The five of us got up, had a quick breakfast and headed for the beach. We went to Mauna Lani. It's actually a lovely resort but all the beaches here have to have some public access so we were in front of a grand resort at an outstanding beach for the boys and for snorkeling. It was a hike through a lava field, by the Kalahuipua'a Fishponds which are among the few remaining working fishponds. They are stocked with awa (Hawaiian milk fish). Water circulates from the ocean through traditional makaha (sluice gates), which allow small fish to enter but keeps mature, fattened catch from leaving. Then across a bridge and onto the beach. On the bridge there were some Japanese ladies fishing. Japanese women are fascinated with blonde American kids (Ryan looks like a true "surfer" guy) and one asked Ryan if he would like to try, so he got in his first bamboo pole fishing experience. They showed us the Hawaiian Turkey Fish they had caught..impressive. We got settled on the beach and Jill and Colin and John went out snorkeling while Grandma and Ryan built sandcastles near the shore. Colin is getting to be a really good snorkeler! When they returned, Grandma and Grandpa went out. Really great snorkeling...lots of big yellow tangs, parrot fish, trigger fish, Butterfly fish, boarfish, unicorn fish, angelfish and great urchins and coral. Very fun. We stayed for several hours and then headed home for lunch and rest time. Jill packed up and we headed for the airport to drop the three of them off for their flight back to Oahu. We've got more adventures here and will return on Saturday just in time to celebrate Colin's 5th birthday! We stopped at a couple of beaches on the way back and then had a leisurely dinner and started getting caught up on the blog.
