Another beautiful arrangement
from Mike and Amy
of Island Orchard Florist.
We were advised a couple of weeks
prior to our arrival in Kona
that the condo unit we normally stay at
and booked at the beginning of the year
was not going to be available.
The lanai was being totally rebuilt.
Thus we would not be able to stay there.
We were moved to another unit in the complex,
but it was not the same.
Bummer!
The Queen Lili'iokalani Canoe Race
is a series of races held every Labor Day weekend.
Various events are held Thursday through Monday.
The main event is held Saturday morning with
over 300 canoes racing between
Kailua Bay and Honaunau Bay -
a distance of 18 miles!
Races times ranged from
a little less than 2 hours to 3 1/2 hours.
We decided to watch the start of the race
at one of our favoriate breakfast spots -
The Fish Hopper!
On Saturday morning the entire pier was covered with canoes,
as was the beach in front of the Marriott Hotel.
Canoe paddling out to the staging area.
This was a sight we saw for almost an hour
as various contestants started the race!
The Lekeleke Burial Grounds was a spot we had never
heard of or visited before. In addition to it's historical significance,
the site has fantastic coastline views,
waves crashing up on the lava formations,
and a whole lot of goats!
We are always amazed by the eco system change
when you go a few miles east of the coastline.
These flowers were at the Mountain Thunder Coffee plant.
We were happy to see that Sam is still around
on his eternal quest for the green stuff!
One afternoon, we noticed an eel in the tidepools below
our lanai.
And then there were two...
And then there were three...
And then there was four!
(the fourth is by the rocks in the
lower left corner of the picture)
This greeted us very early one morning.
However, I doubt you will be able to find
the pot of gold at either end!
The Spirit of America has arrived -
It must be Wednesday!
Aloha!