We continued to enjoy our time in Kona on the Big Island.  One of our favorite things was snorkeling and on the Big Island living coral can be found in 57% of the waters surrounding this island.  We found a great place to snorkel not far from our condo called Kahalu’u Bay.   Bill said it was like snorkeling in an aquarium because of all the brightly colored fish we saw.   We also saw very large green sea turtles swimming by us, ignoring us as if they didn’t even know we were there.

Kahalu’u Bay

Another day we drove to South Point, the southernmost point in the United States.  (Sorry Key West).  This South Point has a latitude 500 miles farther south than Miami.  It is believed in 150 A.D. the first Polynesian explorers set foot on the island near this point.  This area is a favorite spot for cliff jumpers to dive into the ocean, though signs warn of strong current and dangerous conditions. On this day some young people were diving into the water and found a large hole full of sea water to jump into and climb back up the steep sides.  We enjoyed finding a geocache at this beautiful location.

On our drive to South Point we unexpectedly came across a zebra, donkey, and bison along the side of the road. 

We then drove to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park, one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii.  The black sand is made from basalt created by lava flowing into the ocean which exploded as it reached the ocean and cooled. 

On the island you can find sandy beaches or lava rock beaches. 

We celebrated Thanksgiving with dinner at a local restaurant where we sat at a table in the sand with great views of the ocean and live entertainment.