After a more restful night, we were awake before dawn. Had the sky been cloudless, I'm sure the sunset would have been beautiful. Perhaps tomorrow. Today, it was overcast and rainy. Since we were actually hungry (I had a craving for bacon) and the thought of food was appetizing, we decided to have breakfast at the hotel. It was buffet style with a fair bit of variety and overall, alright. I tried to avoid anything with dairy but did go ahead and have 3 pieces of bacon but the rest was mostly rice and bread. My Mom had some miso soup, so I'm guessing the buffet caters to Japanese guests between the rice and miso soup selections. All the bacon was a bit of a mistake on my part but ah well.
After a short stint back to the room to grab some water, we drove off south down highway 11 to go to the Pu'uhonoa o Honaunau National Historical Park. The drive took about 30 mins through a 100ft elevation change and gentle, snaking curves, which made me glad that I was driving.
The historical park is located right on water with a little bay. The beaches are covered in amazing, black lava rocks of all shapes and sizes. However, I suppose I should first mention what this park is all about. Back before the white, christian folk began to invade the islands, this area was a sanctuary. It was a refuge for those who had committed crimes or didn't want to fight during a war between tribes. For those that committed crimes, if they were able to make it to the refuge before being caught, they would be absolved of their wrong doings by a priest. Apparently, it wasn't comfortable but it was a place of survival. There were reconstructed structures and temples, as well ancient wooden carvings and a large, deep black rock wall that was built in the 1500s. Both my Mom and I commented that there was a sense of peace on these sandy, palm strewn grounds.
Though, I think what ultimately fascinated us the most was the lava rock shores and its many tide pools that varied in shape and size. These pools were teeming with different kinds of fish and occasionally speckled with dark red sea urchins. I enjoyed being able to get my toes wet in the warm water and being able to photograph the magnificent patterns and lines left within the rock by what was once cooling lava. Another thing I noted, was the sound of the wind blowing through the palm fronds, which I felt sounded like gentle rain pattering on sunbaked concrete.
I likely could have spent much more time meandering over the warm rocks in my bare feet but I just waited for the first mention of my Mom wanting to go and off we went for the rest of the self guided tour amid the tall palms. The weather was hot and humid with its overcast, light gray skies but I was happy for the chance for some heat induced sweat on my brow after all the cold months in the rainy Northwest. On our way out, I purchased my traditional pin from the gift shop and my Mom got herself a book about the goddess Pele, which should be an interesting an informative read.
On the drive back, we made a quick detour to follow signs for a painted church. This ended up being a wooden catholic church built in the 1800s that had its interior painted in a folk art style. The next detour we made was at the Royal Kona Coffee Museum and Coffee Mill, which really just ended up being a glorified gift shop. Other than a quick video on Kona Coffee, there wasn't much to see about coffee as all the equipment was not in use. The best part for me was the free lava tube that could walk through, which wasn't very long but neat nonetheless. A cave is a cave, and to me, they're always fascinating, no matter how drippy.
We've seen some fascinating wildlife so far on our trip. And if you know me, I've already tried to photographed most of it and learn the names. The most interesting today was learning the names of the zebra doves, saffron finches, myna birds and small asian mongooses. Yes, you read that right, the island is plagued by small mongooses originally from Asia the same way New Zealand is plagued by possums originally from Australia. Instead of keeping the rat population under control, they're decimating the local bird population instead.
After we got back, we had to call about a leaky toilet in the bathroom but then it was off to some shopping and soup at a Thai restaurant, as my Mom thought soup would be best. However, my digestion didn't agree so afterwards, we ended up having to go back to the hotel. No swimming in the lagoon for me, yet again.
Now, alas, we've received some bad news from abroad... my Oma has passed away rather suddenly in Germany. So, I do not know where we will go from here. Until then I know, I bid you good night.
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