Friday, November 6, 2009

The Octopus's Garden


Yesterday I headed over to Kona for the day. I felt like I had become complacent living here in paradise and that I was not taking full advantage of where we are. It's true that when you love someplace this beautiful and you look out at the ocean every day the amazing beauty of this place does become routine. I want to continue to explore and enjoy the island as much as I can.

We had lunch at the Fish Hopper . Then visited the newly opened Huliehe'e Palace and the old Moku'aikaua Church. The palace which was the Hawaiian Royal Family's Summer home had been damaged in an earthquake 3 years ago and had to undergo extensive renovations. It recently re-opened. 

Then we went to Kahalu'u Beach County Park for some snorkeling an reading on the beach under the trees. This beach is one of my favorite for snorkeling because there is always an abundance of fish and coral, easy ocean entry, lifeguards, a protected area for snorkeling because of a large reef and there is lots of shade as well as restrooms, lockers to rent and even shaded parking. However, because it is a very popular place, I only visit it on weekdays and not on days when there is a cruise ship in town. There are plenty of great snorkeling beaches all over the island to choose from. So here are some pictures I took when snorkeling yesterday:
All photos and content are the exclusive property of Devany Vickery-Davidson. Request permission for use.

6 comments:

Samdooby said...

Hey Dev, glad u folks made the trip. Nice pics. Those stripped ones are manini (convict tang). I shoot those and they make nice little pan-fryers. (Min of 5 inches though) You also have some Moorish Idols-NO eating those-and one of my favorite fish to grind on...UHU!! (Parrot Fish) Looking at those fish are making me hungry...LOL

Also, we have to try Fish Hooper. I have passed it many o times just never stopped by. Glad you and Wes had a good time...

Andrew Cooper said...

Never been down to Kahalu'u, we usually go to our favorite beaches further north. No water this weekend, on call. Next weekend however, diving Saturday! Have the waterproof case for the new G11 in my hands.

canders said...

Great photos. Do you have a special camera or some kind of protective cover?

Devany said...

Sam, It was a fun time. I don't eat reef fish, mostly because I have no clue how to prepare them, but they are so pretty... it is hard to imagine eating them. An Ahi... oh yea! Flounder? Sure. Sole? No problem.

Devany said...

Andrew, We like the Northern Beaches too, but when we have to go down to Kona proper on an off day we like Kahalu'u. It amazes me to see the coral so healthy and an abundance of fish in a place with so much human traffic. Of course few places compare to Fiji for coral or Bonaire for fish... but some places like Kahalu'u have a good blend. Looking forward to your next group of underwater photos!

Devany said...

Chuck, the camera I use is nothing like Andrew's which fits in a housing. Mine is a Pentax Optio W60 which shoots under and above water. It will only go to -20 feet. Andrew's is made for Scuba adventures. I am a wimp... just like to follow the reefs with my snorkel, which is why my little camera works for me. I use a larger camera for most above water shots, but because this camera is so small I keep it in my purse and use it when I am on walks.