On February 21, 2025 my wife Lita and I left on an Alaska Air flight to Kona, Hawaii at 8:15 in the morning from Seattle. That meant getting up at 4:30 am to allow enough time ahead of our flight. After being dropped off by our driver, we were met with two wheelchairs Lita had arranged. My walker had been sent to the hotel ahead of time, so we only had carry-on bags. Lita needed a walker because of her own walking issues and the distance to the gate. The distance from customs at Sea Tac by wheelchair is significant. Plus, you have to go an extra distance to use elevators instead of the escalators. Getting through customs and to the gate was without complications and we left on time for the 6.5  hour flight. Our seats in first class were comfortable and we only had some turbulence. We arrived at Kona at 3:00 Hawaii time, where we had wheelchairs arranged that took us directly to our hotel transportation. It is a short drive to the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai where we were met by a singer and a ukulele player who were there to sing me “happy  birthday.” That Friday, February 21st was my ninetieth birthday. We had come to Hawaii to celebrate it. Our flight home was on February 27th, which was the anniversary of our 44th wedding that took place 44 years before, which we were also celebrating.

I’d like to report it was a visit to Hawaii without issues, but Lita contracted a flu-like or more serious neurovirus that became an issue all week and even after our return. She had stomach issues, intestinal problems, and tiredness. It improved somewhat during the week, but was enough of a problem we ended up cancelling all of our dinner reservations except the one the night before leaving. We had our meals in the room instead. Lita was able to get out each day and hotel carts provided transportation. I spent most of my time enjoying the porch area, reading and just enjoying the spectacular room Lita had arranged. The Kailani Suite had a large living room and dining area, kitchen, and bathroom with a porch all along the outside which faced the beach and the surf. We have had many trips to Hawaii, but this particular suite was a joy to stay in for its location and view. A large TV screen provided a distraction and the service the hotel gave us was extraordinary.

Our anniversary dinner was at the hotel’s fine restaurant, Miller & Lux with a view over the Hualalai Golf Course 18th green. It is one of the best restaurants in Kona, if not Hawaii.  You can know that from the menu with appetizers starting at $36 and steaks at $75 to $225. I won’t quote the wine list, but a Lux’s Martini will cost you $34. All the prices in Hawaii and the Four Seasons are high by Washington standards, but the food at this restaurant justifies the prices. Unfortunately, Lita was not feeling well enough to eat much, but I enjoyed the food I ordered.

The next morning we had a 9:00 am flight home. Our bags had been packed the day before for shipping home after we left. We took the hotel van to the airport where we had wheelchairs to get us through customs and when ready to board, right to the door of the airplane with our carry-ons. We arrived back in Seattle at 5:00 pm. Wheelchairs were waiting as we got off the airplane and took us to the driveway door where our limo was waiting for us. We were back in Gig Harbor early in the evening and ready for bed.

It was a energy-draining trip which required a lot of pre-trip detail planning by Lita, but worth it. The weather was generally good, with some wind issues and the Kīlauea Volcano causing some cloud-like skies. I’m glad we were able to go on the trip and I’m glad to be home.