Big Island Adventures

Hi Blog Readers,

We've been having a good time on the Big Island. Here are a few of our latest adventures.

Kailua-Kona beach, sacred Hawaiian ruins by a modern hotel. 

Eventually, things do grow out of lava. 

Stopped at this ocean view. Nearby, an aging, barely-readable sign,  said:
"Ocean view lots for sale!"
No thank you.
It is interesting to walk on lava fields as you are reminded that the earth is still growing.
On the Big Island, you can walk on some of the newest land on earth!
There will soon be a new Hawaiian Island.
Scientists have discovered one growing southeast of the Big Island.

Driving back to Hilo from Kona, we came across a Yooper selling used golf balls
and homemade coffee-tree walking sticks. He's originally from Houghton in the UP.
He knew several people we know in Eagle Harbor. It's a small world.

Another stop along the road to Hilo.

It's odd to see black sand.  There's also a green sand beach on the Big Island,
but we haven't explored that area yet. 

Checking out the black sand.

Wonder how many years it took for this plant to take hold. 

This National Park is self-serve. Although there's a Ranger on duty in a kiosk-type
structure near the parking lot, you walk around the Park on your own.
The Park is set right along the ocean, protecting an area where the ancient Hawaiians lived
Many stone structures are still there, including a holding pond, petroglyphs  and garden areas . As you walk along the
uneven pathway, there are interpretative signs telling about what it might have been like in the olden days.
I have visited this Park 3 times!
 It's located down the road from a golf course that Bob enjoys playing near Kona.
You will see (below) why I keep going back there!

The ancient Hawaiians could never have imagined that the hillside behind
their land would be filled with modern houses, a Costco and other businesses and a hospital.
When I was walking around this lava-filled land, I tried to imagine what their life
might have been like… grass huts, fresh fish, starry nights and erupting volcanoes!

Did they sit under the trees enjoying the shade on a sunny day
 and swim with the turtles in the warm Pacific Ocean?

This is why I've made repeated visits to the Park.

I love watching the Giant Green Sea Turtles. This one is up for a breath of fresh ocean air.

On Kauai, we swam with the turtles, but never saw them out of the ocean.
Here, they use the waves to propel themselves up on the beach for a siesta!
They have the original Boogie Board!

Once they are on the beach, they find a quiet spot and take a snooze.

This sleepy group decided that lava rocks were a comfy spot.

This one liked hugging a giant lava boulder.

As the sun dries them out, they turn white.

Thanks for reading our blog. 

Wish you were here,

Mary and Bob