Honu

On our most recent snorkeling visit to the Kapoho tide pools we got the luxury of seeing a green sea turtle (honu in Hawaiian) on the bottom of the sea floor.  It also swam up to the top of the water to get some air a handful of times and at one point swam beside and under us!  It was one of the coolest things that we got to see so far.  It seemed surreal and was neat to see it glide around under the water.  Many fish also surrounded the turtle while it was eating.  Here are a couple pictures, which don't do it much justice, but enjoy.

Much Mahalo

Colette was dropped off at the airport on Friday night.  It was again sad to see a friend go.  This was her first time seeing the ocean, flying by herself, and doing something for herself.  We were very busy while she visited and hope she enjoyed her whirlwind tour of the Big Island.  She must have because she wasn't ready to leave.  However, we used this whole weekend to recooperate and pretty much lazed around the house.  Here are a few photos of her visit with the family.  A hui hou, Colette!

From Makai to Mauka

To start the day we ventured makai (seaward) and did some more snorkeling.  After we stopped back at our house for a break, we continued mauka (mountainward); finishing the day by watching the sunset and stargazing above the clouds atop Mauna Kea.

Snorkeling (again)

With our friend Colette here, we felt the need to go snorkeling some more. This was Colette's first time snorkeling! She was treated to quite a show at the Kapoho tide pools.

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Sea Cucumber (with a little fish that snuck into the picture)

Our 4th guest arrived Thurs. night!  Welcome Colette!  With her first day we headed south and visited the 1990 Kalapana lava flow, drove the Kalapana-Kapoho road along the seaside, ate lunch at Poihiki, and walked through Lava Tree State Park.  It was a beautiful day!  We even found some ripe coconuts, so we could have some fresh coconut milk and meat.

1990 Kalapana Lava Flow (All photos courtesy of Colette Grothe)

Tree canopy at Lava Tree State Park

Star of the Sea Painted Church near Kalapana

Pahoa Train Station

Here is Anika standing next to the Pahoa Elementary mural that greets us every morning.

Punalu'u Pics