Cya MKB

We will miss you Mauna Kea..........

.......but we will be back next year!

Wild Life

Things we don't like:

There are some strange creatures in Hawaii, these are a few we've encountered on our trip this year.

Man of War - we encountered six of them on the edge of the beach at Hapuna.  Lifeguards posted signs saying stay out of the water but most people didn't appear too concerned.  Their sting is painful but in some cases if you're allergic it can be fatal.

This badly damaged octopus had been washed up onto Mauna Lani beach.

The snails on plants here are extra large, he's about four inches long.

Centipedes are creepy, this one was on the bathroom floor one morning.

This scorpion was found at the bottom of the dishwasher by Shirley, he went through the wash cycle!  It's the first one of these we've seen.

Birds we've seen:

Red cardinal

It's not unusual to see roosters and chickens wandering around wild, even in the Costco parking lot.

Turkeys on the golf course

These three are like our own pets, they come to visit us at our lanai when we are sitting out there - always hopeful for a crumb or two.

Turtles:

Turtles just laying on the beach are one of the most relaxed looking things to see, it always makes us stop and take a look.

Exploring Day

Makalawena Beach

So Ken picked up a map of beaches to explore the other day and yesterday we decided to check out Makalawena Beach, a so-called 15-20 minute walk from where you park.  Mmhm.  Sure.

At the beginning of our walk we came across a Hawaiian monk seal just laying at the edge of the water.  Their status is 'Endangered' as their numbers have been steadily decreasing.

There was a volunteer wildlife protection fellow there who was very informative, advising us that this monk seal is nine years old and that they believe she may be pregnant.  Hawaiian monk seals are mostly solitary and don't live in colonies like sea lions or other seals.  But they do sometimes lie near each other - usually not close enough to make physical contact - in small groups.  They usually sleep on beaches, sometimes for days at a time.  

After stopping there we continued on our trek passing various beautiful bays and beaches on our way to our destination.

It's so gorgeous here, you can't help stop and stare

And then it was back onto the track where we went through an area that looked like there had been a fire there at one time.

Eventually we got to Makalawena Beach where the sand is incredibly soft and deep, and the water is beautiful tones of green and turquoise blue.

Ken and Steve (Shirley's cousin who was also vacationing here) continued walking up the beach a little ways to look across the hill, where they saw some Jeeps parked - if you have a 4X4 you can drive right down there.

After sitting in the sun and then swimming, boogie boarding and body surfing to cool ourselves down we began our journey back to our vehicle, which was probably closer to thirty minutes but it was indeed worth the trip!

Mauna Lani Beach

Peace and Paradise

Within walking distance of the Palm Villas where we are staying there's a little used beach, it's great for snorkeling and cooling off in.  It's nearby the Mauna Lani Hotel which has been closed for renovations for about a year already.  We were only too happy yesterday to take advantage of the cabanas there on the beach, we had the place almost to ourselves.

I even had my own cabana boy providing me with drinks, snacks, and Hawaiian music!

It was such a peaceful and beautiful spot we stayed there and watched the sunset.  It really doesn't get much better.

MKB - Perfection

Mauna Kea Beach Day

When I like something - I REALLY like it, and that is definitely how I feel about Mauna Kea Beach.  This morning Ted and I had the car packed with our chairs, picnic lunch, beach bags, and were on our way to MKB by 7:40 am.  

This is my definition of Perfection - and we stayed for the better part of the day.

We set up our camp on the far left side of the beach where there's some great snorkeling, we even had a turtle swimming right beside us in the water.

By mid-afternoon we decided we should head on home so we packed up and left this little piece of paradise, but we will be back several more times before this holiday is over!

The Third Hawaiian Tennis Tournament

Mauna Lani Tennis Club

Yesterday morning beneath blue skies and gently waving palm trees we held our Hawaiian Tennis Tournament, it's our third one here on the Big Island and it just improves each year.  Ted booked two courts for ten players, three ball girls, and our cheerleader (Gina).

The tennis club provided us with Gatorade, water, ice cold cloths, towels, and table and chairs under a shaded area, it was perfect.

Shirley & Ted vs Kristi & Greg

Nick & Cypress vs Val & Gary

Ted & Shirley, vs Bri and Ken

The ball girls also had an opportunity to show their skills as well, they're pretty good up and comers!

The Final Match - Ted & Shirl vs Ken & Bri

Hawaiian Tennis Tournament 2019

We met up at The Fairways pool lounge area after supper so that we could have the award presentations - people were pretty excited about their prizes!!

5th Place - Cypress & Nick

4th Place - Val and Gary

3rd Place - Kristi & Greg

2nd Place - Ken & Bri

1st Place goes to Shirley & Ted

And the coveted trophy of the Hawaiian tennis tournament ---- I can't wait to keep her on our mantle for 6 months this year!