Final Hawaii Post

Here’s a hodgepodge of pictures from our last couple of days in Hawaii, plus our underwater pictures.

On our supposed last day in Hawaii, Friday, May14, we checked out of our hotel.
We had lunch at Rocking Joe’s, a seaside restaurant in Kona.

After lunch we had a shave ice with ice cream and this little character visited the stand while we were there.

Then we drove down to a National Historical Park where we knew we could see some sea turtles.
While we were there a wave came in and flipped one turtle over.
With a little struggle he was able to get himself back up right.

Then we drove to Jamesons by the Sea, our favorite restaurant in Kona for a supposed last meal in Hawaii.
Then we headed to the airport, but as you may know, our flight was canceled so we were put up in another hotel on the sea, the Keauhou Bay Resort Hotel.  It was an older hotel, but still nice.

Then we headed back to the airport and found out our flight had been canceled again.  We were in the process of getting our vouchers for another stay, when an earlier flight said they had some seats still open so we were able to get out on it.

Before closing, here are some pictures from our disposable, underwater cameras. First, enjoying the beach in Maui.
Some of our snorkeling pictures on Maui.
 
An eel.
Hawaii’s state fish – the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa.

Finally, some pictures from our dolphin swim.  If you recall, the boat positioned itself ahead of the pod of Spinner dolphins so we could get in the water.  As they approached they swam under us.

Thus ends our Hawaii posts.  I guess all good things must come to an end.

Just Kidding

Yesterday we said we were leaving Hawaii – but we were just kidding. 

Our flight that was supposed to leave last night at 10:45 PM was delayed for over two hours because of mechanical problems and then finally canceled after midnight.

USAir put us up at a nice hotel on the beach and we got here about 2:00 AM.  It’s a nice place with a nice view so it’s not all bad and we have confirmation on another flight that leaves at 11:15 PM tonight (God willing).

So, one more day in paradise – it’s hard, but someone’s got to do it.

Oh, It’s Time to Leave

Today, Thursday, was our last full day in Hawaii.  We spent the day at the beach like we did on Tuesday.  Tomorrow, we check out, but our flight doesn’t leave until 10:45 PM so we’ll have all day to explore the Kona Coast area.

My computer will be packed so there’s no more posts until we get home.  So, here’s a video that’s an overview of our time here in Hawaii.

Swimming with the Dolphins

When we go on vacation, Betty has most of the good ideas and she had another one for today.  This morning we sailed on the catamaran ‘Alala’ which is Hawaiian for ‘Raven.’  We waited on the beach and they sent in a small skiff to take us to the boat.

It was a beautiful morning and we had a great sail out.  One of the features of this boat is to find Spinner Dolphins so we might have a chance to swim with them.  Spinner Dolphins are called that because they will occasionally jump into the air and spin around. 

We sailed about 3 miles North up the coast and there they were.

Several swam along with our bow wake for a mile or so.



Eventually we sailed ahead of them so we could get ready with our snorkel gear.  The plan was to get into the water and let them swim towards us which we did.
When the dolphins got close to us they would dive down and swim under us.  It was great to watch them swim below us in groups.  The captain estimated there were possibly up to a 100.  We saw several groups of a dozen or more swim right below us.  It was really cool.  (I took some pictures with my disposable underwater camera and when it’s developed I will post some of those pictures – if they’re any good.)

After swimming with the dolphins, we boarded the boat and headed a little farther North to a place called Crystal Cove – and the name was appropriate.  The water was crystal clear.
 
We put on our snorkel gear again and snorkeled in the cove for about 45 minutes.  It was great fun.  There were ledges and fairly deep crevasses to explore with lots of fish.

We had a leisurely sail back to the hotel.
 
It was great fun.

 
Once again a short video of our morning.