Day 9 - August 31
Hawaii 2014
On the road from Mauna Lani to Waimea. Notice the dramatic shift from dry to wet landscape. It is called a rain shadow, where the mountains block the passage of rain-producing weather systems coming from the windward side, and cast this shadow of dryness. As you approach Waimea, the landscape gets more and more lush.
Village Burger in Waimea. Nationally-renowned burgers.
Observations of Village Burger: 1) expensive - two burgers, two fries, two drinks - $44; 2) make sure they get your order right - both were missing the cheese, and Kathy’s the onions; 3) delicious!!
Cactus in Hawaii!! On the road from Waimea to Waikoloa Village.
At the Mauna Lani Beach Club. This dinner boat sits out in the bay. It wasn’t until Kathy snorkeled out far enough that she saw its name - Winona. That’s her mom’s name!
Day 9 - Sunset.
Day 9 - Sunset.
Day 9 - August 31
A simple day. Drove to Waimea for lunch at Village Burgers. Grocery shopping in Waikola Village. Relaxing swim at the Mauna Lani Beach Club in the afternoon. And of course, sunset at the condo!
Day 10 - September 1
Kiholo Bay from the Highway.
The road to Kiholo Bay. Fairly smooth.
Kiholo Bay’s wild goats.
Kiholo Bay.
Ric in Queen’s Bath, Kiholo Bay. This is a fresh water pond about 100 yards from the ocean. Water temp is about 70 degrees. Refreshing!
There are several houses of all sizes at Kiholo Bay. This is the Bali House. It was constructed in Bali, then disassembled and reassembled here.
This house on Kiholo Bay was built by the inventor of the pacemaker.
Kiholo Bay.
Ric floating in Kiholo Bay.
Eight years ago, we saw several sea turtles napping on the shore at Kiholo Bay. We saw one this time, but he’s a big guy!
Up close - he hardly budged.
Kathy at Kiholo Bay.
The southern end of Kiholo Bay. This is looking north - the other end of the bay is at least 4 miles up.
Kiholo Bay.
Day 10 - Sunset.
Day 10 - September 1
Mid morning, we drove south about 12 miles to Kiholo Bay. When we arrived - over a 2 mile 2-wheeler road - Eureka! - THIS was the place we had visited 8 years ago!
The black sand bay is probably 4-5 miles long. We parked in the day use area, then walked north. Our fondest memory from last visit were the sea turtles. We walked 2-3 miles north, but no turtles! There are a number of private homes on this bay; a couple are very large. At the northern end of our walk, though, we encountered shacks. We stopped for a quick dip, then headed back south.
On our way back, we saw one turtle napping on the sand. Big fella!
Ric also took a quick dip in Queen’s Bath - a small fresh water pond about 100 yards from the ocean. Refreshing - 70 degrees. It has tunnels you can take to other portions of the pond. Not for claustrophobic Ric!
We then drove 2 miles further south through the camping area to another day use parking lot, and spent a couple of hours reading and swimming. The ocean was pretty rough here. So glad we had found our beach - Kiholu Bay has so much variety to offer!
Finally, back to the condo for dinner (French toast) and our nightly sunset.