Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1492979
The existing terrain is "natural rolling hills and lush vegetation" interspersed with areas of varied tropical trees, overlooking the sea from a variety of elevations and permanent views of the five mountains. The course layout was the result of a long-term study of the terrains, conditions and characteristics to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the course. It was always there--they just perfected nature! The finishing holes at Makani Golf Club are pretty exciting and can definitely ruin your good round of golf if you aren't careful. These last holes match the finest finishing holes in existence some will say, headlined by Perry Dye's Island Green on Hole No. 17 which may be more memorable than Hole No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass. Playing the finishing holes at Makani Golf Club should be on every golfer's "Bucket List". Following our round of golf, we headed back to downtown Kona and dined that evening at the delectable Fish Hopper Seafood & Steak Restaurant, which was less than a block walk from our hotel. Fantastic fresh fish dishes, world-famed coconut shrimp appetizer, and of course, "Happy Hour" cocktails...and beautiful views of the ocean and a breath-taking sunset! Big Island Polynesian Luau – Best Luau On The Island Walked to St. Michael the Archangel Church for a beautiful Mass and Lenten service on Sunday. The singing by the priest and organist were just heavenly. With Covid-19 protocols in place, parishioners had the opportunity to sit inside the church with a mask on, or to sit outside around the perimeter of the church without masks. After Mass, we walked across the street to Papa Kona's Restaurant & Bar for a phenomenal breakfast, fresh- brewed Kona coffee, surrounded by beautiful ocean views. We strolled through the Farmers Market afterwards, and I was able to buy a spectacular island dress at a great price for the upcoming luau Sunday night at the beach area of our hotel. The Big Island Polynesian Luau Under The Stars was rated the Big Island's "Best Polynesian Revue". We enjoyed a remarkable night with unlimited drinks, a lavish buffet of local food items, and a non-stop three-hour show under the stars. The hotel did a remarkable job of seating everyone according to the size of their families with the Covid-19 protocols in place. We had a great private table near the stage and the weather could not have been better. My guess is that the hotel had close to 300 people for the luau event, and they did a commendable job of moving people through the buffet lines and the bar area. Beautiful Island Hula Dancers were showcased alongside the Samoan Fire Dancers, Tahitian Otea, and Maori Haka Dancers. The show lasted several hours, and it was the highlight of the evening.