Among them is the winding, mountain road that connects Kainaliu and Kona Palisades. Better known as Mamalahoa Highway, it was a major route back in the pre-tourist days of Kona. Coffee farmers then and now still rely on the narrow route, and in its midst are the town of Holualoa and the community of Keauhou.

Keauhou is where I once lived, just for a few months, but not on Mamalahoa Hwy. I lived below, near the "new" main highway, disconnected from the upper road. Unfortunately, I missed out on much of the beauty, both natural and rustic, that is the signature of that area. I came across a lot of spots that I'd driven past, but never noticed, during my eight years of Big Island living. Here's the first of a few places that riveted me.

Keauhou Store must have been a point of joy for kids back in the day. Just thinking of what was once there, a thriving community, a lively place ... now quieted by progress and an economy that is geared toward tourism. The silver lining, of course, is that Keauhou can be earthy, regal and quietly beautiful in her old age.

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