Hawaii – Captain Cook and Kona

After our late night flight into the Big Island from the 18 km hike at Haleakala, we woke up to calm Sky at Captain Cook near Kona. The region is where Captian James Cook made landfall on the Big Island in 1779.

We picked up our rental car and got upgraded to a Ford Fusion. There are so many high-tech features that kept me entertained for the full week.

Driving to the local Farmer’s Market as well as browse around the Historic Kailua Village near Kona. Big Island feels less commercialized and locals support each other in small businesses.

We stopped at Kahaluu Beach Park and did some snorkelling.

The bay allowed for very calm and clear water, great for the two of us learning to swim with the colourful fish and explore the corals.

It was fun taking underwater photos, but now have so much more respect for those that work in the ocean. (Thanks Adrian for lending me the camera!)

We even got to swim alongside sea turtles, they are so graceful in the water.


It was a gorgeous day out so we took a walk along the waterfront of the Kailua Village.

Stopped for some Scandinavian shave ice, it was surprisingly tasty!

We also visited the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park – once the home of royal grounds and a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers.

Breaking of kapu, sacred laws of Hawaiian culture, could mean death. The lawbreaker’s only chance for survival was to make it to a puuhonua, or a sacred place of refuge. A ceremony of absolution would take place and the law-breaker would be able to return to society.

Wooden images of gods, Kii, guard the Hale o Keawe Heiau, a sacred temple that housed the bones of 23 alii (chiefs).

Lava rock shoreline hindered kapu-breakers from approaching by sea.

Around Sunset, we wandered down a winding road to the beach and a park ranger was very kind to offer us a ride up.

Sitting on the cab of the pick-up truck!

Travelling like local Hawaiians!