I can't believe we have been here for almost a month. Time is on crack here! We wake up in the morning, have breakfast, decide what we'll do for the day, pack up, head out, and before I know it, the sun is setting. I have decided it is a great way to live! No wonder most people seem happy here :)
Yesterday, Jaden and I wanted to snorkel, so we went to the premiere spot on the island, Hanauma Bay. This bay is a natural pool that has formed in a volcanic crater and is home to approximately 400 different marine species. There are many legends told how Hanauma Bay got its name. The most famous tale is a love story between two very powerful ali'i (chiefs). They were both experts in the sport of arm wrestling (uma). Ali'i Koko and Ali'i Hana both fell deeply in love with the most beautiful maiden in Hawaii, Keohinani. Her father was the guardian of Hanauma Bay, Keanamo'o, the great lizard. Her hand in marriage was to be decided by a contest of strength to determine their nobility. All day, the two men struggled to prove their greatness yet each was equally strong. As night began to fall, the score remained even in match after match. Keohinani loved both men and it pained her to see their suffering and loss of dignity. As the contest continued, she climbed to the top of the crater and asked the gods to transform her into a hill so the pain and suffering will be over. Instantly, she was transformed into part of the crater. Her unselfish deed allowed her suitors to gaze with awe upon her beauty and innocence forever. Her father was so deeply moved and pleased by his daughter's humble act of kindness that he transformed himself into the crater rim above her. These two intertwined ridges look today like linked arms that gave rise to the crater rims of Hanauma Bay.
Who knew I was such a fan of Hawaiian history? Anyway, we rented snorkel gear and set out to catch dinner :) Just kidding, Hanauma Bay is a marine preserve which means it's illegal to touch, disrupt, or harass any marine life. Jaden and I saw so many different species of fish, sea creatures, and coral reefs. We even saw a University of Texas fish (he was burnt orange and white). Naturally he was the biggest fish around. Below are some photos of our day.
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| snorkel supermodels? |
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| photo was taken right before I realized my waterproof case wasn't waterproof anymore |
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| view from the top |
We have been so busy doing things that I have been neglecting my tan and Jaden has been neglecting his surfboard. Today we decided to fix that! We headed down to our local beach, where Jaden hopped on his surfboard and I hopped in my chair. Three hours later, we were hungry and wanted a different view.
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| Shaka |
After lunch, we headed to a different part of the beach. This area is completely reserved for boogie boarders and swimmers. No surfing allowed! Jaden decided to enter the water in an unusual way. He only did this about 50 times. In a row.
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| Clearly he doesn't have a fear of heights |
We spent another three hours at this beach and walked home just as the sun was setting. The saying is really true, "Time flies when you're having fun". I don't know what is on our agenda for tomorrow, but I'm sure it will be decided over breakfast.
Aloha!
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