On Sunday afternoon while relaxing on the lanai, we spotted a Green Sea turtle right out in front. (So exciting to watch him/her navigate on the rocks in the water) We have seen a few in the water by the sea wall in town, but this was the first one we spotted in front of our condo.
Sunday night, Todd and I walked to Kona Brewery to listen to the live band and have dinner. Ms Demeanor and the Felons, a local group, played their own music and some cover tunes incorporating a style of contemporary with a hint of rock. The music was good, the food tasty, and the beers refreshing; a great evening.
Last year when we were here, Kona Brewery talked about relocating to build a larger facility. They looked at places all over the island and finally settled on a location just down the street from their current location. They broke ground last week.
Monday morning, Dave and Aline picked me up (Todd was feeling unwell and opted to stay back) and we drove to Kahaluu Beach Park. Although a little crowded, it was a great place to snorkel. I saw numerous fish. Below is a picture with a Rock-mover Wrasse, a Yellow Tang, and the colourful Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (now that’s a mouthful!).
The Humuhumunukunukuapua’a is a Reef Triggerfish, and although not native to Hawaii, it is the official Hawaiian state fish. Todd recorded how the name is pronounced !
Here is a picture of a Kihikihi or Moorish Idol.
We walked in (beach shoes, no flippers) and then swam out to deeper water. While picture snapping, I saw a Magnificent Snake Eel! All I can say is it is a good thing it was down deep or panic would’ve set in…
Tuesday, Aline and I went with SeaQuest for deep water snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay. This is the same place we went last year by the Captain Cook memorial.
We saw so many fish! It was mesmerising swimming among the fish in the coral reef. I didn’t want to leave, but the hour was up, and everyone was back on the boat…they did offer to leave me and pick me up next day, lol. Below are a scant few of the hundred or so pictures I took: Goldring Surgeon fish –
Pinktail Durgon –
The highly visible and common Yellow Tang with a Black Durgon leaving the frame –
Achilles Tang (aka – Paku’iku’i) and Achilles Tang with Black Sea Urchins and Yellow Tang –
Wave Wednesday! The waves are so high today with multiple breaks coming ashore. A high surf advisory has been issued – waves 8 to 10 feet crashing ashore.
We have never seen it like this on the west side of the island.
The uncharacteristically high waves, the Wednesday cruise ship, and the ever-gorgeous sunset, made for a great time-lapse.
The high surf advisory continued into Thursday, closing many beaches and keeping most surfers and boogie-boarders out of the water.
Todd lost his Hawaiian virginity on Thursday. While down among the rocks, collecting some shells, he spotted Opihi clinging to the rocks. Shaped like a mini Mount Fuji, these shell fish are considered a cultural delicacy.
They are generally eaten raw, but can also be eaten poke-style or grilled. They are an acquired taste, and even some locals we know are turned off by these. They are rubbery yet crunchy and taste like the ocean (salty). Todd quite enjoyed it (should have seen my face watching him eat it!) and wants to find more.
It is hard to believe that our time here is almost done…less than a week to go.
