09-14-2008, 07:11 PM
I flew a small plane to Kona from Oahu this morning. The visibility was 5 to 10 miles everywhere in the state. When I got to Kona I got within 3 miles before I could identify the airport. I then left Kona at 5 pm and got into Hilo at 6 pm. A dark cloud hung over Kona, composed of what I am not sure. I headed north along the shore at 1,000 feet because I felt more comfortable having a good clear view of the ground. Even at Upolu Point it was voggy and murky. Things got somewhat better when I got as far as Waipio Valley. Finally, when I was in the pattern at Hilo, I looked out to sea and could see for more than 20 miles. It was such a relief. Strange too. Usually it is bright and clear all the way from Oahu, then you have to duck under some low clouds and dodge rain showers to land at Hilo. Anyway it was good to be home getting raned on instead of vogged out. I don't know how they get tourists to pay to go to Kona. We may have the occasional bad day in Puna but I haven't seen one good day in the last several months in Kona.