Kona, Hawaii

 Sea Date February 6, 2024


We started the day with a zodiac ride to Kealakekua Bay.  Captain Cook died here in a skirmish with the Hawaiians in 1779. The monument to him is actually on soil the USA donated to Great Britain.  British sailors arrive by ship several times a year to clean the monument and grounds.

The bay happens to be a fabulous snorkeling sight.  I must admit it was quite a rough ride out to the bay, but we saw whales on the way and a whale (50 yards away), spinner dolphins and a snowman on the way back.

There were so many sea urchins, achilles tangs, uhu and many others.  I saw black spiky blooms on many coral.  it was an interesting dive.  At times the water was clear, other times murky.  Often warm but occasionally quite cold.  I found out this is caused by fresh water infusions coming up from underground.

On our return to land, Karen, her Kona friend Chris, and Arlene picked us up and whisked us off to Place of Refuge, a sacred Hawaiian land.  It was for the Royalty and those who managed to escape judgement and swim here.  Followed by a delightful picnic dinner on the beach.

On the ship that evening, we glamped out.  Alexandra, Kimberly our cruise director, and I went canoeing in the pool.

Sunrise in Kona

    

                                                        Tenders readying for transport.

    

                                                Our Zodiac Captain was waiting as we snorkeled.

                                                

                                                    British soil - Captain Cook monument.




    
                                        Not a clear shot but the natives see Pele's face and body in
                                        these cliffs.  This was used for Pele inspiration in Moana.

    
                                        Our Captain was shocked when we spotted this.  Lots of
                                                    laughing on board.


                                            Getting ready for the return trip.

                                    

                                                            Oldest church in Kona.






    

                                                        Place of Refuge

                                

                                                                Playing ancient game.




                

                                                                Beautiful sight.

    

                              Legend of half flower.  Lovers separated, one on the coast, one on a mountain.  On                                         each spot only half the flower blooms.

    

                                                        A fish nest! I've never seen one before,  An affiliate professor at                                                                   Loyola was doing his dissertation on this topic.  See fish in middle

                                                        of circle they formed in the sand.



                                        

                                                    Chris and Arlene picnicing on the beach.


            

                                                                Golden sunset.

    

                                        Alexandra and Kimberly right before I climb in the canoe.



    

                                                        Some canoers ended up in the pool!



                                                        Birds of Hawaii

                                                         Saffron Finch

    
                                                   Hawaiian Cardinal (Yellow Billed Cardinal)

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