Kona: Where we Live
By theprofessionalhobo ~ January 27th, 2008. Filed under: Hawaii.
Having established ourselves here on the Kona side of
We are staying at a local hostel, smack dab in the middle of the town of
The perks are many: we have unlimited high-speed internet and wireless access, flexible hours, the amenities of the hostel at our fingertips (including free laundry, BBQ, and housekeeping services) and amazing camaraderie and generosity of fellow house-mates.
There are four other staff members, and we share a bathroom and kitchen with them. It can get pretty crowded at times, but it is surprisingly workable so far.
The property is environmentally friendly, as they truly adhere to the principals of reusing and recycling. Guests are strongly encouraged to comply as well, and it is made easy for them to do so.
Our “work” projects to date have been varied. Our recently acquired green thumbs and Hawaii-horticultural knowledge is being put to use with lots of gardening and large-scale landscaping chores on Kelly’s part. The property has fruit trees, wildflower patches, ginger seedlings, herb gardens, and Koa trees, all of which need some TLC being provided by Kelly. His handy skills have also been put to use with speaker repairs, plumbing jobs, and carpentry tasks.
I on the other hand, am not so much a handy person, and my skills acquired on the other side of
I started by painting signs and stencils (as well as doing some small patch work and appliance touch-ups), where I got used to the feel of acrylic paints. Somehow the projects escalated to the point where I found myself painting full-on Hawaiian landscape scenes on large palm tree planters located at the front of the property. I figured I was okay with a paintbrush, but I truly surprised myself with the results. And to be playing with paints a few hours a day in return for a place to stay – what a gig!
Some of the artwork I have had a chance to do – the sunset beauty is my pride & joy.
Beyond that, my administrative and business analysis muscles will soon be flexed by helping the manager with some “big picture” projects.
When we’re not working (and we don’t work much!), we are enjoying the sunny side of
Between the hammocks, fish pond, artificial black sand beach, rocking chairs, and inside office, we have many places to carve out a niche and settle in with a good book or work on laptops. There is always some gentle reggae playing, which although I wasn’t previously a huge fan of reggae, has grown on me quite nicely.
Welcome to our Hawaiian paradise!
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January 27th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Hey love the clock wicket on the side. were only an hour behind you:)
January 29th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Oh wow!!!! Those paintings are fantastic!!! I’m so envious (still can’t draw a straight line with a ruler!). We’re loving reading your blogs and living vicariously thru you and Kelly!! luv chris & andrew
February 20th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Hmm I was very intrigued by your story and read almost your whole blog quickly, like a book.
I thought that you were going to stay in the remote location for at least 6 months? You do not say much why you left. Did you get cabin sick? It was too extreme for you? – you said you prefer some balance. Would you do it again? Maybe at a different place? Ok. enough questions for now
February 21st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Hi Martin – great questions!
We were indeed going to stay in the other location for 6 months, but a number of factors resulted in our decision to leave, not the least of which was the weather – it rained every single day for a month straight (no exaggeration: it made the newspapers)! The problem with all that rain meant no power either, and no internet – which I need to make my meager living. Trips 11 miles by hiking/hitch hiking into the nearest town became expensive and prohibitive.
And yes – a bit of cabin fever, and a feeling of being very remote also hit home, but were by no means our ultimate reasons for leaving. In fact – we miss many things about that place, and will certainly seek out further permaculture or agricultural positions in the future. Being so incredibly in touch with nature was wonderful, we learned so much, and became considerably healthier and environmentally conscious in the process.
May 21st, 2009 at 6:56 am
I would still go back to Hawaii next year. It’s a great experience to travel around Hawaii!