As eluded to in an earlier post, we visit a black sand beach, which is made of crushed lava. I think we experienced lava from beginning to end while on the Big Island. This beach was easily accessible (unlike the green sand beach…) and tour buses often made stops by while we were there. People would flow off the bus and take a few snap shots of the beach and the turtles and then be herded back on the bus. I am guessing they were on their way to Volcanoes National Park, so the beach was just a side trip. But for us it was the whole day!
We saw at least 6 sea turtles sun bathing and eating amongst the lava rocks on the shore. Four turtles were taking very long naps in the sun and the tourists did not bother them at all. On occasion one would open its eyes or move around a bit. The other two stayed in the shallow water eating away at the sea grass growing on the rocks. Dan has some video of one eating and he got some good stills of the turtles. I love sea turtles. Did you all see Nemo? I couldn’t help but say “Dude” every time I saw one! These turtles were not a big as the ones we saw in Kauai, but they were much more visible.
The black sand beach was wonderful. It was palm tree lined and the ocean was so blue and green. Very beautiful and nothing like we’ve ever seen before. We picnicked at the beach and spent most of the day there, relaxing under the palm trees, keeping one eye on the ocean and one eye on the coconuts above our heads!
On our way back to Kona, we stopped at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, also known as the Place of Refuge. In ancient Hawaii, laws were referred to as Kapu. When there was a kapu on something, the penalty was death. If it was a serious enough offense, not only were you killed, but so was your family. Even today, you can still see remnants of kapu, as many no trespassing signs incorporated the word on the signage. So, basically death to those who do it. There was a way to escape death, however. If you could reach the Place of Refuge before your chasers, then all was forgiven. The setting was peacefully and a felt like a refuge. We saw and heard lots of birds here and saw schools of little silver fish racing to shore, leaping in and out of the water all in unison! Shortly behind them? A big sea bird! The sunset was beautiful from here as well.