Last Day

One of the things that happened while we were here was a shark attack on a man snorkeling at Hapuna Beach.  They closed it for two days and then re-opened it, with helicopter fly-overs watching for the 10-12 foot tiger shark. Although it makes you somewhat nervous, the chances are pretty slim of it happening so we didn't let it stop us from enjoying the beautiful tropical waters there.  It was our last day and our flight didn't leave until 10pm, so we got up early and kind of got things organized to go - then we headed to Hapuna Beach.

By mid-afternoon we returned to pack, shower and head over to Lava Lava for one last time before we had to leave for the airport.  

The warm breeze, the beautiful surroundings and the live music playing just makes you want to soak it all in to remember on those rainy days back home.  


When evening comes it's like the place takes on another somewhat softer personality, yet just as enjoyable as the sunny afternoons.  Before we knew it the sun was starting to set...

Hearing people's laughter, the clinking of glasses, seeing the kids playing in the sand, and the waves hitting the beach - you can't help but feel the happiness.

  

 As we leave the Big Island we take with us our memories of good times with people we love, of new things we've seen and done, and feeling very thankful for it all.

A Perfect Day at the Beach

To get a parking spot at Mauna Kea beach you need to get there early or you miss out and can't get in as there is limited access.  This day we were able to get a spot, we should've known we had a perfect day ahead of us.  I'm hoping that in years to come these photos of time we spent at the beach will remind us of what a great time we had together.

Bennett and Miles are the sandcastle masters;  thinking and then creating.

Concentration...

...and enthusiasm!

Boogie boarders love what they do as well, and there was lots of waves caught!

Nice to have a big sister!

Even some skimboarding was attempted

'Just wait 'til next time I come here!'

There was also time for relaxing, playing 'Woohoo' and just hangin' out...

'Woohoo G'pa!'

They've got the moves!

These three were perfecting their techniques for the next time they're at Mauna Kea!  It really was a perfect day in paradise.

Fish and Fowl

Fish:

Kahaluu Beach Park is on Alii Drive in Kona .  It's a popular snorkel beach that's got a ton of fish and is great for beginners and more experienced snorkelers alike. We took a drive down there to see what we could see, and there was a lot!

Ruby in a school of Black Durgon

Aha Needlefish

This is the Humuhumu-Nukunuku-Apuaa (Reef Triggerfish) - it's Hawaii State Fish.  Can you imagine having to learn to spell that one as a kid in school?

Uhu - this is a Bullethead Parrotfish, the colour is such a beautiful blue that it's hard to believe that they're real.

Kikakapu - Threadfin Butterflyfish

Fowl:

There's some beautiful birds on this island, here's a red cardinal that was sitting in a thorn tree.

While we were in the Costco parking lot in Kona we spied this rooster and a hen just free-ranging there.  The kids got out of the car and chased them all around, it was pretty funny to watch - especially when the rooster would 'cock-a-doodle-doo!'

Even stranger is when you're at the beach and you hear a turkey gobble and you turn around and there in the back shady area of the bush there's four turkeys scrabbling around looking for things to eat.  They weren't afraid of us at all.  Moral of the story on the Big Island - always be on the look out for the unusual.  We've also seen signs to 'Watch for Donkeys on Road', as well as this sign about 'Invisible Cows'.

So there you have it, some of the most beautiful and strange wildlife seen out and about.

A Paddle board, a Kayak and a Waterbike

A-Bay Watersports

Three times a week you can rent equipment over at A-Bay for a fraction of the cost of the hourly rate, needless to say that is when we go for a day of fun!

'Who says I'm too young to paddle board?'

We took a break and had lunch and went on the glass bottom boat, pretty cool!

Disembarking

And when you're under two years of age, what better place to have your afternoon nap but at the beach in a special little spot of your own!