Newsletter 2010

Kona Commons Center

Many of you already may be aware, but Kona has lots more choices for our shopping needs, as well as a few new restaurants worth a mention. Kona Commons celebrated its grand opening May 2, 2009. The center is on the corner of Makala Boulevard and Queen Kaahumanu Highway and offers 130,000 square feet of shopping and dining. Sports Authority, Office Max, Petco and Target are the big name retail stores in the center, accompanied by a line-up of specialty stores and some great places to eat, like Panda Express and Tasty Thai.

Additionally, Ross Dress For Less will soon be relocating to the Kona Commons Center in the building Circuit City was once claimed to go. Wait it gets even better... Kona Commons is the latest in a growing number of commercial and retail projects opting to install a solar PV system. Target now has a photovoltaic system on its roof. The 803-kilowatt project is expected to generate nearly 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, or enough to power about 130 homes for a year.

Bianelli's Gourmet Pizza Re-Opens

20 years ago, Bianelli's Gourmet Pizza and Kona Natural Foods were once neighbors in Kona Coast Shopping Center. Sadly, over a year ago, Kona residents had to say goodbye to their favorite pizza spot, but back by popular demand, Bianelli's re-opened just last month inside of Kona Natural Foods, replacing the previously existing deli. Locals and tourists alike have missed the special recipe of traditional hand tossed New York and Chicago deep dish style pizzas, calzones, sandwiches and salads. We're glad they are back! Newer ingredients on the menu include: organic lettuce, a gluten-free pizza crust and dairy-free mozzarella cheese.

Bianelli's is open Monday - Saturday, from 11:00 am to 9 pm (with a limited menu from 2 pm to 5 pm), with seating available inside and out. Call (808) 334-0377 for more information. Kona Crossroads Shopping Center is located at 75-1000 Henry Street in Kailua-Kona.

Saketumi Sushi is Now Open

Fun for the pallet! The hip new place in town for excellent sushi is Saketumi located at the King Kamehameha Mall on Kuakini Highway. The original Saketumi is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado at the base of Steamboat Ski Area. Like its sister restaurant, the Kona location has an energetic ambiance which is quickly becoming popular with locals and seasonal visitors as well. The interior features a tiger shark carved out of lava rock and a tv screen that shows fishing, surfing and diving videos! It's great to sit at the sushi bar and let the chef surprise you with the day's unique specials. Wonderfully prepared hot dishes are also available off the menu as well as a full bar. Saketumi is an excellent choice for great food and upscale service at a reasonable price. For more information, call: (808) 326-SAKE

Bike Works Beach 'n Sports Opens July 2010

Queens' Marketplace is a 135,000 square-foot family friendly shopping, dining and entertainment complex within Waikoloa Beach Resort is in full swing after opening a couple years ago, and now welcomes Bike Works Beach 'n Sport. The shop is set to open July 1, 2010. A perfect choice for vacationers looking to stay active while visiting the Big Island or for local residents interested in competing in a triathlon or starting a new hobby. The new shop will carry specialized bicycles, components and accessories plus top beach and sports apparel brands such as: Pearl Izumi, Louie Garneau, Oakley, Teva and Keens. In addition, they will also offer quality bicycle rentals for road, triathlon, mountain biking and comfort riding.

Bike Works Beach 'n Sport also is planning to host the First Annual 5K - 10K Walk/Run and Free Keiki Dash to benefit The Waikoloa Foundation on July 11, 2010. For more information, visit www.bikeworkshawaii.com

Waikoloa Bowl at Queens' Gardens

There's a brand new concert venue on the Big Island! The Waikoloa Bowl at the Queens' Gardens opened last year and has been a great outdoor venue hosting such artists as: Earth Wind and Fire, The Beach Boys, Journey and Mercy Me! For a updated calendar of events, click here!

First Time Ever On The Big Island:
Keali'i Reichel and Hula Halau

Award-winning Hula Halau with Hawaii's very own Grammy nominated, best selling singer, songwriter and musician; Keali'i Reichel will perform at the Waikoloa Bowl at the Queen's Gardens, Saturday, July 24 at 8:00 pm.

Born and raised in Maui, Keali'i has played for huge crowds all over America for many years, including headlining such prestigious venues as New York's Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. He has also opened concerts for musical superstars such as Bonnie Raitt, LeAnn Rimes, Celine Dion and Sting. Keali'i has sold well over a million records just in Hawaii and has become a Hawaiian cultural icon promoting language and culture to a new generation of islanders.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at $79 for reserved seating (only sold online), $59 Resort Guests general admission and a special Kama'aina rate of $39 available to locals with a valid Hawaii license.

For more information about this event, go to: www.waikoloanights.com

Tickets are also available at the following Kona locations: Persimmon at Queen's Market Place and Kona Wine Market in the Kona Commons. Tickets are also available at the new Ticketmaster outlets at Wal-Mart in Kona.