Aloha is both "hello" and "goodbye" in Hawaii, where I've been for the last few days.  The blog decided to take a brief vacation as well.

We're on the so-called "big island" of Hawaii for the Iron Man Triathalon.  No, I'm not a contestant. My son is business manager for Sean Swarner of Cancer Climbers. Sean, a two-time survivor of two different forms of fatal cancer, responded by becoming a mountain climber and climbing all Seven Summits throughout the world, including Mt. Everest, despite having the use of just one lung. Hilton Hotels sponsored Sean's entry into the Iron Man Triathalon. He finished in under twelve hours.

Hawaiian real estate so far seems like Orenco Station's real estate--stalled, until this international finance  business takes some kind of shape and direction.  Worse, at least for this island, is that it's no longer a stop for cruise ships, having been eliminated for now because of high fuel prices.  There's an eerie feeling, here, with lots of boarded up shops and businesses in Kona and in Waikoloa Village because the tourist trade is off.

Thus far, we can recommend the Hilton at Waikoloa Village, with several caveats.  I've always preferred other resort areas over Hawaii in general, because I've always felt it was overpriced and that everyone from the doorman to the corner grocer was out to gouge you.  The Hilton has experienced staff layoffs, and as a result, they've closed some of their restaurants at odd times. The result is that the only ones open are the really, really, expensive ones--we're talking $75 or $80 per person here--with the cheaper places just not open. And not just dinner, either.  Breakfast is $35 per and up.

Money aside, it's hard to splurge every night.  A multi-course gourmet meal is something we treasure, but doing it every night takes out the specialness. And it's not as though there are that many other places to go, unless you're willing to drive fifteen to thirty miles.

But it is a beautiful spot--very large, well-appointed rooms, reasonably good service, grounds and amenities so stunningly attractive that you're almost prepared to forgive som of the other stuff.