Whale Watching
We were at the whale-watching site long before sunrise, and watched the sun rise on the boat.
We heard a very interesting and comprehensive explanation of whales as we waited to see the whales.
Just as the sun rose, we saw several whales, including several who jumped at the same time. The last photo showing this was not mine, but off the internet, but it shows how fun it was.
Kona Temple
I went to the Kona Temple and it was wonderful. It is reassuring and peaceful the temple—anywhere in the world—is. Afterwards, I went to the Urgent Care Clinic to get a tetanus shot.
Kailua Kona
We wandered around the Kailua Kona area, exploring museums, and other places (including markets where we bought some stuff at the ABC store. We finally found a place to eat at the Splasher’s Restaurant, where I ate Ahi (a type of tuna).
We tried to get some shaved ice, but we couldn’t find any.
Wednesday
Kula Kai Caves
The lava tube caves were very different than I’d expected since my experience with lava tubes near Hilo was Kaumana Caves, It had very smooth walls and no lighting (just your flashlights. It is still open, but hard to get to. Kula Kai lava tubes were lighted and quite accessible.
Cave shack 
ladder to upper regions 
roots hanging down inside cave
South Point—Black Sand Beach
Windswept Ka Lae’s claim to fame is that it is the southernmost point of land in the United States. Also known as “South Point,” it’s believed that Ka Lae is the first place Polynesians came ashore when they reached the Hawaiian Islands as early as 750 A.D. There are still old canoe mooring holes carved throughout the rocks that local fishermen use to this day.
The entire southern tip is registered as a National Historic Landmark, as it’s scattered with the ruins of heiau (temples) fishing shrines and other cultural relics. A trip here is an opportunity to experience the elements — land, air and ocean — because that’s what South Point is all about: nature’s raw and powerful beauty.
Punalu’u Bakery
Punalu’u Black Sand
