Sandra and I spent last week with our son, James, and our two wonderful grandchildren, Colsen and Reid. This was only their second trip to Hawaii. And due in part to Covid, they have done less swimming than one might hope.
Both were eager to get in some time at the beach. And it seemed like they might both take to snorkeling right away. However, when we got down to the ocean the process was slower than we had hoped. Reid never made it past hanging onto his dad as they swished around in the shallows. Colsen
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| Colsen goes on his first snorkel. |
eventually had one good outing.
However, things began slowly. On the day of arrival we made it down to the Inner Harbour. Colsen was eager to put on his new mask, but unwilling to do more than crawl around on the sand in four inches of water, occasionally immersing his face, presumably capturing a quick glance at the sandy bottom.
Day two was just a little better. On the second full day of their trip we went to the Ironman side of the pier and, with his life jacket on, Colsen permitted his father to tow him out past the first swim buoy. He was amazed at being in the water with live fish.
It could be that on this first outing he saw only a few Square spot Goatfish. This is a pretty common fish, but to his eye it was big and infinitely interesting. this was an existential accomplishment. He had gone snorkeling. And seen a fish. A Big Fish!
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| It's a milletseed! This one was at Kawaihae. |
While Colsen took his inaugural snorkel, Sandra escorted Reid across the pier where they saw quite a a few fish just standing near the boat launch. Among others, they saw a Pacific Boxfish, some yellow Tangs, and a Milletseed Butterflyfish. This latter was thanks to what my beloved described as a homeless person. She was looking at the fish and out of nowhere a gentleman said, "Its a milletseed." And he was right.
At this point I have to note that fine couture is optional here in Kona. In fact, there may be days that the only way you can tell that I'm not homeless is the my lack of a shopping cart full of worldly possessions.
For the next 12 hours every car ride was punctuated by a recounting of grandmas fish watching prowess. Reid would commandeer a copy of John Hoover's fish book we keep in the seat pocket and proclaim. Grandma saw this, Grandma saw this. In the upcoming movie she is played by Jacqueline Cousteau.
The next morning we hit the road early and were at Ho'okena before 8:30. On the way, as we passed through Honaunau, Sandra pulled up an ancient version of Little Grass Shack and I spent a few grandfatherly minutes attempting to get the boys to sing, "Komo mai, no kauai, ika hale welakehau." which as the old Hawaiians know means, you are welcome to come into my home and have a good time. Now that's Hawaii!
If you are so disposed, you can clip and paste and listen to Bing Crosby sing this Hawaiian favorite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9rOSD38_Ao
So we made it down the long curvy road to Ho'okena, admiring the old stone walls and a few cows. And we sang our way into the parking lot at an hour when many a vacationer is still in bed, but just in time to nab the last parking spot. It is tourist season and no mistake. As we unloaded, arriving cars circled and were turned away by a designated parking attendant.
Soon our stuff was on a shaded table and the boys were down on the beach boogie boarding the tail outs and playing in the soft black sand. While they enjoyed the beach, Sandra and I took a quick snorkel. The waves were small and the entry was easy. Soon we were out at the dependable coral head that produced Potter's and Flame Angelfish. We didn't find the Gilded Triggerfish, but on the way in we happened upon a handsome Scribbled Filefish. Once a common resident at Kahalu'u, this beauty is getting progressively more difficult.
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| Mr. Scribble at Ho'okena. |
She likes the boys in the band / Mr. Scribble is her favorite. / And she'll never let your spirits down, / Once you get her off the sand.
Thanks to Rick James.
We made it back to the table in time to help dish out snacks and sandwiches to the boys and then it was time for Colsen to go snorkeling For real this time
Once again wearing his life preserver, he made it through the small surf and the allowed James to tow him for about 150 yards, out and back.
We had been swimming only a short distance when up ahead we got a solid, if fleeting look at a Paletail Unicornfish. It was a nice adult with his horn protruding like the nose on a fish that Ringo admired through the porthole on the Yellow Submarine.
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| An Intricate pattern on a Cushion Starfish Ho'okena 2022 |
On the way out we veered south over the sand and found a trio of Gilded Triggerfish. As with the unicornfish, James and I got an excellent look in crystal clear water, but it was hard to tell if Colsen was able to focus on these fish that had to be at least ten yards away. But James was a good guide and maybe he did see them.
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| Potter's Angelfish, Ho'okena 2022 |
Because we had veered so far left, we over shot the angelfish coral. Eventually we decided to turn back towards the beach and caught the angelfish on the return. Colsen was amazingly patient and, as far as I can tell, saw both the Potter's and Flame Angelfish. In addition, there was a wnderful big Yellowmargin Moray lounging in the coral about fifteen feet below. I dove a couple times to point him out and eventually Colsen saw the monster.
On the way back in I spotted an Ornate Wrasse. While this is not really remarkable, it was my first one for 2022 and that is both surprising and a bit sad. As James towed Colsen to shore I spotted an octopus, which was quick to dodge into cover. By the time I gave up on him, James and Colsen were on shore waiting for Gramps.
When we returned to the table, we found Grandma Sandra and Reid, who had made a foray along the lava rock beach in front of the old town of Ho'okena. They had watched a boy reel in a goatfish while standing on the old cement landing. Sandra was disappointed that they hadn't seen any fish, not even a crab. On the other hand, what boy doesn't revel in the catching of a fish!
There was somebody waiting for our parking spot as we left and, as we drove out of the park, a dozen cars were parked along the side of the road. Following the pre-vaccine period of the pandemic, tourists have returned to the Big island in droves. Many of our best snorkeling spots are now well known, so be you visitor or kama'aina, plan accordingly. But be assured, if you are lucky enough to get a parking spot it will be worth it!
jeff
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