Kailua-Kona: Part 2

On Tuesday we had scheduled a snorkel/sail trip to a marine wildlife refuge at Kealekekua Bay.  This is where the famous explorer, James Cook, met his demise.  There is a monument to Cook on the shore and the whole area is protected.

The boat we boarded was a 66 ft. trimaran.  Very cool.  There were only 17 guests and 3 crew so it was a nice small group and I didn't get hit in the face by any fins, either fish or snorkeler.  There were a ton of beautiful fishes to see. 

Jeff enjoys his morning coffee

Off the bow

Off the stern-coffee and snacks

They actually raised the sail

Kealekekua Bay

Loving being on and under the water

It was wonderful to get under the waves and snorkel, but we wanted more beach time.  We decided to go to A Bay (the Hawaiian name is too long to pronounce). This bay has a long beach, small waves, and is backed by ancient fish ponds and two big hotels.  We spent the whole day swimming and basking and then decided to take the trail around the fish ponds.  So peaceful and relaxing.  We had dinner and watched the sunset at the Marriott while listening to music from the Luau nearby.  We walked back on the trail in the dark using the light from my phone.  What a marvelous day.

Driving north through the lava

the airport

"A" beach 

Our beach gear ready for our butts. 

a long and lovely beach

fish ponds behind the beach

Ferrel cats live on the property and are well cared for

A mongoose likes cat food too

The biggest fish pond.  Ancient Hawaiians made the ponds

An ancient dwelling

petroglyph

Overlooking the pond

One day we wanted to go snorkeling.  We went to Kahalu'u Beach Park where we had enjoyed the people watching and amenities (food truck, restrooms and showers) as well as the underwater life.  When we got there we were surprised at the lack of people.  It was high tide and the water was rough, but not breaking.  The lifeguards were warning people to be careful.  There is a ring of rock and coral where you can sit and get in and out of the water, but that was covered with with surging water.  It was challenging to get in and follow the channel to deeper water.  Lots of people were getting pushed by waves into rocks and coral and at risk of falling on the rocks while getting in and out. 

After watching for awhile, and remembering the drill from our last visit, I accepted the challenge.  I made it past the rocks and down the channel and enjoyed a rough 30 minutes in the water.  The fish didn't care that the water was surging above them......they went with the flow and there was lots to see. When it was Jeff's turn, he also made it in and out unharmed.  It was a lot of fun, but physically challenging.  By my third time in the water, the tide had turned and it was a lot calmer, and I was a lot more tired. 

While we were resting on the shore, we heard a man shouting and pointing and saw a woman floating sideways in the water.  The lifeguards sprang into action and pushed the surfboard into the water and quickly paddled to her and got her on the board and to the shore.  She was pale and lifeless looking, but still breathing.  They gave her oxygen and called the EMT's.  Little by little she started feeling better.  What a close call.  Never forget the power of the ocean.

The bay

Snorkelers getting in and out

pretty rough out there

So happy

The fish under the waves