Mele Kalikimaka

The Bing Crosbey song “Mele Kalikimaka” warmed me up to the idea of spending Christmas in a place that isn’t going to receive snow. I didn’t know how the actual day would unfold, but due to the 11 hours difference in time, I did have a superb idea on how to spend Christmas with family. Behold the power of Skype! On Christmas Eve, Hawaii Time, I got to lie in bed and watch the happenings of a Christmas morning on the other side of the world. Seeing kids at Christmas always warms my heart but to see my own nieces and nephews open their gifts was truly unique. Plus the fact that they were doing it in the technical future was even more mind blowing.

My actual Christmas Day was full of laughter, food, gifts, and games. I sat down with my eclectic Ohana from all walks of life. This Christmas turned out exactly as I hoped it would, and it will be one that I will always remember with a savoring smile.

Decmeber 24^th: Christmas Eve/Christmas morning Skype with the Sephtons

December 25^th: 51 laimana Christmas, Brianna’s Christmas Celebration

December 29^th: Kama`aina! Look who is now a resident of Hawaii!

Kona Side Sea Adventures

As a three-month treat to myself, I wanted to do something special. A gentleman that I met back on the catamaran back in Santa Cruise heard of my move to Hawaii and told me about one of the high lights of his life was swimming with the manta rays on the Big Island. By the end of our trip, he mentioned it three or four times. This obviously left a dent in my memory so I thought I would check it out.

The three-month mark was at the end of November, but with the holiday schedule flipping things around and other logistical road blocks (getting to Kona) the adventure was just wasn’t coming together. I started involving others, inviting co-workers and getting other peoples advice on rental cars and places to stay. This opened up some unexpected doors that I never thought possible.

The way Monday and Tuesday unfolded was completely magical. One of my co-workers had done the swim before and knew exactly where to go and what gear was needed. Instead of going with a commercial guide, Jessie Lou made the trip smooth and easy. I will never forget the sight of a beautiful, mystical create doing a barrel roll just a few feet from me.

Camping in the district of Kohala on the Northern tip of the island, we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise and a glimpse at some of the first whales of the season. The open, clear sky provided a view of Haleakala, Maui’s volcano, across the 70-mile gap between the two islands. We too could see 4 out of the 5 volcanoes on the Big Island- Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Kohala, and Haulage.

The day rounded out beautifully with a birthday celebration for Liz on the soft sands of Makalawena and the poolside view of a Lu`au. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate my three months in Hawaii.

Monday, December 14^th: Night swim with Manta Rays, Camping in Kohala

Tuesday, December 15^th: Liz’s Birthday – Whale sighting with Haleakala, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Kohala, and Haulalei. Makalawena Beach, Royal Kona Resort Drinks, and Lu`au