Hawai’i 2007: Day Four

August 23rd, 2007

Keikei Club. Krista and I decided we needed a true vacation day i.e. a day without kids while on vacation. So, thankfully, the Sheraton runs a “keikei” club for kids. The price isn’t “cheap” but it was totally worth it to be able to have a free day without kids. It felt a little strange to be away from the kids on vacation but it was nice to be able to feel like we were on vacation.

After dropping the kids off at the club we made our way down south a bit to “Two Steps” or City of Refugee. We saw the usual fish, nothing out of the ordinary. Then out of nowhere a little green sea turtle shows up. Krista and I were able to get some good photos of the turtle. Luckily another one showed up and we split off each taking pictures of a different turtle. I was surprised at the amount of people here. The method of entry is not easy for beginners, you need to push off a lava shelf into 10 feet deep water with waves breaking at you. We saw some people cutting their feet on less than ideal entry points. The parking was also lacking yet some local entrepreneurs had setup a pay lot nearby where we parked.

We started back towards Kona after finishing a light snack on the lava rocks at Two Steps. We were feeling up to snorkeling so we headed to the local organic food store for vegan wraps. Very yummy! Still haven’t quite yet got the bug for shopping yet but we did do a bit of shopping in downtown Kona.

On our way back to the hotel I got the urge to snorkel in Kahalu’u again. I’m glad I did because after about 5 minutes in the water Krista stopped a smaller turtle swimming about. And after while longer she discovered a much large turtle feeding on the coral floor. Since the bottom is only about 10 feet deep, we had an incredible view of the feeding turtle. He’d eat a bit then surface for air then dive back down and eat. All the while we were watching him and he didn’t seem to mind at all. I got some amazing close up shots due he very calm and relaxed nature. By this time it was getting late and we had to pick up the kids from keikei club I had to leave the turtle alone all by himself. It was really a treat to be able to spend about 30 minutes alone with a honu. Truly a one of a kind experience.

Tonight was also the manta ray snorkel trip. This was my third time in the water today and I can say at this point I’m really looking for a day off. Doubtful but I’m feeling water logged. However, the manta ray experience was not to be missed! When entering the water it’s very dark and almost a little scary as you look down into the dark abyss. There is one main light gleaming into the ocean from the boat but it’s certainly not bright enough for much distance. Autumn was pretty spooked getting into the water but that all changed once the manta rays showed up.

We were lucky enough to get two nice size manta rays. They both were very active and apparently very hungry. The underwater videographer, James Wing, was able to control them with his two very large underwater lights. He’d bring the manta rays right under us and they’d do backwards 360 loops for plankton. It was an awesome sight to see such graceful creatures underwater. They are truly beautiful and I’d due that trip again in a heartbeat even if I feel like the I’m still rocking on the boat afterwards.

That was a pretty long day and I’m beat. Goodnight Hawai’i and Mahalo for the wonderful day!

Entry Filed under: family things, life