(South Kona Coast and Historical Parks; posted January 2nd from San Jose)

Today we explored the Kona Coast.  Heading south, we took the winding road to the sea to Kealakekua Bay.  From the Bay, we can see the Captain Cook Monument on the other side (about a mile across the water).  This is where the natives killed Cook in 1779 and then the English built a monument to him in 1878.  We opt not to kayak over to it.  The remains of a Hawaiian Temple next to the beach are unspectacular.  We wander down the road away from the tourist scene and find a small park and path along the beach.  It’s pretty and after we’re done exploring, we head back to the car.

We take a one lane road along the coast to another historical Park, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (more pronouncably known as the "Place of Refuge").  In the ancient Hawaiian customs, if you broke the code of conduct, you were sentenced to death; however, if you made it to the Place of Refuge and spent a night there, you were pardoned.  This is sacred Hawaiian ground.  There are reproductions of wood statues here.  After visiting the main sites, we find the 1871 Trail which leads along the coast passing lava tubes, old structures, and lots of plants. 

On the way back, we stop at the ocean after a tip that a pair of humpbacks are out.   We spot some distant water spots and a few minutes later see a tail come out of the water.  Very cool.  Then they were gone.  Where’s Spock when you need him?  We watch for a little while, but after not seeing them again, we hike back to the car to.  It’s time for showers, dinner, and sleep.

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