Where are we today? Kona on the "Big Island", Hawaii.

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Wow! Kona is beautiful!  

Dave and I have only been to Hawaii once before, and that was to Maui. Kona and Maui are somewhat different. I'm hard pressed to say which island that I like better, as both are wonderful, but I do know that I would love more time to explore the Big Island.  It is so much larger than any of the other places in the state, and the population is less dense.  The people of the area work hard to keep the waters pristine, and the various colors of the harbor and sea are amazing.

We started our day by presenting our passports to be checked by US Customs agents who came on board to make sure that we are all who we say we are.  As with all things Zuiderdam, the check was highly organized and moved so quickly that the process was painless.

Then, we tendered to the pier and walked one mile up the mountain to WalMart. I think I saw half the boat making the same trek, as we all know that we only have a few more stops in countries with Big Box stores to stock up on necessities. 



 In the afternoon, we tendered back to the pier and boarded a 65 foot Catamaran for whale watching.  We were blessed with so many sightings, many of them of two particular humpback whales.  The trip was guided by a woman with a master's degree in marine biology and whose focus is whales.  

We both had a hard time getting good shots of the whales.  At one point, I gave up and decided just to enjoy the glimpses of the magnificent sea creatures. The times that the whales lifted their tales up were special treats. 

Off to look for whales.


One of the whale sightings.  We just didn't capture the moment well.



Historic church in Kona, still in use.

The water here is blue, but there are places where it is an incredible teal color.

We ate dinner in Kona and are back onboard for a trip around to Hilo on the other side of the island.  The Captain announced that if we wake up early and the ship happens to be pitching and rolling, not to be alarmed.  We are going to encounter a pressure system in a passage that is already fierce.  

Sunset from our balcony
He has made everything beautiful in its time.  Ecclessiastes 3:11

Mahalo, my friends! 

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