Celebrating its 19^th birthday on August 1, 2009, Arnott’s Lodge is set across nearly 2-acres of lush Hilo property in the residential community of Keaukaha just east of Hilo Bay.

Normally, on the Lodge’s anniversary, free pizza, beer, and sodas would be served to guests seated in the outside dining area, lit by kerosene lamps.  But on this particular day, the lodge is booked beyond capacity at discounted rates, mostly to accommodate paddlers from Neighbor Islands who came to Hilo to participate in the HCRA (Hawaii Canoe Racing Association) State Championship Regatta (race).

A participant in the regatta who didn’t book room reservations in a timely manner, I’m referred to Doug Arnott, the Lodge’s owner, originally from Sydney, Australia.  Doug offers me a ride to his Lodge, a spot on his couch, and some Aussie hospitality—befriending me as he did my friend who referred me to his lodge.

We arrive after dark at Arnott’s Lodge, which is bustling with teenage boys and women clad in swim suits and Pareos from Hanalei, Kaua‘i, who paddled in the regatta.  Doug’s name is called out every few minutes and he responds, making his guests feel at home, pulling out a new futon bed, coming up with change for the vending machines, and going into his special stash of refrigerated chocolate candies for some guests.  I can see where he gets his youthful appearance at the age of sixty something.

Not only does he go out of his way for guests, he maintains the property with minimal assistance, mowing the large yard, where tents now house paddlers and other tourists from around the world.  He also oversees the maintenance of the Lodge’s three dormitory style rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms; 30 private bedrooms and kitchens and its six new deluxe rooms with private bathrooms and kitchens.

“The Lodge has something for everyone, at half the price you’d find it elsewhere,” says Doug.

I agree, as I nod off on the couch to the sound of muffled conversations from the communal living area nearby.   The next morning, I’m reminded of California Disneyland’s Tiki Room when I awake to drizzling rain and chirping birds.  Rain or shine, I’ve already eyed the numerous bikes for rent at the Lodge.

Doug offers me a bike for the day—just what I need for my R& R.  I choose the beach cruiser.  No gears.  Very simple.  My path, suggested by Doug, down Kalanianaole Highway, leads me past black sand beaches and lagoons formed by black, jagged rocks.  On this overcast, yet muggy day, the water seems cooler and cleaner than on Oahu.  The thick granules of sand at Richardson Beach, where I park my bike, wash off my feet and legs easily.  I lay my head on a banyan tree root that supports one of the many trees on the beach and rest on pine needles.

Relaxing shouldn’t be so difficult, but I’ve had several cups of coffee at Bears Restaurant in Hilo town that morning.  Ants biting me add to my inability to relax.  But the few others on the beach are picnicking, snorkeling, or hanging out with friends.  Then I see the turtle…and thoughts of too much coffee and ants disappear.  The huge turtle is grazing like a cow on plankton on the rocks just inches from my toes.

I’m sure that Doug could tell me stories and details about these turtles, as he can talk about the Big Island’s geology and history like only someone who has lived there and hosted visitors for the past 19 years can.  Although I won’t be going on any of Arnott’s Lodge Hiking Adventures this trip, they are undoubtedly uplifting and learning experiences.  Doug has taken visitors on unique and varied expeditions, from viewing lava flows to hiking near the top of Mauna Kea Volcano.    His tailored expeditions are popular with travelers, especially backpackers, hikers, bikers, astronomers, and climbers who visit Arnott’s Lodge specifically for these adventures.

My return to Arnott’s Lodge from Richardson’s Beach is surprisingly melancholy.  Not only have I gotten rid of the “must wear” rash guard, I’m turning my bicycle handle bars from side to side and zig zagging my way back.  I must have dumped some stressors.

In my lightened mood, I stop by the Hilo Tropical Mart and buy two turkey sandwiches and Doritos. Healthy enough for me.  But when I offer them to Doug, he’s already prepared avocado spread on Rye crackers and a blended concoction from the refrigerator.  No, not a margarita (darn), but a blended mix of fresh pineapple, oranges, and ginger.  I should eat like this more often.

A week at Arnott’s Lodge might have a positive effect on me.  It definitely provided me with a relaxing day.

For more info: www.arnottslodge.com

Things to do near Hilo:

Arnott’s Lava Hike Aventure

Arnott’s Maunakea summit Expedition

Arnott’s Valleys and Waterfalls Saturday Tour

Watch turtles at Onekahakaha Beach Park

Stroll Liliukalani Park and Coconut Island

See Rainbow Falls

Pack a lunch and go to Wailoa State Park

Shop at Hilo’s Farmer’s Market for fresh fruits, veggies, and Hawaiian crafts on Wednesdays & Saturdays

Go for a drive along the Hamakua Coast and stop at Akaka Falls, Honoka’a Town & Waipio valley

Visit Mauna Loa Macnut Farm and Factory

For chocolate and shortbread, visit Big Island Candies

Visit Imiloa Astonomy Center

Check out the Tsunami museum

Shop at Prince Kuhio Plaza, Wal Mart, and Borders

See a movie for $1 at Kress Cinemas downtown, Hilo

Take a free bus ride to Pahoa or Kona

Places to Eat and Drink in Hilo:

Bears Coffee Shop, downtown, or Ken’s House of Pancakes (open 24 hours and serves senior discounts from 3 – 8 p.m.)

Check out “What’s Shakin” Smoothie Shack on the scenic route 7 miles north of Hilo

Have coffee at Kope Kope

Have lunch/dinner at Café Pesto, downtown

Have Japanese food at Miyo’s

Dine out at Hilo Bay Café’

This date comes on the heels of a hike up Kuliouou Ridge and ends with a beach walk. Why not? Mr. Frogs is right next to the newly renovated Waikiki Beach Walk.

Cost: $3 Jello shooters, Tong Margarita $12 each, most pupus about $12

Do’s and Don’ts: Go before 10 p.m. to avoid the $10 cover charge and long lines.

If your New Y

Cost: FREE!!!

Do’s and Don’ts: For a better view on the way up, let her go first.

This particular ARTafterDARK, entitled Dragon Thunder, featured the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and exhibits from the region. The monks, in colorful robes, helped out with the event—painting surfboards with regional designs, demonstrating Mandala sand painting, and ancient Buddhist dances.

Cost: $10 cover charge (free for members), $4-7 per plate of food, $4-6 drinks

Do’s and Don’ts on this date: Plan to be surprised and entertained. Stay near the main courtyard at the start of the event if you want a good view of the entertainment. Or—hit the food booths while everyone else crowds to see the entertainment. Don’t fret the early closing time; this is a great ice breaker for the start of your evening.

Halloween – Monster Mosh 2008

Website: http://www.honoluluacademy.org

Waiola Shave Ice Honolulu Hawaii by Discover808.com. We found this place off of McCully in Kaimuki in 1985 when we lived on Algaroba street. It was our first Hawaiian Shave ice and while we are still looking, we have found no better. Serving Honolulu since 1940!!!

Cost: Cups from $2.00- $2.50, Bowls $4.00, Extras 50 cents each

Do’s and Don’ts: Do try the ice cream and azuki beans under your shave ice.

Cost of Date: Speed Sailing $45

Do’s and Don’ts: Do consider a Day on the Bay Package to fill the day out. Call before and get a free ride from Waikiki. Don’t forget to bring a camera and a change of clothes for dinner afterwards.

Website: http://www.seabreezewatersports.com/hawaii-speed-sailing

Or sit in David Hockney’s L’Enfant et les Sortil ges (The Child and the Enchantment), installed in the Milton Cades Pavilion. On the day of our visit, aerial beach and water scenes that were part of On the Beach: Photographs by Richard Misrach were on display.

The restaurant offers light fare and the Art Shop is the best place to find fun and unique gifts that anyone can appreciate. (Maybe!)

Cost:

Entry fee: $5.00 or $45 annual membership for you and a guest

Restaurant: Sweet & Sour Soup $3.50, Grilled Veggies on focaccia $10.50(we split one) and Freshly-Squeezed Lemonade $3.50

Do’s and Don’ts on this date: As long as you’re up in Makiki Heights, take a drive around Tantalus and Round Top for the most exquisite scenic views of Honolulu, and/or do a Tantalus Hike.

Do’s and Don’ts: Get there early for seating with umbrellas; Games start at 2 p.m. (gates open at 11 a.m.). Although food and drinks can be purchased, we recommend bringing a cooler with food and drink. Beach chairs and an umbrella or small tent for shade are good ideas as well. Don’t run across the field during a match!!!

Chef/Owner Travis “Ala” Sutton starts his days at 7 a.m. preparing lunch fare on Wednesdays and Saturdays and dinner on Tuesdays through Sundays. Sutton cooks everything that ends up on the table, including such classic French dishes as baked burgundy escargot with roasted garlic and parsley butter, cumin roasted leg of lamb with curry demi glaze and Serbian flageolet beans and caramelized onions, as well as a local favorite, pan-roasted Opakapaka fillet with anchovy and artichoke green puy lentils and Beurre Noisette.

The restaurant has an intimate bistro feel with only 12 tables inside and three on the lanai. Leilani (Travis’ mom) greets you and, along with other wait staff, provides attentive service. Dress ranges from casual to dressy—whatever you plan to wear to the concert.

Cost: Roasted Opakapaka $28.95, Escargot $8.95

Do’s and Don’ts: Don’t forget your bottle of wine; it’s BYOB. Do call early to make reservations to avoid settling for fast food before a concert.

Website: http://www.leguignolrestaurant.com/

Menu: http://www.leguignolrestaurant.com/files/15332750.pdf

This hike takes all of three hours at a leisurely pace—and is guaranteed to take away your worries (especially if you’re wearing a Trouble Hook…see Chinatown blog entry).

What to Expect:
A picnic table and shelter erected by the Boy Scouts and nearby area used for camping awaits along the ridgeline during the climb to the summit.

The official 3.4-mi/1700-ft trail ends at the first junction with the Koolau crest. The formidable peak to the left, which stands tall at the head of Kuliouou Valley, is called Puu o Kona (elev. 2,200-ft).

Distances/Elevation Change:
Kalaau Pl (end) to intersection: 0.2-mi / +50 ft
Switchbacks – int. to ridgeline: 0.7-mi / +740 ft
Ridgeline to Koolau crest: 0.8-mi / +910 ft
Crest junction to Puu o Kona: 0.4-mi / +170 ft

Trailhead Location:
Both Kuliouou trails begin on the right-hand, mauka (uphill) side about 25 yards beyond the chained entrance to the Board of Water Supply access road at the end of Kalaau Pl. Several signs mark the beginning of the foot-trail, including one that reads: “Kuliouou Public Hunting Area”.

Accessing the Trail:
Both trails are part of the Na Ala Hele inventory meaning they are open to the public and well-maintained. There is no designated parking except what hikers can find within the residential area on Kalaau Pl. Do not park along the cul-de-sac: it is designated “no parking”.

From either direction along Kalanianaole Hwy (Rte 72), turn at the traffic light onto Kuliouou Road and drive 0.3-mile to the end (stop sign). Do not continue straight for that housing complex is the Haleloa residential area (there are no trailheads there). Instead, follow Elelupe Road a block to the left, then make an immediate right back onto Kuliouou Road (yes, for some reason it is disjointed). Proceed 0.7-mile and turn right onto Kalaau Pl. Total distance between highway and trailhead: 1.3-miles.

Cost: FREE

Do’s and Don’ts on this date: Hike this ridge on a hot day, as foliage and elevation make it a cooler trek than some others.