the distance and caught up on my much neglected journal.

All around it was a very nice day even though I didn’t do much and it was a little gloomy out.