Kohala region, HI

Another day in paradise. Woke to glorious sunshine. We decided today to go in search of whales so off we set heading north up the west coast to the top of the island (Kohala region). We had read about two spots that were good for sightings so that was our goal.

Our first stop was at the Lapakahi State Historical Park. This is the site of an over 600 year old village that they have tried to preserve. There were huts reconstructed, and areas maintained as of old, even down to the salt pots where they would collect sea water, let it evaporate and use the collected salt crystals for preserving fish and meat. There was also a protected monk seal area there but they were all out fishing or something – no sightings for us. There are several state parks where you can go for walks/hikes of various length, pretty short in our standards but none the less enjoyable. Back to our goal for today’s ride - we did see a pod of three whales breaching and blowing and making their way up the coast heading north. The binoculars came in handy for capturing the full experience.

Halle (village house)

Our next stop was Kapa’a Beach Park where there were people tent camping, which you can do with a special permit. There was a young woman out swimming in the surf, no flippers or anything and being pushed into the rocks and dragged back out. She seemed to be having a great time and must have been a very strong swimmer to keep up the pace we witnessed. This is obviously a favourite whale watching area as well as there were a two people with their tripods and long lens cameras set up, talking about what they had been seeing the last few days. We saw more whales though they were farther out this time.

From here we proceeded on a less traveled road to the Pololu Valley – beautiful view and a hike available for those wanting to descend the 3,000 feet to the sea shore.

Walk down?

On our way back on this dead end road then stopped at Keokea Beach Park and watched a group of young guys boogie boarding and surfing. They were having a great time out there. As there was a great viewing and picnic area in the park we had our lunch and let them entertain us.

Looks like fun!

As we were driving we noticed a chicken BBQ at the side of the road at one of the tourist info places at Hawi. They had set up a utility trailer with dozens of chickens on spits being cooked. This was going to turn into our dinner (later -was very good!). Turns out that there is a popular song currently on the radio extolling the virtues of this "HULI" chicken.

Huli chicken"trailer"

Our drive home was on another scenic route through the Kohala Mountains. We had a tee time for 1:58 so didn’t want to be late and now dinner was taken care of to boot.

Had our one promised golf game at the Waikoloa Village course that runs along the front of our condo. We were matched up with two very nice elderly gentlemen from Victoria. Their wives chose not to join them today. They come for a month every year and have done this for 25 years. We enjoyed our round – as usual some good shots and some not so good but it was still fun and we couldn’t have asked for better weather.

We continue to be amazed at the diversity of the vegetation we have been seeing from barren rocky to lush rain forest tropical to grassy farm land. It is quite something for such a small area of land.

Hilo, HI and points around

Pretty drizzly this morning but it still doesn’t need shoveling. It apparently rained all night. We set off early for Hilo via Saddle Road as we were not sure how long it would take. The vegetation changed as we went inland – from volcanic desert to very lush and green.  After about an hour we arrived at Hilo and the sun was shining. We will go via this shorter route to Volcano National Park in a day or so.

Our first stop was the Hilo Farmers Market.

Hilo Farmer's Market

If we lived here I could see this being the only place to purchase produce. We bought two large papayas for twenty five CENTS total, not each – could have had a huge bag for $2. Also nice tomatoes – bag of 5 - for $2, huge avocado for $1, etc. We also bought some Hawaiian “buns” for our lunch – not sure what they were called but they were very yummy stuffed with pork and sweet potato. We also saw some mushrooms for sale (in plastic bags!). They were cultivated oyster mushrooms but when we asked the lady what they were she very indignantly answered – “ mushrooms” (duh). We don’t really think she knew what kind they were.

Our next stop was the University of Hawaii at Hilo as Doug wanted to purchase a book and hat – no score on either but we did have a wander around the campus. They were just opening a new book store so it was pretty busy.

From the University we made our way to the Mauna Lau macadamia nut factory where we had a tour and made some purchases. These little things can be addictive. 

Macadamia nuts on the tree

By the time we finished there it was getting close to lunch and we decided to drive to the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens for a picnic and tour. It was truly amazing with hundreds of beautiful flowering plants – many introduced from Mexico, Brazil, Thailand (what most of us would think of as “house plants”).

Beautiful flowers

We had a rainy drive back to the condo. On the way we stopped trying to get some local fish for dinner but no luck. Everything is transported in. We found this hard to believe so did some research and sure enough there is very little commercial fishing here – lots of sport fishing but not much for sale. Sounds weird for an island out in the ocean but true.

We are looking forward to a nice dinner with some of our market purchases.

Aloha - its very nice here!

Kona HI and points south

After a long and much needed sleep we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on the lanai watching the early golfers go past our unit – some good and some not so good. The fresh pineapple, papaya and bananas were wonderful. We decided to visit the grocery store again and purchase luncheon stuff to take a picnic with us.

The day started a bit drizzly but as we got going we saw a mixture of sun, drizzle, more sun, etc. At least it was warm so no toque, mitts, boots and we don’t have to shovel it. We had the air conditioning on all day in the car.

We found ourselves commenting on the names of places and streets – Napoopoo, Kealakekua, etc. Found us laughing about the simplicity of our street and area names. Sure is simpler at home. Could use some of these names in our scrabble game when we find ourselves with too many vowels – oh, I forgot, can’t use proper names.

Basking Green Sea Turtle

Started our morning at Kaloko-Honokohau Park and after a short walk to the ocean and along the lava rock in the water – it was low tide –we were able to see the big sea turtles basking on the rocks. When Doug was asked to ID the seaweed the answer was “short stubby green stuff”. Now does that sound like his usual? – maybe he is losing it with this retirement thing! This is also where the indigenous people created large fish traps so when the tide went out the fish would be trapped in the rocks for easy of catching. A few people were here snorkeling.

Drove further south along the coast through Kona thinking we would see how far we could get.  Stopped at one of the numerous roadside parks for a nice picnic lunch.

Painted Church

Tropical flowers are very showy

We eventually found ourselves on a very winding back road to an interesting painted church. Lovely oranges just rotting on the trees so Doug borrowed one for us to try – delicious. From there we found another national park across the bay from the Captain Cook monument, which is appears only boat accessible. Stopped at the Kona Farmers Coop and tasted the best macadamia nuts and Kona coffee. Also had to sample the chocolate macadamia nut ice cream!

Tonight we are going out for Mexican food - $2.00 taco night at the golf course restaurant.

Waikoloa, HI

Here we are in not so sunny Waikoloa. We were up early to make our 08:00 flight to Seattle then on to Kona Hawaii. We were fortunate enough to be moved to the exit row so had lots of leg room. The girl at the check in even arranged for the same exit seats for our return flight. That made a big difference.

After a short stop over in Seattle we made our way on the 5 hour flight. They even provided complimentary Mai Tais just before we landed to get us in the mood. It has been warm but overcast with a few sprinkles of rain. No trouble picking up our rental car - a keyless start Nissan Altima, so very comfortable.

We checked into our condo and then proceeded to pick up a few groceries. The supermarket is just up the road.

Lanai (veranda) overlooking the course

When we got back we sat on our lanai  which overlooks the golf course and were entertained by the male turkeys "prancing" full tall feathers trying to attract the very uninterested females.

Maybe if I look pretty I'll get a date. . .

We also attended a Mahalo reception pool side of the resort - singing, hula dancers and complimentary appetizers.
With the two hour time addition we are trying to adjust and looking forward to tomorrow's activities (whatever we decide to do!).

Spokane, WA

Good roads all the way from Nelson to Spokane. We spent a couple of hours at the NorthernQuest casino where we had a good  buffet dinner ($13.95ea) and managed to pay for the meal with gambling winnings (at least Doug paid for his - with tip). We are staying at the airport Wingate where we will leave the car until we return. Early morning tomorrow as our flight to Seattle leaves at 0800 with the connection to Kona at 1030. Next entry will be from Hawaii!