New restaurant in South Kona

 Captain Cook is home to a new restaurant. Located in the Mango Court is SOKO Kitchen and Cocktails. We went the other night and are definitely going back.The name comes from South Kona. We started with our usual Macallan 12 which we were happy to learn they stock. For dinner we started with French Onion Soup, which was excellently prepared and one of the best we have had. Betty had a shrimp Po Boy and I had spare ribs. Both were excellent. The ribs were apple wood smoked and the meat just fell off the bone. We don't usually go south for dinner but this was well worth it. Highly recommended.

An Italian Restaurant In Kailua Kona

 The Walua Social is just off Alii Drive across from the Royal Kona Resort. We have been there before, both as a couple and wirh friends, I don't know why, but I never posted it. The food is very good and the service is outstanding.

What really impressed me on our last visit is that they keep track of what we order. We had a server we had not had before. She approached and introduced herself and then asked if wanted our usual Macallan 12 before dinner. After getting our drinks, she then said that she saw we like oysters and would like to start with them. We said yes. Betty had Agnolotti and I had Pappardelle with oxtail. Both were excellent. We will definitely be again.   

Another snow 3-16-26

 A large  storm has deposited snow and ice on Mauna Kea.

 

Snow on 2-9-26

 The second snow of 2026 is much larger than the first. It looks like it will be good for snow play tomorrow.

 

Snow update 1-5-26

 A little ore snow accumulated overnight. The road had to be plowed. It is sti;; cold and humid on the mountain.

First snow of 2026

 Below is a picture taken tonight,January 4.2026, at 9:oo PM. It should accumulate overnight.

First snow of 2025

 The first big storm of 2025 has dumped significant snow on Mauna Kea. 

Kilauea Erupting

 Kilauea began erupting at 2:00 am today. At latest report the flow covers about 400 acres of the summit.

Earthquake activity has increased.

After about 13 hours the fountaining ended. There is a large lava lake in the crater which glows at night. Fountaining began again on 12/24.

10-28-2024 First Snow of the season

 

The first snow of the season has occurred on Mauna Kea. There is not enough for sking or sledding, but it is there in late October.

First snow of the season

 Today Mauna Kea received the first snow of the winter season.

It is not that much, but enough to plow the road. There is probably more to come in the next day.

Kilauea Eruption stops

 The eruption of Kilauea which began on September 10 has stopped. The is no longer any active lava flows in Halemaumau Crater.

Kilauea Eruption begins

 Kilauea volcano began an eruption today. It been in a pause since June, but today after a couple of weeks of increased earthquake activity the eruption finally occurred. It is confined to Halemaumau Crater and is visible from lookout points near the abandoned Jagger Museum. Below is a USGS view of the current eruption.

Eruption of Kilauea Pauses

 The eruption of Kilauea which began on June 7, has entered a quiet period in which there is no current activity. Whether this represents a pause in the eruption or its end remains to be seen. Only time will tell. However, at this time there is no lava activity present in the crater.

Kilauea Erupts Again

 On June 7, 2023, Kilauea Volcano resumed its eruptive activity. The eruption is providing spectacular viewing for those who go to the National Park. Below is a video provided by the Hawaii Volcano Observatory of the eruption. If you come to the Big Island of Hawaii, do not miss it.

First 2023 snow

 The snow has come to Mauna Kea. As you can see from the picture below , the road has not yet been plowed. Once it is the crowd will arrive to enjoy playing in the snow.

Eruptions cease

 At the present time both the eruptions of Mauna Loa and Kilauea have ceased. There is no activity at all on Mauna Loa. While there is no activity at Kilauea, occasionally the crusted over lava lake does overturn producing a brief period of glow from the lake. However, no new lava is being added to the lava lake.

Mauna Loa Eruption

 Mauna Loa is still erupting. A lobe of the flow cut acroos the access road to the Mauna Loa Weather Observatory and is heading toward Saddle Road connection the East and West sides of the island. It could reach Saddle Road in a couple of days. The latest probable path puts it in the vicinity of the access road to the Mauna Kea Observatories. Below is a USGS photo of the rift zone activity.

First snow of the season

 Last night Mauna Kea received the firat snow of the winter season. It was not a big snow and came later than usual. There will definitely be no winter playing from this snow.

Mauna Loa is Erupting

 Mauna Loa is currently erupting. The eruption started in the caldera at the summit of Mauna Loa, Since then lava has flowed out of the caldera and down the Northeast Rift Zone in the Hilo direction. So far the lava is moving slowly and not threatening any structures. It is in an unoccupied area.

Easter Snow

 It is April 17, 2022, but Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa have both experienced snow. It is not a deep snow at this time, but it is pretty as the picture from Keck Observatory indicates.