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  3. TRAVEL: 2007 through 2011
  4. Hawaii, February and March, 2009

BIG ISLAND #6

Black sand, turtles, and more....
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Ducks definitely seem to prefer the fresh water.
8 / 16

Ducks definitely seem to prefer the fresh water.

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  • A few miles west of Kilauea we come to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. The signs says "The mystical turtle Kauila makes her home in the Ka'u district at Punalu'u Bay. According to Hawaiian mythology, Kauila was empowered with the ability to to turn herself from a turtle into human form and would play with the children along the shoreline and keep watch over them. The people of Ka'u loved Kauila as the guradian of their children, and also for her spring that gave them pure drinking water.<br /> <br /> The presence of Kauila can still be felt today by the sea turtles that inhabit this special place." Then it goes on to tell that it is against both federal and state law to touch or in any way bother a sea turtle. Gotta love a sign with a picture, to be seen be all, even those too young to read, showing how cool it would be to lie down on a turtle, and then words telling how one must keep one's distance.<br /> <br /> Oh well. I didn't see anyone, kid or adult, touch a turtle. So I guess the signage works. And it makes for an interesting and nice picture.
  • Sleeping turtle.
  • Sure seems odd to see them sleeping on the beach, with people walking all around them.
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  • The beach separates the bay from this fresh-water pond, which I assume is fed by the spring referred to by the sign in the first photo of this album.
  • Ducks definitely seem to prefer the fresh water.
  • On to the west a bit further. Amazing how fast the landscape changes from the lush forest around Hilo and Kilauea to the moonscape as one approaches the Kona (west) coast.
  • The restroom doors at Keei Cafe, one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. If you will be going to Big Island, this is a must do. No website, but for reservations, call (808) 322-9992. I guess you could say that their menu emphasizes seafood, but they also have beef, lamb, and a wide variety that'll knock your socks off! But leave room for dessert! Eclectic and wonderful. Oh, and go on a night when you are not in a hurry!
  • View from our room at the Outrigger Hotel our last night in Hawaii.
  • Coconut tree and sky at Kona Airport as we await our flight.
  • Sharing airspace with a NW flight on approach to Honolulu International Airport.
  • Lifting off from Honolulu International Airport.
  • Moon above, outskirts of Narita beneath.
  • Self portrait on approach to Narita Airport. Hope you enjoyed the photos. Now, please return your seats to full upright position and stow your trays. We will be landing in Narita soon.
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