06-06-2009, 10:32 AM
I agree with Erlinda and Rob -- Pahoa is an "alternative" style tourist attraction for those seeking vacations that are not your cookie-cutter "on the beach with the umbrella drink" routine.
I came to Puna because of the "alternative atmosphere." I love it here because it reminds me of the hippy heydey of my childhood in Hollywood in the 60s and 70s. In fact, today's Pahoa seems more hippy, Rasta, and free, then back in this old lady's day.
We do need infrastructure. We need improved roads, wheelchair access for those with disabilities of any age, medical facilities (too many auto accidents), drug stores, and darn it -- a good sushi restaurant wouldn't hurt either! I also, frankly would like to see one more grocery store in Puna - to give a little friendly competition in the price department.
And let's hear it for those book stores, museums, coffee houses that promote live music, the health food store, and the local farmers who struggle to grow affordable produce for our farmer's markets in Pahoa and Makuu. Let's hear it for those promoting dances, scuba clubs, barbecues, church bazaars and long-house functions.
I would also like to see a small movie theatre (why do we always have to drive to Hilo??) or some community plays, put on by local kids, or drama-minded adults. (Surely there is a lot of drama somewhere on this island ... lol, wink).
News travels across the globe instantaneously. Bloggers on the Big Island are doing us a wonderful service by promoting Puna as an alternative location, and by promoting the other natural wonders of the Big Island. I think without their support, this island would suffer big time.
I have traveled to Asia, Africa, Europe, and to about 30 of the 50 states. I think the view from Liluokalani Park, overlooking Hilo Bay, is one of the most beautiful locations on earth. In the past, when people thought of Hawaii, they automatically thought (and still think) of Waikiki, or Oahu. It is only through blogs, and other websites, and print media promoting this island, that we will educate the world in knowing what the Big Island has to offer.
It educates them, and keeps us, and our economy, alive.
- Cyn
I came to Puna because of the "alternative atmosphere." I love it here because it reminds me of the hippy heydey of my childhood in Hollywood in the 60s and 70s. In fact, today's Pahoa seems more hippy, Rasta, and free, then back in this old lady's day.
We do need infrastructure. We need improved roads, wheelchair access for those with disabilities of any age, medical facilities (too many auto accidents), drug stores, and darn it -- a good sushi restaurant wouldn't hurt either! I also, frankly would like to see one more grocery store in Puna - to give a little friendly competition in the price department.
And let's hear it for those book stores, museums, coffee houses that promote live music, the health food store, and the local farmers who struggle to grow affordable produce for our farmer's markets in Pahoa and Makuu. Let's hear it for those promoting dances, scuba clubs, barbecues, church bazaars and long-house functions.
I would also like to see a small movie theatre (why do we always have to drive to Hilo??) or some community plays, put on by local kids, or drama-minded adults. (Surely there is a lot of drama somewhere on this island ... lol, wink).
News travels across the globe instantaneously. Bloggers on the Big Island are doing us a wonderful service by promoting Puna as an alternative location, and by promoting the other natural wonders of the Big Island. I think without their support, this island would suffer big time.
I have traveled to Asia, Africa, Europe, and to about 30 of the 50 states. I think the view from Liluokalani Park, overlooking Hilo Bay, is one of the most beautiful locations on earth. In the past, when people thought of Hawaii, they automatically thought (and still think) of Waikiki, or Oahu. It is only through blogs, and other websites, and print media promoting this island, that we will educate the world in knowing what the Big Island has to offer.
It educates them, and keeps us, and our economy, alive.
- Cyn