Camera Data

Camera Model: Canon 10D

Lens: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L USM

Shutter Speed: 1/13 sec

Aperture: f/8

ISO Speed Rating: 100

Hotel Manago - Hawaii (November 2005)

It’s difficult to turn the camera away from all the natural beauty of Hawaii. But the night offers alternatives and here we have a small slice of history and an opportunity to reflect on old Hawaii.

On the front end of a three day, two night road trip around The Big Island we spent the first night at the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook Town, South of Kailua-Kona. I could talk about the view overlooking Kealakekua Bay or the reasonable rates, but I’d prefer to share the treat of an old Hawaii experience – right down to the fried pork chops.

The image etched into my head, forever, was a conversation with Harold Manago during check out. Harold was sitting at an ancient old desk, in a well worn lobby, his back towards us, working on who knows what. We waiting patiently, taking in the age and smell of our surroundings. After Harold finally turned to settle the bill. we finished the transaction and  I had to ask if anyone famous had stayed at the Hotel. After a bit of thought Harold recalled Charles Lindbergh’s visit. Harold was 8 at the time and he recalled Lindbergh as being quiet and reserved which surprised Harold given Lindbergh’s notoriety.

The Manago Hotel was establish in 1917 and has since been remodeled, but  appeared to be stuck in time somewhere around 1950. I’m talking about small clean rooms with thin walls, worn furniture, creaking steps, laundry on the line, barking dogs, hanging flower gardens, and characters out of a Raymond Chandler novel.  And then there were those pork chops!

To be sure, this is not a 5 star hotel, but certainly a 5 star experience.