A perfect Saturday. We were at Two Step to snorkel for the second time by 8:45, and in the water by 8:55 – how’s that! 2 hours and 20 mins later, we came over the very shallow reef and into the boat ramp area so that we could bypass the line of folks trying to get in or get out at the steps. We covered every inch of the bay, and it was delightful – warmer than our first time for some reason, and so very clear. Saw all the amazing fish plus 2 NEW EELS and finally a ROCKMOVER. Didn’t see him moving any rocks, but David recognized him as an unknown fish and off he went on the chase. As we went by I could see what he was after and knew right away ... read more

Up with the birds for oatmeal. We were at the State Park off Pauko Road by 9 for 2 hours of lovely snorkeling. A $20 charge for the day. The beach was sandy, the entrance easy, good visibility. We saw lots of the good old favorites, but not the elusive Rockmover we are seeking. Two turtles, an eel, TONS of scary looking wedge-tailed triggerfish like the one that nipped my calf yesterday – but we all kept our distance. Some possibly new fish. The baby Hawaiian Dascyllus was the most interesting -only about 1” in size – good spotting, David. We drove off to get an ice cream at Scandinavian shave ice, and enjoyed some real Hawaiian hospitality: David went to lock the car and the noise seemed different, plus the door wouldn’t lock. A woman ... read more

We were out the door early, as usual, arriving at our snorkeling spot next to the fancy Mauna Kea hotel around 8:30. There seemed to be only 2-3 more parking spots. The beach was lovely – the sand fine and cool. This is where the first fancy developments on the Big Island developed in the 60s, by one of the Rockefellers. Golf course, etc. We found some shade for our chairs and hopped in. Not as cold as usual in this very sheltered bay, perhaps because there was a lot of sand for a good ways out. In fact, at first we didn’t see much (the sand sediment plus the fact that sand attracts pale fish) until we got out to the rocks and reef. Then the fish were plentiful and the water clear, with no ... read more

Sunday morning so we went to church, and fortunately found a very nice one at New Hope Legacy (evidently part of a larger church on Oahu). About 60 people were there, with a 6 – piece praise band. Nice songs and very warm welcome. That started at 8:30. After a quick stop at the grocery store and checking in with our family on Whatsapp, we did a fast change and headed for the high country of Mauna Kea. The temperature started off at 81 degrees and by the time we got to the Visitor’s Center of Mauna Kea it was 62 degrees. There are wild goats all along the “Saddle Road” that goes from west to east on the island, and when we returned we noticed hundreds of sheep grazing inside the fencing. One can’t ascend ... read more

Up with the crickets again to cook our oatmeal breakfast and head up the hill again. It was 52 this time when we got there!! But this time we were dressed more for it. No new birds, just the lovely usual. Instead I took more photos of the plantings. After a short turnaround, we headed north to the beach at Mauna Lani. We had been there before in December 2021. The water was just about as cold this time, and the walk from the parking lot at the restrooms a LONG ¾ mile because we were lugging the 2 chairs, cooler with waters, and snorkeling gear across the smooth undulating lava fields. By then it was 90 degrees, per the car. Still, it was well worth it. An easy sandy entrance gives way to many coral ... read more