Windy Day in Hawaii

It was very windy here today (Saturday) and there were high wind warnings (up to 50 mph) until 6 PM so we did not venture far from the resort.  This morning, before it got really windy, we went for a walk along the shore over to the next resort to see about turtle viewing.  The walk was very interesting with various rocky pools mixed in with sand.  Part of the walk included going past what appeared to be private homes or condos.  We did not see many people, but then remembered it was Saturday which could mean a change over to new renters. Along the way we saw some small waves (3-5 ft) that were providing some fun for a few surfers.  We did see a few turtles hiding in the rocky coves.

This is part of the path along the shore.

Lagoon water level regulator with grates to keep out large fish (sharks, whales, etc.!).

                                                             A whale and turtle watcher.
      more driftwood for mom                                                                            Tim's morning exercises

Hotel Lagoon

We saw two turtles on our walk and a few whale tails/splashes.  After this walk, we stopped at one of the resort eateries and got a ham and cheese croissant, chocolate croissant and some really expensive banana bread :p .

We then grabbed our snorkel gear and headed for the beach along the natural salt water lagoon to do some snorkeling.  We saw a few different fish and an eel at least 3 feet long.  On the way to one end of the lagoon Kathy got all excited when a large sea turtle looked her in the face and swam right under her within 2 feet of her.  She was making a lot of noise and was trying to keep her feet up so the turtle would not bite her feet.  (we've been told they are not carnivores...)  I think she will remember the encounter!

This snorkeling is a piece of cake!

Pretty Blue Fish

Turtle moving in!

I (Kathy) am resuming this on Sunday morning as Tim fell asleep at the computer last night... !)

After snorkeling, we headed over to one of the pools to "refresh" in the non-salt water.  We also found the BEST place to use one of our $10 Hilton coupons... a little eatery near the pool had a soft ice cream machine and toppings - kind of a "make your own" sundae!  And they had macadamia nuts!!  Yummm... with our coupon, our two sundaes cost us $4!  Best deal in the place and we will return!

After eating our dessert first, we got changed and headed for some shops near the hotel.   It was a 15 minute walk in very windy conditions, but we worked off the ice cream!  After fish tacos and spinach salad, and another windy walk, we were glad to get back to our nice quiet, still room.

They say this wind is supposed to keep up here until tomorrow (Monday).  So we will try to find something to do inside today - maybe visit "The Kohana Spa"...