Marine Life

The abundance of marine life here is amazing. While snorkeling at the beach near our hotel, Noah and I saw several different species of tropical fish, most within a few yards of us. Noah even managed to touch a puffer fish that came by to take a look at us.

You can also find sea turtles at nearly any beach. We've seen them floating lazily near the shore, eating seaweed or basking in the sun. Before we found out you were supposed to keep your distance, Noah touched one that was grazing along the rocks; he said its shell felt like a mossy rock.





You can also find schools of small fish, shrimp, and hermit crabs in tide pools.






At one beach, dolphins were swimming close enough to the shore for people to get a close look. They would jump and spin and it made me wonder if they loved the attention they were getting from all the snorkelers and swimmers near by. You can see this one jumping right next to a swimmer.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau

On a whim, we visited the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau national park. This park was the location of a royal residence (ali'i) and it has a walking tour displaying aspects of traditional Hawaiian life. It was also the location of a refuge for defeated warriors and those who violated the kapu (sacred laws).

Noah and a tiki at the entrance of the walking tour.

A traditional Hawaiian game called Konane.

This is a half-size model of a temple.



Lava from Mauna Loa flowed over this location over a 1,000 years ago. The lava knocked down a tree here, which left an imprint in the lava.



The ti leaves hanging from the roof of this work structure were tied to ropes and used to drive fish into the shallows.

A reconstruction of a mausoleum.

These tikis stand watch in front of the mausoleum.

Flowers in Hawaii

Some flowers that we saw while walking around. Don't ask me what they are; I don't know.

Mountain Thunder

Today we visited Mountain Thunder, a Kona Coffee plantation that was featured in an episode of the Discovery TV series, Dirty Jobs.

They grow their coffee organically, which means using animals like these geese and the pig for weeding and fertilizer.

Here's Noah standing in front of a coffee tree, and some of the coffee beans.

Hawaii Vacation

Noah and I arrived in Kona on Wednesday, March 19th. Once we got to the hotel, Noah wanted to get in the pool and practice with his snorkle gear.

Noah, Matthew, and Christian

February 2008 - 7 yrs, 3 yrs, 5-1/2 months.

Christian, Feb 2008 (5-1/2 months)