2022 Hawaii: Big Island-Maui-Oahu - Florida - Golf Tennessee - Civil War West Virginia - Maryland/DC-Govenors Island-Stonewall-Black River Valley-Kathadin Woods & Waters-Montreal-Quebec-Ford Presidential Museum & Library-NGAUS Columbus OH-Orlando

2022

The protocols are less stringent
today then they were 8 months ago

ALOHA – SAFE TRAVELS HAWAII

The State of Hawaii welcomes all vaccinated international travelers and is aligned with the CDC
federal international requirements. Non US-citizens traveling directly to Hawaii must present both a vaccination record an d negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT or antigen) within one-day of boarding a flight to the US.

U.S. citizens flying directly to Hawaii from an international destination have two options: 1) fully vaccinated U.S. citizens must provide proof of vaccination AND a negative COVID 19 test result within one day of boarding a flight to Hawaii OR 2) if not vaccinated, a negative COVID 19 test result within one day of boarding a flight to Hawaii.

Domestic travelers must follow all Safe Travels Hawaii protocols. To avoid mandatory quarantine, prior to departure, upload proof of vaccination or have a negative result from a Trusted Testing Partner. All vaccines approved or authorized by the U.S. FDA, and vaccines listed for emergency use by the WHO will be accepted.

SATURDAY February 5, 2022

WEATHER: 1 degree above zero at 0300; 82 in Kailua-Kona, HA Sunrise: Milwaukee Sunset: Kona 1818

TRAVEL: Fly United Airlines - Milwaukee-Chicago-Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - Paul and Sarah are accompanying me as guests. The flight out of MKE to ORD was late by about 45 minutes; the connecting flight in ORD-HNL was also delayed 45 minutes. Seats were comfortable enough, did not read – watched a special an outstanding Jethro Tull special filmed in 1999 in Holland and a Steve Miller Band concert filmed in 1977 and the Eternals.

Arrived in Kailua-Kona on time at 1420. A gain of 4 hours. After a shuttle from the airport to Budget Car Rental there was a wait of 45 minutes just to get to the counter. Rented a white Impala. Drove to Safeway for groceries, dinner at Roberto's Macaroni Grill in Waikola Village then checked into Kingsland, Hilton Grand Vacations

Hilton Waikoloa Village - resorts and hotels and golf and shopping - all in one place

Kingsland view of building from golf course side

Kingsland Hilton Grand Vacations
- Located on the Kohala Coast, Kings Land by Hilton Grand Vacations Club boasts an on-site restaurant, 4 outdoor swimming pools and a hot tub. . We have a 2 BR condo facing the golf course. One BR with a KING, the second with 2 QUEENS, 2 baths, full kitchen, living room and balcony lanai on the second floor of Bldg 5. Large gas grills located adjacent to the buIlding.

Kingsland pool

WIFI Works! – amazing – much faster than anyplace in Orlando – almost like staying at a Hilton Hotel

Dinner at Roberto’s Macaroni Grill located in Queens Market

SUNDAY February 6, 2022

WEATHER: 66 at 0700, clouds in the mountains Sunrise: Kona 0619 Sunset: Kona 1819

TRAVEL: Kingsland – Ascension Mission Catholic Church – Pu’ukohol Heiau NHS – Kingsland – Kailua- Kona - Kingsland

Kingsland Hilton Grand Vacations - - nice – a Serenity Pool – Kid’s Pool – Adult Pool – Hot tub – Cold Pool. This is a very large complex – several Hilton Resorts on one property King’s Land HGVC – Waikoloa Beach and Kings Golf Course – Kohala Suites HGVC – The Bay Club HGVC – Ocean Tower HGVC. Additionally, two medium sized shopping centers Queen’s Marketplace and King’s Shop, not to mention the beach on Anaeho’omalu Bay.

Kingsland map

Ascension Mission
Church - mass in the yard

10 am mass at Ascension Mission Catholic Church, 69-1789 Puako Beach Dr, Puako - a 15 minute drive north – the church was full - we were asked to sit in charrs set up in an adjoining yard under shade trees – the Mass was streams to a large screen TV that was set up – about 45 people sat outside – pleasant – however I really couldn’t understand a thing the priest said.

263 PU’UKOHOL HEIAU NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE – My second visit to his site, the first was on Monday January 11, 2016.

PARK ALERTS

· Reopening Museum and Store Outlet and Providing Scheduled Ranger Talks

Date Posted: 11/14/2020 Beginning November 15, Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site will reopen access to indoor museum: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily *Interpretive talks: Call to schedule group 10 people or less *Bookstore: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily COVID-19 Mask Requirement

Date Posted: 7/28/2021Consistent with CDC guidance regarding areas of substantial or high transmission, visitors to Pu'ukohola Heiau, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all park buildings.

Long before the time of King Kamehameha I, a socio-political hierarchy, deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs developed in Hawai'i. This rigidly ordered class system gave power to a small number of ali'i nui (high chiefs) who controlled different parts of an island, a whole island, or several islands. Alliances through bloodlines and marriage further complicated and enhanced the relationships among rival chiefs.

To maintain law and order, a kapu (taboo) system based on religious and practical beliefs was imposed by the sovereign ali'I on all of the population. The kapu system was extremely restrictive and rigid, with severe, penalties for those who broke a kapu. The kapu system was in effect for many centuries before it was officially overthrown in 1819, after the death of Kamehameha.

Within this social and religious structure, the political rise of Kamehameha I and the construction of Pu'ukohola Heiau occurred around 1790. Heiau (temples) took on many forms from simple stone markers such as those used as fishing shrines, to massive stone platforms associated with human sacrificial temples. Large heiau such as Pu'ukohola could only be accessed by the priests and chiefly classes.

Pu'ukohala Heiau

One explanation for Kamehameha’s rise to power is based on the fulfillment of four prophecies that different kahuna (priests) decreed would change the course of history in Hawai'i. Each prophecy was directly related to Kamehameha either through his birth or his deeds.

A different explanation for his rise to power is based on the political conflict on Hawai'i in the
1780s. It focuses on his uncles as the force pushing Kamehameha I to the forefront in order to protect their own interests.

In the 1780s, the Hawaiian Islands were in civil unrest as warring chiefs fought for control. The island of Hawai'i had its own internal struggle when one of the ali'i nui Kalani'opu'u, died. He passed his title to his son Kiwala'o and named his nephew, Kamehameha, keeper of the family war god, Kuka'ilimoku. Kiwala'o, the new ali‘i then bestowed gift lands to his uncle Keawemauhili, but left his own half-brother, Keoua Ku'ahu‘ula, with nothing.

Meanwhile, Kamehameha felt he should have of a greater political role. Kiwala'o was killed in battle, setting off a power struggle between Keoua, Keawemauhili, and Kamehameha.

Kapoukahi, a powerful kahuna from Kauaii, prophesized that war would end if Kamehameha constructed a heiau dedicated to the war god Ku at Pu'ukohola. In 1791, Keoua, Kamehameha’s cousin, was slain at Pu'ukohola, an event that according to prophesy, led to the conquest and consolidation of the islands under the rule of Kamehameha I.

Pu'ukohola Heiau

The end of the 1700s was marked by increased visits to the Hawaiian Islands by European
explorers. With their trade ships, warships, cannon, and military experience, the foreigners were considered assets by the warring chiefs.

Kamehameha was particularly astute on this point and took captive two young seamen, John Young and Isaac Davis. Young and Davis proved their courage and loyalty in battle and became close, trusted lieutenants to Kamehameha, aiding in his rise to power. Their relationship lasted far beyond the battlefield and into civilian life, with Young eventually becoming governor on the Island of Hawai'i, and Davis on the island of O'ahu.

John Young, the stranded British sailor who became advisor to King Kamehameha, also handled the king’s business affairs with foreign traders. As a trusted advisor held in high esteem, the king granted him land at Kawaihae, adjoining Pu'ukohola, for a home.

Young first built a small home near the beach below the heiau. Later, he built a larger compound just north of the heiau. His plaster-covered stone house was the first Western style structure in Hawai'i. John Young’s homestead is a part of Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site and is being protected and preserved for future generations.

The multifaceted overthrow of the kapu system in 1819 ended the formal worship of gods and ritual use of the large heiau. They were abandoned and many were destroyed or dismantled, with only their stone platforms remaining. Their surrounding lands were used for agriculture, ranching, or settlement.

Sunset - Kailua-Kona
view from Gertrudes Jazz Bar

Pu'ukohola Heiau was designated in 1928 when it was commemorated as a Historical Landmark by the Hawaiian Territorial Government. In the 1960s, the Queen Emma Foundation and the Queen’s Medical Center, the Waimea and other Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and the local community groups were instrumental in getting Pu'ukohola Heiau designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The Queen Emma Foundation donated 34 acres of land in 1972 encompassing Pulukohola Heiau and the John Young Homestead made it possible for the establishment of Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Through an act of Congress on August 17, 1972, this site became one of the chosen few to be recognized as one of our nation’s crown jewels and national treasures, to be preserved and protected for future generations

When there are not many choices it doesn't
take much to be the best. Like Fred's . . . .

Dinner at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar & Restaurant. Located
on the beach (seawall) in Kailua-Kona; this second-floor venue is one
of the few places that offer entertainment in Kona. Beverages seemed expensive like Disney prices. The entertainment was a elderly ‘piano bar lady’ she played piano and sang – not bad but entertaining.

MONDAY February 7, 2022

WEATHER:68 at 0700 a clouds in the mountains,high 82 Sunrise: Kona 0656 Sunset: Kona 1819

Kingsland interior of our 2BR unit

TRAVEL: Kingsland - N on 270 to Hawi – Polulu Valley
Lookout- S on 250 to Waimea Waipi’o Valley Lookout – Hilo Brewing Co - SE and S on 19 to Akaka Falls State Park – to Hilo – W on 200 (Saddle Raod) between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea – N on 180 – NW on Waikoloa Rd – Kingsland

Original King Kamehameha Statue Just beyond the lovely town of Hawi in North Kohala is the small town of Kapaau. in front of the North Kohala Civic Center stands the original King Kamehameha I Statue, erected not far from where Hawaii's greatest king was born.

Kohalo Coast

Polulu Valley

Polulu Valley - steps leading down
to the beach

POLOLU VALLEY LOOKOUT 52-5100 Akoni Hwy, Kapaau, HI the most northern of the impressive valleys that are carved into the Kohala Volcano in the lush green pastures of the Kohala region on the Big Island. The spectacular views and the steep cliffs are worth the trip. There is an option to hike to the black sand beach at the valley floor. The hike down the side of the clif to the valley floor is short but steep: 420 ft in 0.6 miles, an average grade of 13% rated as Moderate Difficulty. It takes about 20-25 minutes of the average hiker, then there is a short easy stretch to the beach.

Polulu Valley Lookout

KAMAKANI TREE- never found it in Waimea supposedly the only tree in the area to survive a wind storm

Waipi'o Valley

WAIPI’O VALLEY LOOKOUT WAIMEA located on the Hamakua Coast at the end of the
Hamkau Heritage Corridor, the sacred Waipi’o Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehamea I, and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii. This is called the “Valley of the King". A fertile valley one mile across and about 5 miles across. Once the home to thousands, now less than 100 residents live here among the waterfalls and rivers of the valley. Hailawe Falls cascades down 1,300 feet in the back of Waipio – didn’t walk down to the valley floor.

Akaka Falls

AKAKA FALLS STATE PARK – There is an entrance fee of $5 per person and a parking fee
of $10 for a car. There is a pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion, a 100 ft increase in elevation (stairs). This is a good family walk. Allow 1/2 hour for the full loop. The trailhead is located just off the parking lot. The paved route, which includes multiple steps in places (not wheelchair accessible), makes an easy to follow loop offering stunning viewpoints of the two waterfalls. To view ‘Akaka Falls only, take the path to the left (south) from the first junction. The waterfall view is just a short walk down the path.

Hilo Brewing Co - closed on Mondays – had a can of Humpback last night, it was flat and tasteless – probably nothing lost by not stopping here.

Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park - another Maui Legend

Rainbow Falls

RAINBOW FALLS is a cascade 80 ft over a lava cave that, according to legend, is home to the Hawaiian goddess Hina, the goddess of the moon. Compared to its significantly higher (422 ft) neighbor Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls wins out for accessibility and how close you can get to see the waterfall. No entrance fee. Viewpoints of geologic and scenic interest along Wailuku River. There are two separate park areas. Boiling Pots is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow or cascades and whose waters roll and bubble as if boiling. The exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lava. The 80-foot Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow formed from its mist many mornings. Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.

Onizuka Center for International
Astronomy - internet photo

ONIZUKA CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL
ASTORNOMY – We were low on gas and time so we did not stop here. The drive up was in the fog and rain. Low of 55 degrees. It would have been an interesting visit. Mauna Kea is celebrated as the dwelling place of the goddess Poli’ahu. It is also associated with the Hawaiian deities Lilinge and Waiau. The summit was considered the realm of the gods and in ancient times was kapu (forbidden) to all but the highest chiefs and priests. Occasionally Hawaiian ail’I (royalty) would make the long trek to the top, the last royal. The Visitor Center is located at 9,300 ft. The facility was renamed for the Hawaiʻi-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. Today Mauna Kea is home to 13 international observatories.

Poliahu - Pele's sister

According to Hawaiian legends, Poliahu was known to be the beautiful goddess of snow, who lived on the Big Island . Poliahu was at odds with her sister of volcanoes, who often caused Mauna Kea to erupt in fountains of fire in spite of her.

Dinner at Tommy Bahama’s 68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr Kamuela, HI 96743 – a 15% HGVC discount on food.

Kingsland view of golf
course from balcony

TUESDAY February 8, 2022

SARAH’S BIRTHDAY -

WEATHER: 66 at 7 am clouds in the mountains, high of 82 Sunrise:Kona 0656 Sunset:Kona 1820

TRAVEL: Kingsland – Kaloko-Honokohau NHP – Pu’uhonua O Honakaunau NHP- Kealakekua - Kingsland

Kingsland Hilton Grand Vacations – a short visit to the Pro Shop on the golf course, an hour by the pool in the morning -upon return from the afternoon trip – sat on the ocean front of the Waikola Village Hotel complex – watched whales at a distance.

262 KALOKO-HONOKOHAU NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK – My last visit here was Monday January 11, 2016.

Kaloko-Honokohau NHP entrance - the VC is in the background

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park was designated in 1978. As described in its enabling legislation, the park was established “to provide a center for the preservation, interpretation, and perpetuation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture, and to demonstrate historic land use patterns as well as to provide a needed resource for the education, enjoyment, and appreciation of such traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture by local residents and visitors.” In the legislation Congress further directed the National Park Service to manage the new park “generally in accordance with the guidelines provided” in the Spirit Report. To this day, the Spirit Report remains the park’s primary guiding document

261 PU’UHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK –My 3^rd visit to this site. My first was in 1980, my last was January 10, 2016.

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau NHP entrance

PARK ALERTS

The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely

monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the park is as follows:

Open Every Day:

· Entrance station and fee collection activities

· Visitor center parking lot (8:15 am - sunset)

· Visitors services at the visitor center (8:30 am - 4:30 pm)

· All hiking trails

· For daytime exercise and outdoor recreational experience

· Beach and shoreline areas

· For hiking, ocean recreation and fishing (following state regulations). With the exception of Keoneʻele cove at Hōnaunau which is closed to protect natural and cultural resources

· Restroom facilities

· Royal Grounds & Puʻuhonua

· Picnic Area

· Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) owners can resume operations if safety conditions are met.

Closed:

· Amphitheater

Suspended:

· All programs, interpretive talks, and walks

There was a $20 entrance fee per vehicle – after spending all that money to travel to Hawaii
there are some who still will park outside the gate on the road. Extending along the lava flats of the Kona Coast, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is home to some of the most significant traditional Hawaiian sites in the Hawaiian archipelago. One of the most prominent features of the park is the puʻuhonua or place of refuge which is enclosed by the Great Wall, a massive 965 foot long masonry wall. Serving as a sanctuary in ancient times for defeated warriors, noncombatants, and those who violated the kapu (sacred laws), the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau remains a most sacred place to those who step foot on its grounds. The protected waters of Hōnaunau Bay combined with the availability of water from brackish springs provided the ideal location for the aliʻi - Hawaiian royalty - who established important residential and ceremonial sites nearby, an area known today as the Royal Grounds. For several centuries, the puʻuhonua, the Royal Grounds and adjacent areas formed one of the primary religious and political centers within the traditional district of Kona.

Encompassing approximately 420 acres of land that extends through three ahupuaʻa (traditional Hawaiian land divisions), the park contains many other important sites which reflect over four hundred years of Hawaiian history. Such sites include the historic 1871 Trail, a 1-mile segment of a trail that traverses the park coastline, as well as the remains of an abandoned farming and fishing village known as Kiʻilae Village. Other prominent features within the park landscape include the presence of three hōlua slides. Reserved for only aliʻi class, the dangerous but thrilling sport of hōlua consisted of racing down a steeply sloped course using a narrow toboggan-like sled known as a papahōlua. These are just a few of the many sacred sites that are found within the park lands.

Two Step Beach - photo taken from Pu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP - literally next door

TWO STEP BEACH – adjacent to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, I’ve looked to this place twice but didn’t know it had a name. Supposedly the best snokeling on the Big Island.

Painted Church altar
frescoes, vaulted ceiling
ST. BENEDICTS PAINTED CHURCH

Painted Church entrance

84-5140 Painted Church Road, Captain Cook,
Hawaii Island. From the outside, the quaint hillside structure, surrounded by tropical gardens, seems a perfect fit for the area: Were it not for its steepled bell tower and pointed-arch windows, the boxy church could easily be mistaken for an outsized plantation house, a style popular in the surrounding countryside. Simple white walls meet in a gable under a green roof, and wood lattice—the variety many Hawaii homes still use to conceal under-the-house storage—bookend either side of the open-air front entrance. The church is little changed since it was blessed in 1902.

Painted Church
painting

Painted Church
interiorbanister

But the outside belies the cathedral inside. Banisters, ringed in faded red and white, look like barbershop poles but are actually tree trunks. They bear, in Hawaiian language, St. Benedict’s Prayer of Exorcism, and the weight of the vaulted ceiling painted with their palm frond tops. Six frescoes line the long wooden walls between the windows—the images on the left side represent the “good life,” while darker scenes on the right side are themed “understanding death.” Behind the altar, paint creates the illusion of space. Lofty cloisters and vaulted hallways continue beyond like a hall of mirrors. Geometric domes appear to bridge into nothingness where they meet the church’s more modest wood ceiling, painted like a sky at dusk and dotted with hand-cut metal stars. The effect is that of a cathedral melding with heaven.

MONKEY BALLS - 79-7411 Mamalahoa Hwy,Kainaliu, HI 96750 Tue-Fri: noon-4 PM you
gotta stop here – just because – Monkey Balls – Goat Balls and Chicken Balls. Monkey Balls are macadamia nuts wrapped in chocolate; Goat Balls are small pieces of fruit wrapped in chocolate flavors; really can’t remember what was the main ingredient of the Chicken Balls – looked like small droppings.

Monkey Balls store entrance
if you blink you will missit

LITTLE GRASS SHACK - Mamalahoa Hwy. (Hwy 11), at Konawaena Junction, Kealakekua, Big Island, HI I checked at Monkey Balls and this place has been closed for at least 25 years. My first and only visit here was in 1980. No wonder I couldn’t find it in my last two visits . . . . too bad nostalgia.

"My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua, Hawaiʻi", written by Tommy Harrison, Bill Cogswell, and Johnny Noble in Hawaii in 1933. It’s been recorded many times.

I want to go back to my little grass shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii.

I want to be with all the kanes and wahines that I knew long ago

I can hear old guitars a playing, on the beach at Hoonaunau

I can hear the Hawaiians saying "Komomai no kaua ika hale welakahao"

It won't be long 'til my ship will be sailing back to Kona

A grand old place that's always fair to see

I'm just a little Hawaiian and a homeside Island boy

I want to go back to my fish and poi

I want to go back to my little grass shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii

Where the Humuhumu, Nukunuku a puaa goes swimming by

I want to go back to my little grass shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii

I want to be with all the kanes and wahines that I knew long ago

I can hear old guitars a playing, on the beach at Hoonaunau

I can hear the Hawaiians saying "Komomai no kaua ika hale welakahao"

It won't be long 'til my ship will be sailing back to Kona

A grand old place that's always fair to see

I'm just a little Hawaiian and a homeside Island boy

I want to go back to my fish and poi

I want to go back to my little grass shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii

Where the Humuhumu, Nukunuku a puaa goes swimming by

Captain Cooks Monument stock photo

Captain Cook’s statue didn’t bother walking the 3 mile trail to the site near where Captain Cook was killed. James Cook (7 November 1728– 14 February 1779) was a British explorer, navigator, cartographer, and captain in the British Royal Navy, famous for his three voyages between 1768 and 1779 in the Pacific Ocean and to Australia in particular. He made detailed maps of Newfoundland prior to making three voyages to the Pacific, during which he achieved the first recorded European contact with the eastern coastline of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands, and the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand. Cook was attacked and killed in 1779 during his third exploratory voyage in the Pacific while attempting to kidnap the ruling chief of the island of Hawaii, Kalaniʻōpuʻu, to reclaim a long boat taken from one of his ships after his crew took wood from a burial ground.

WEDNESDAY February 9, 2022

WEATHER 63 at 0600 sunny and clear – clouds in the mountains – cool, damp and in the 50’s when we reached Kiluaea Sunrise: Kona 0655 Sunset: Volcanoes NP 1818

TRAVEL: Kingsland - Big Island Harley Davidson - Green Sand Beach – Black Sand Beach –- Volcanoes National Park - Kilauea Military Camp

I had visited here in 2016 - and older part of Mauna Loa
lava flows - the NPS Contact Station was under a tent.
Lots of trails to walk. CLOSED so we didn't stop.

Papakolea - Greeen Sand Beach

GREEN SAND BEACH (PAPAKŌLEA)Green sand beach is one of the “once
in a lifetime” places to visit on the Big Island. Its actual name is “Papakōlea beach” and it is one of two green sand beaches in the United States (the other is on Maui) It was recommended by some of Paul & Sarah’s friends that they met when they were in Carlisle, PA and Paul was attending the Army War College. I’ve never visited here before. I always was a bit off the beaten track.

Papakolea Beach is not easy to reach. First there is the drive to the southern most tip

of the US, then you need to hike 2.7 miles (one way) from the parking lot to the beach.

The beach itself is carved in a 49,000 year old cinder cone belonging to the Maunit a Loa volcano that contains green crystals (olivine) that give the beach it’s; name. We walked in it took us about 1 hour and 20 minutes – an interesting walk. I did not walk down to the beach – its not that hard. I decided to take a vehicle back – it took about 30 minutes to negotiate the rutted and worn roads back to where we parked the car.

Punalu'u Black Sand
Beach

BLACK SAND BEACH (PUNALU’U) Black
Sand (Punaluʻu) Beach is a beach between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu on the Big Island of Hawaii. I’ve been here 3 times in the past. The beach has black sand made of basalt and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. Lots of sea turtles in the water nearby.

In the Hawaiian language punulu’u means ‘spring (water) diver for’. Unique to Punalu’u within its aqueous environment is large amount of underground fresh water that flows into the bay. Legend has it that in times of drought, the ancient Hawaiians would free dive in Punalu’u’s ocen waters with gourd vessels to collect fresh water.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

260 VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – My 4^th visit here. Last visited January 7-10, 2016. I’ve visited all its units and hiked most of the park’s trails.

PARK ALERTS

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public
health authorities, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All areas of the park previously closed due to the pandemic are now open, but visitor services are limited. The following areas remain closed for your safety:

Kīlauea Visitor Center exhibits and theater are closed. The park bookstore, lānai, and restrooms are open.
The Kahuku Unit is closed Monday through Wednesday, and is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Businesses in the park that meet local and federal public health requirements are open with limited or modified services, including Volcano House, Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano Art Center Gallery and the park’s non-profit partner, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Contact the businesses directly for details.

Park rangers are available to answer your questions on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center and via phone at 808-985-6011.“Services are limited, and visitors should bring everything they might need for a safe visit including water, meals, and hand sanitizer. Above all, visitors should pack their patience, avoid crowds, and have alternate destinations planned should parking lots be full,”

Mauna Loa & Kilauea - Volcanoes National Park

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was originally established along with Haleakalā National Park as “Hawai‘i National Park” in 1916, the year the National Park Service was created. In 1961, the two parks became independent. Here within the more than 330,000 vast acres of designated parklands you can find two of the world’s most active volcanoes—Mauna Loa and Kīlauea—as well as tiny nananana makakiʻ (happyface spiders), carnivorous caterpillars, exquisite ʻapapane (an endemic honeycreeper), towering hapuʻu fern forests, and the nesting beaches of critically endangered honuʻea (hawksbill sea turtles). Many of the park’s species are listed as rare, protected or endangered. Kīlauea’s summit area is accessible by car. The Kīlauea Visitor Center just inside the park entrance is closed as are its interpretive programs, museum exhibits, a park film, reference materials, and guided walks. A Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association park store in the visitor center showcases books, photography, maps, apparel, and more. Arrived about 5:15 pm – cool and cloudy – store was closed. . A $30 charge per car but I got in with my Senior NPS Pass – the ranger noticed Paul’s military ID – and gave him a FREE Annual Pass good for one year. NPS might be doing it right, i.e. considering NG and Reserve as ACTIVE DUTY. Stopped by the General Store for some supplies.

Kilauea Military Camp – My 3^rd stay at KMC. We’re in a 2 BR Cottage – a disappointment and my error, I thought I had reserved a 2 BR Cottage with Kitchen. Well, no kitchen and of course it’s a little smaller.

WIFI works. KMC has its advantages General Store, 10 Pin Grill/Recreation Lodge/Bowling Alley, Post Office, Fitness Center, Laundry Facilities, Lava Lounge (bar), Crater Rim Café (breakfast daily-dinner on weekends), basketball and tennis courts, baseball field, gas station. It also has a tour and transportation office to include airport shuttles

KMC is open to all Active & Retired military and other uniformed services, as well as; current & retired DOD employees.

Kiluea Military Camp Map

THURSDAY February 10, 2022

WEATHER: clear and sunny at 7 am 62 degrees, sunny most of the day, 84 down along the coast, clouded up and in the 60’s as we drove back up to 4,000 ft, rain around 7pm, foggy, clear and 58 at 8pm Sunrise: Volcanoes NP 0652 Sunset: Volcanoes NP 1818

TRAVEL: KMC-VC-Volcano House-Desolation Trail-

260 VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Kilauea Military Camp - front view

KMC 2 BR Cottage

Kilauea Military Camp - WIFI Works! the price is right (2 BR Cottage $156/ nights with NO 11%

Hawaii Excise & Hotel Taxes) but the cabins/cottages have few amenities i.e. hairdryer, towels, 4 cup coffee maker and a microwave, some hand soap – that’s it! I thought I reserved a 2 BR Cottage w/Kitchen ($174/ night) but maybe they were already full. There is also a ‘dormitory (open bay) rate’ for E1-E5 at less than $20/night. We improvised breakfast with microwaved scrambled eggs-bacon-potatoes.

The Visitor Center was run by the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association and Volunteers. Except at the gate, collecting entrance fees, I don’t think I saw a ranger during my entire stay. The Book Store had a limit of 10 people at a time. Waited to get a park passport stamp. Volcano House was across the street, unable to make a reservation online, and the only time we could have dinner was a late 8:30 pm.

Devastation Trail from Crater Rim Road to a view point about 1 mile form Halema’uma’u Crater. This is the closest I’ve been able to get the to crater and it was erupting. Not majestic spurts or a large lava lake, but still the closest I was ever able to get here in 4 visits. It was a little more than a 2 mile round trip mostly on a paved road.

Halema'uma'u Crater

Halema'uma'u Crater - there is a small red lava flow visible right center

Halema,uma'u Crater is in the background

Lava Slide in an area of lava
flows that resembled the crust
of a brownie

We drove down Chain of Craters Road to the end of the road – a change in elevation ofalmost 4,000 ft and a significant increase in temperature. The drive is beautiful and we did not stop at all the craters from which the road gets its name.

This lava flow looked like the crust of a brownie

We drove past the Kilauea Iki trailhead. Kilauea Iki is a 4 mile loop that descends 400 feet through forest and across a hardened lave lake that it still steaming from the 1959 eruption. From the parking area it’s actually a 5 mile hike total. We did not stop at the Thurston Lava Tube.

My initial intent was to hike the 2.5 mile Mauna Una Trail but I missed the turnoff on the way down and there was not enough time on the way up.

At the end of the road we did not walk to Holei Sea Arch, formed by wave erosion, the same process will eventually cause its collapse. Been there twice – done that.

Petroglyph Trail

Petroglyphs

The Pu’u Loa Petroglyph Trail was a 1.5 mile hike – a little more than an hour.

Somehow, I had forgot to make a reservation at the Volcano House for dinner. They were full until 8:30 pm so we ate at the Crater Rim Café. We’ve eaten here before, a short drive out of the park. Service was as best as could be expected i.e. 2 waitresses – could have used 4 or 5. Food was good.

Petrogyph Trail
Lava - like Pele's hair

Sulphur Banks

Paul and Sarah went to the Sulphur Banks and Steam Vents – two short walks

After dinner we drove down to the Volcanoes Observatory and the ‘glow’ from Halema’uma’u Crater was outstanding. Best I’ve ever seen possibly helped by reflection off the low clouds. However, it was windy and 58 degrees.

Paul and Sarah decided they were going to go view Halema’uma’u Crater at the viewing point on Devastation Trail – where we were in the morning. Their photos and videos tell me it was worth the hike in the dark.

Halema'uma'u Crater lava flow daytime

Halema'uma'u Crater lave flow at night
photo from about as the same place
the photo before this was taken

Halema'uma'u Crater "glow" from the vicinity of the Volacno Observatory

The Hawaiian godess Pele

FRIDAY February 11, 2022

WEATHER 51 at 0600 at KMC Sunrise: Volcanoes NP 0651 Sunset: Kihei, Maui 1821

TRAVEL: Southern Airways/Mokulele Airways Hilo (ITO) LV 1035 AR 1134 Kahului (OGG) Maui; Thrifty Car Rental - Maui Bay Villas

"da plane, da plane"

Akaka Falls

The flight on Moukele Airlineswas on a 10 passenger single engine airplane. I’ve flown on this before in 2016 from Kona to Maui to Molokai to Oahu. Leaving Hilo the plane flew along the Kohala coast. If you were sitting on the left side of the plane you could see Akaka Falls and the Polulu and Waipio'o Valleys.

Mauna Kea from the air

Waiipo Valley from the air
there is a road/path that leads down
to the valley on the left

I let Paul rent the car here and drive. We left the airport too late to get the Healeakala Visitor Center Bookstore by 2 pm. So we went to Safeway to buy groceries.

Maui Bay Villas HGVC – WIFI Works! heavenly – only one building completed with 21 units – very lucky to get this – this is a fantastic place to be – 3 pools – not tub – no people. I think Paul & Sarah would be content just to stay here and not go anyplace else.

Maui Bay Villas Club House

The staff here was very accommodating. The room was not ready. They asked if we had bought groceries and offered to put them in a large refrigerator. We had bought groceries, so we did. They also offered a large cabana with TV for the Super Bowl on Sunday. Paul & Sarah bought in – it was free. This place is so new – there is no bar – no restaurant – bring your own drinks to the pool. Actually, this place did just open in October, 2020.

The room is outstanding. The best Hilton I’ve been at so far.

Cubano Sandwich
at Nula's

Nalu's

A wonderful lunch at Nula’s and a brief visit to Maui Brewery. The room was ready at 4 pm and we checked in at 5:15. The groceries were already delivered to the room and put in the refrigerator.

SATURDAY February 12, 2022

WEATHER 63 degress at 6 am - 50's on Halekala summit - high of 80 in the lowlands Sunrise: Kihei, Maui 0656 Sunset: Kihei, Maui 1822

TRAVEL: Maui Bay Villas – Haleakala National Park – Summit VC Bookstore – Kilului Ale House - Maui Bay Villas

264 HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK – My last visit here was January 12-13, 2016.

Island of Maui

PARK ALERTS
Summit District:

Headquarters Visitor Center –temporarily closed it was closed when I was here in 2016 Located above the park entrance at 7000 ft. (2134 m). Haleakalā Visitor Center–Open 7 days/week 9:00-2:00pm for park store operation only. Located on the edge of the Haleakalā crater at 9,740ft (2969m).

Kīpahulu District:

Kīpahulu Visitor Center–temporarily closed this was open in 2016, will visit on Saturday February 12 - Located at the coastal Kīpahulu District.

Māui Snaring the Sun The Māui myths are known to many cultures throughout the pacific. His most famous deeds include fishing up islands, obtaining fire, and snaring the sun. The version told here in Hawaiʻi of Māui capturing and slowing ka lā (the sun) involves Hale-a-ka-lā, the house-of-the-sun. The natural phenomena of the sun’s movement across the sky is explained in the Hawaiian mo‘olelo of Māui snaring the sun.

Long ago the sun ran quickly across the sky. There was hardly any time to prepare and cook food, and even a prayer to the gods could not be finished before darkness fell. Māui’s mother Hina had trouble drying her kapa, the bark-cloth that was the only source of clothing and bedding in Hawaiʻi. Kapa is created from the bark of the wauke plant, beaten and processed. Before it can be worn it must be dried in the sun, and the sun passed over so quickly that by the time Hina had laid it all out, it was dark and she had to gather them back up again.

Haleakala Crater

Māui decided to make the sun go slower, so he climbed to the top of the ridges of Iao valley to track the path of the sun. He saw that the sun came up the eastern side of Haleakalā, and crossing the plain and climbing the mountain he watched the sun come up from Koʻolau, and passed over the top of the mountain. After figuring out the path of the sun Māui returend to his mother Hina and told her of his plan to slow down the sun. She gave him fifteen strong cords and told him to find the place where a large wiliwili tree grows on Haleakalā, that is where his grandmother lives, and the sun stops there to eat bananas cooked by his grandmother. He must wait until the rooster crows three times, and when his grandmother comes out to prepare the bananas, he must steal them.

Haleakala - road to the summit

When she looks for them she will find him, and when he identifies himself as the son of Hina she will help him.

Māui climbed back up Haleakalā to Kaupō and found the wiliwili tree. After the rooster crowed he saw his grandmother come out with a bunch of bananas. She laid them down as she went about her preparations, and Māui stole the bananas easily, as his grandmother was blind. When she reached for them and found them gone she cried out, and though blind she sniffed around and scented a man, asking who was there. Māui replied that he was the son of Hina, and he’d come to kill the sun for going too fast that the kapa Hina made did not have time to dry out.

His grandmother gave him another cord, and a stone for an adze, and gave him instructions for how to capture the sun. Māui hid by the wiliwili tree to wait for the sun to arrive. As the sun’s legs came into view Maui snared them one by one. When the sun realized what was happening it tried to go back down the mountain into the sea, but Māui tied the cords to the wiliwili tree and hauled the sun back up. Māui struck the sun with the adze until the sun begged for it’s life, promising to go slower.

A drive to the top of Haleaka and back down. A road that goes above the clouds. There is an entrance fee to get into Haleakal National Park.

Haleakala view from the road

Haleakala Crater

Haleakala Crater from the Visitor Center

Haleakala Summit Observation Building 10,023 feet 'rare air'

Nene - NPS photo

The nene, or Hawaiian goose, were extirpated (wiped out) from Maui by the 1890s. They

were reintroduced to Haleakala via the release of captive-raised birds. In 1962, nene from England and the Island of Hawai‘i were delivered to Maui and were carried into the crater by park rangers and naturalists and Maui Boy Scouts. They strapped on boxes holding geese and hiked 9.8 miles to Paliku where the geese were temporarily released in an open-top pen until they adapted to their surroundings. About 500 nene were released in Haleakala National Park between 1962 and late 1970s. Today, there are about 250-350 nene in the park. The nene has been the official State Bird of Hawai‘i since 1957 and was put on the Federal endangered species list in 1967.

We started on the road to Hana – s spellbindingly gorgeous highway that will take you over more than 50 (usually one-way) bridges and around 60 curves (sometimes room for only 1½ vehicles). Some of the waterfalls require serious hiking, others are easy.

Twin Falls - kids are jumping from the
ledge on the right into the pool

Twin Falls path - bamboo

Red Sand Beach -
the hike down is deemed 'dangerous'
internet photo

From the list below we only visited Twin Falls. I had visited the rest in the past except for Red Sand Beach in Hana which is described as a very dangerous path to get to. There wasn’t enough time. The drive up to Haleakala is half-day trip in itself.

TWIN FALLS MAUI WATERFALL - 6300 Hana Highway, Haiku HA
BAMBOO FOREST HIKE – 8310 Hana Highway, Haiku, HA
PUA’A KA’A ROAD SIDE PARK & WATERFALL – Hana Highway, Haiku HA

HAHAWI FALLS
WAI’ANPANAPA STATE PARK
KAHALULU RED SAND BEACH – Hana, HA
WAILUA FALLS – Hana Highway
264 HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK –KIPAHULA VISITOR CENTER
Pipiwahi Trail
Waimuku Falls

Lunch at the Ale House in Kilului.

Maui Bay Villas
entertainment

Maui Bay Villas
she danced while the
musicians played

Maui Bay Villas had entertainment on the patio. A woman
playing ukulele, a guy on bass and a hula dancer. They were excellent. Played Little Grass Shack and Over the Rainbow. Later followed by a 10 minute pitch from a ATV adventurer.

Maui Bay Villas - a whale of a tail
Yes, that is a humpback whale diving - view from the beach

Maui Bay Villas
that is a sea turtle in the center resting on the rocks near the beach

SUNDAY February 13, 2022

WEATHER 66 degrees at 0600 , clear & sunny, high of 80 Sunrise: Kihei, Maui 0655 Sunset: Kihei, Maui 1822

TRAVEL: Maui Bay Villas – St. Therese Catholic Church - Safeway – USPS - Maui Bay Villas

St. Therese Church - Kihei, Maui Hawaii

10 am mass at St. Therese Catholic Church, 25 W. Lipoa St, Kihie, HA – a 1.4 mile drive. Today was World Marriage Day – the priest gave a blessing to all married couples at the end of mass.

Maui Bay Villas
Super Bowl Cabana

Maui Bay Villas
Super Bowl Cabana - with refirgerator
BYOB

Maui Bay Villas – watched SUPER BOWL, in a cabana
- around the pool. 55” TV, refrigerator, they served complementary water and juices as the game began and ice cream at halftime.

Maui Bay Villas pool

Maui Bay Villas sunset on beach

MONDAY February 14, 2022

VALENTINE’S DAY

WEATHER 63 at 0700 – high of 79 sunny with scattered clouds. Sunrise: Kihei, Maui 0655 Sunset: Honolulu, Oahu 1829

TRAVEL: Maui Bay Villas – Lahaina – Kilului (OGG) – Honolulu (HNL) on Hawaiian Airlines – taxi to Grand Waikikian HGVC – Hale Koa – Grand Wakikian

Maui Bay Villas – WIFI Works! This is the best Hilton property I’ve ever stayed at even though it is not completely finished. This is serene, in five years I’m sure it will be hectic and people everywhere – so I decided to chance an ‘owners update’. Hopefully the staff will respect my time and only take an hour of it for a $150 VISA Gift Card.

Maui Bay Villas - from the clubhouse
our building (#8) is to the right.
Buildings under construction
are to the left and center

HGVC Owner’s Update – I took the bait for a one-hours ‘update’ presentation. I must admit this was the only ‘update’ I had ever been to where the sales person respected my time and knew that I was really not interested. However, Maui Bay Villas, will no doubt, be a very desirable property and will probably more difficult to book in the future. It wasn't easy to get here this time - just lucky. The deal to buy in only gave you first choice and a guaranteed reservation here during your time period. As an example there is only a 10 week Gold, May, September and the first 2 weeks of October. The rest of the year is considered Platinum (high end & demand). The deal was every other year- Gold (6300 points) – for approximately $29,990 (pre-construction price) plus closing costs of $822. Down payment of $3821; Leaving a balance of $26,991 less a $1,500 owner discount plus an annual maintenance club dues fee of about $2,362 per year. Started at 0900 done at 1000. I did take the $150 in VISA gift cards.

Thanks to a respectful sales person, we were able to visit Lahaina – could have easily spent several hours there – shopping and eating.

Lahaina - Front St
you can easily spend
several hours walking
this street - shopping

LAHAINA – it was in the plan but Super Bowl trumped out – so a 40 minute drive to Lahaina – parking – and a 45 minute visit. In days of native rule Lahaina was the royal capital of Maui Loa, aliʻi nui ("high chief") of the island of Maui, after he ceded the royal seat of Hana to the ruler of Hawaii Island. In Lahaina, the focus of activity is along Front Street, which dates back to the 1820s. It is lined with stores and restaurants and often packed with tourists. The Banyan Court Park features an exceptionally large banyan tree planted by William Owen Smith on April 24, 1873, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Christian missionaries. It is also the site of the reconstructed ruins of Lahaina Fort, originally built in 1832. It is the largest Banyan Tree in the United States.

Lele was an ancient name of Lahaina. The Hawaiian language name Lā hainā means "cruel sun", describing the sunny dry climate. Lahaina's historic district averages only 13 inches of rain per year, much of which occurs from December to February.

Lahaina - Missionaries

Lahaina - Banyon Court Park

In 1795, before unification of the islands, the town was conquered by Kamehameha the Great. Lahaina was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1802 to 1845. King Kamehameha III, son of Kamehameha I, preferred the town to bustling Honolulu. He built a palace complex on a 1 acre island Mokuʻula surrounded by a pond called Moku Hina, said to be home to Kiwahine, a spiritual protector of Maui and the Pi'ilani royal line, near the center of town. In 1824, at the chiefs' request, Betsey Stockton started the first mission school open to the common people. It was once an important destination for the 19th-century whaling fleet, whose presence at Lahaina frequently led to conflicts with the Christian missionaries living there. On more than one occasion the conflict was so severe that it led to sailor riots and even the shelling of Lahaina by the British whaler John Palme in 1827. In response, Maui Governor Hoapili built the Old Lahaina Fort in 1831 to protect the town from riotous sailors.

Lahaina - Molokai is in the distance

Lahaina was the capital of the from 1820 to 1845, when the capital was moved back to Honolulu. In the 19th century, Lahaina was the center of the global whaling industry, with many sailing ships anchoring at its waterfront.

Honolulu Airport

Flew on a real jet from Kilului (OGG)to Honolulu (HNL) (Hawaiian Airlines).

Grand Waikikian HGVC located within the Hilton Hawaiian Village Complex and next to the Hale Koa Resort. A 2 BR condo, this is a high rise structure, near Waikiki Beach but not an ocean front building. WIFI Works! Self-parking is available for $55 plus tax per day. The room was on the 17^th floor with a partial view of the water. The placement of the room was better than expected. The interior, as expected was standard for a Hilton 2 BR property.

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Hilton Hawaiian Village - map We stayed at the Grand Waikikian 17th floor - 39 floors total.
Huge complex - Hale Koa much more intimate and it is still big

Barefoot Bar

Hale Koa
Barefoot Bar
Valentines Day

Walked to the Hale Koa with the idea of getting something to eat. It
was 1635. We just
missed Happy Hour at Biba's– ended at 1630 and seating for dinner did not begin until 1700 – walked to the Barefoot Bar. This was the least crowded that I have ever seen the place. No seating at the bar and self-service. Easily got a table and ordered food from Hale Koa’s Poolside Grill. Another sunset on the beach. Later stopped by the Exchange.

Groceries were ordered on line from Safeway and delivered to the bellman at the Grand Waikikian – because alcohol was ordered Paul went down to the bell stand to show an ID. The bellman delivered the groceries to our room.

Sunset - Waikiki Barefoot Bar

TUESDAY February 15, 2022

WEATHER 68 degrees at 0600 forecast high of 79, of course it was sunny with scattered clouds, but then short intermittent showers came and went all morning – more pleasant in the afternoon Sunrise: Honolulu, Oahu 0701 Sunset: 1829

TRAVEL: Grand Waikikian HGVC – walked to grocery store – Grand Waikikian Village

Hilton Hawaiian Village
Hau Tree Bar on the beach

Hilton Hawaiian Village Complex
Grand Waikikian is to the right
Grand Waikikian HGVC- WIFI Works! just hung out here – a lazy day –

the pool is very small for as many people they have in the adjoining hotel complex – i.e. I couldn’t find a chair – but then again the beach if pretty big – lots of room for people who want to sit in the sand. If you want to rent an umbella the cost is $38.80 plus $22.80 for chaise lounge or $84.40 for an umbrella and two chaise lounges for the day.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Sunset

WEDNESDAY February 16, 2022

Grand Waikikian Balcony 17th Floor
Unfortunately, the 'Rainbow Tower'
blocks the sunset at this time of year

WEATHER 67 and partly cloudy at 0600 – this is cool for Hawaii – high in the 70’s cold air
coming from the north Sunrise: Honolulu, Oahu 0701 Sunset: 1830

TRAVEL: Paul & Sarah left at 0700 - rented a car for a day and drove to Kualoa Ranch. I stayed near the hotel. After the tours I was picked up and he drove to Hickham Air Force Base for dinner with a couple they met while they were at the War College in Pennsylvania.

Grand Waikikian HGVC – WIFI Works! I think I’ve figured out why the pool is so small – it’s almost always in the shadow of the surrounding buildings – an architectural planned design – gets people on the beach – there is more sun on my 17^th floor balcony during the day. Spent the mroning updating the blog and editing pictures.

KUALOA RANCH

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch Jurrassic Tour - Our deluxe 2.5-hour Kualoa Jurrasic Adventure Tour takes guests to famous film sites in all three valleys of Kualoa Ranch (Kualoa, Hakipu’u & Ka’a’awa Valleys). This jungle adventure Tour is approximately 2 1/2 hours long. This Kualoa Ranch guided tour visits film sets from Jurassic World, Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom, and even a visit to the iconic field from the original Jurassic Park movie. Kualoa Jurassic Valley Tour includes transportation on a 16-passenger custom, open-air, Jurrasic exploring vehicle. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kualoa's own Jurassic Valley and relive the authentic Jurrasic Park experience!

Kualoa Ranch - site of some scenes in the Jurrassic Park films - but not the original

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch ATV Tour - Kualoa's multi-passenger Raptor vehicles are an excellent way to experience Kualoa up close and personal! Throughout this guided ATV Tour, you will drive your very own personal Raptor! Please keep in mind the tour guides WILL NOT mix other guests from different parties together for a more personalized Kualoa Valley tour. Have a larger party? Don't worry, each designated Raptor vehicle can accommodate between two to six guests. Here in Kualoa we often get rain, so please dress accordingly, and note that our tours go out rainfall or sunshine. Be ready for a possibly muddy Raptor off-road adventure. Muddy terrain is often a good-sign that there will be breathtaking waterfall views.

We had dinner at the home of the Commander of the 402nd Army Field Sustainment Brigade, a War College classmate of Paul''s. His HQ is lcoated at Fort Shafter with units in Okinawa, Guam, Alaska and California. As a matter of coincidence his wife was in Paul's OCS class at Fort Benning, she retired as a Major. Fort Shafter is the home base of the United States Army Pacific Command, the Major Command of US Army Forces for the Pacific Region, and the Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division. Hickham is home to the 15th Wing (15 WG) and 67 partner units including Headquarters of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Hawaii Air National Guard and the 154th Wing (154 WG) of the Hawaii Air National Guard. The Air Mobility Command's 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing (515 AMOW) provides tactical and strategic airlift within the Pacific region.

Low Country Boil
Internet photo

Dinner was a "Low (Country) Boil" - never had that before but figured it was seafood - actually
pretty good. The recipe is below:

1/2 cup Loiusiana style shrimp boil seasoning
4 lbs of small potatoes

2-3 sweet onions

3 1/2 lbs of cured smoked pork sausage links, cut into 2-3" peices

8 ears of corn cut in half

4 lbs of cooked shrimp Adjust according to the number of people your serving.

Fill a 7-gallon stockpot halfway with water (or use 2 large pots and divide the ingredients between them). Add the seasoning and bring to a rolling boil. Add the whole potatoes to the pot. Allow the water to return to a boil and cook 5 minutes. Add the onions and sausage. Bring the water back to a boil and cook 15 minutes. Add the corn, bring the water back to a boil and cook 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are done. Add the shrimp, bring the water back to a boil and cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes. Drain through a colander; discard the liquid. Serve on newspaper or a platter

THURSDAY February 17, 2022

WEATHER 68 at 0700 highof 80 sunny and clear Sunrise: Honolulu, Oahu 0700 Sunset: 1830

TRAVEL: another car rental day – HUI you rent the vehicle on line, by the hour, pick it up at a nearby garage, you access the car from yur phone, includes a gas card which allows use to use once a day, return the car to the space in the garage with at least 1/4 tank of gas . Grand Waikikian – World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monumnet – Disney Alulani Resort – Grand Waikikian

Grand Waikikian HGVC – between 9am and 2pm both the hot and cold water and AC was shut off for a maintenance upgrade. This is perhaps not the friendlisest place in the islands. Kingsland on the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui Bay Villas on Maui were less high-rise. Staff here is very friendly and courteous but like some ball park stadiums - this is located downtown.

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
include the USS Arizona,, USS
Bowfin, exhibits and a museum

266 WORLD WAR II VALOR IN THE PACIFIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL - not my first visit here but it may be my last . . .

PARK ALERTS

Masks Required at Pearl Harbor National Memorial & Visitor Center

Consistent with CDC guidance regarding areas of substantial or high transmission, all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all park buildings and on park grounds.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center, two museums, and USS Arizona Memorial program are free for all visitors.

USS Arizona Memorial - NPS Photo

USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL - been here - done that - no need to visit again - No Fee - but if
you wish to visit you must make a reservation on-line

Please plan to arrive on site 1-hour before your program time and check into the theaters 10-minutes before your reserved program time. U.S. Navy vessels leave on time, any unused seats may be offered to those waiting for standby availability. Programs to the USS Arizona Memorial run about 45 minutes, and include:

· A boat ride to the memorial

· Fifteen minutes at the memorial

· A boat ride back to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

267 HONOULIULI NATIONAL MONUMENT – still not open to the public, Honouliuli was announced as a National Monument on February 19, 2015 by President Barack Obama. I did not find a passport stamp at the Pearl Harbor stamp desk, I believe I did in 2016.

According to the current National Park Service website “…Honouliuli National Monument will be closed to the public for several years while the National Park Service works in partnership with community stakeholders to plan the site.’

Honouliuli's Internment Compound - NPS Photo

Honouliuli National Historic Site is located on land that, during World War II, served as the largest and longest-used confinement site in the Hawaiian Islands for US citizens and residents of Japanese and European ancestry arbitrarily suspected of disloyalty following the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

Run by the U.S. Army and opened in March 1943, Honouliuli was both a civilian internment camp and a prisoner of war camp with a population of approximately 400 internees and 4,000 prisoners of war over the course of its use. The 160 acre internment camp contained 175 buildings, 14 guard towers, and over 400 tents. Internees referred to Honouliuli as Jigoku-Dani ("Hell Valley") because its secluded location in a deep gulch trapped heat and moisture and reinforced the internees' sense of isolation and unjust imprisonment.

An aqueduct separated prisoners of war
from internees at Honouliuli Internment
Camp. The aqueduct provided
water for both internment and
prisoners of war camps - NPS Photo

Honoouliuli's Civilian Mess Site - NPS Photo

The majority of Honouliuli's civilian internees
were American citizens—predominantly Japanese Americans who were citizens by birth—suspected of disloyalty. They included community, business, and religious leaders. The remaining group comprised predominantly German Americans, though there were also Americans and aliens of Italian, Irish, Russian, and Scandinavian descent.

Stitch

Lilo & Stitch

AULULANI – A Disney Resort A visit here was my idea I just had to visit the sotre to see if I could get any Lilo and Stich items that weren't available at other Disney outlets.

“Aulani” means “messenger of a chief.” Here, you'll discover the legends of the Hawaiian islands.

Aulani Resort opened in August 2011. A major expansion project was completed in fall 2013, offering families even more to enjoy! A Disney Vacation Club, available through RCI.

Aulani Resort - also a Disney Vacation Club - I think I would like to stay here
through an RCI exchange but those are hard to get. This is much more laid back
and quiet compared to Waikiki.

Lunch across the street at the Monkey Pod Kitchen was delicious. Itincluded a singer/guitarist as luncheon entertianment.

Hale Koa Luau - this is my 3rd luau here

FIRST COURSE

Hale Koa Garden Luau - stock photo

Mesclun Salad with Papaya Seed Dressing
Poi
Fresh Pineapple

MAIN COURSE (Adult and Youth)

Kalua Pork
Panko Ginger Mahimahi
Soy Sauce Chicken
Teriyaki Steak
Rice
Sweet Potato with Toasted Coconut
Roasted Summer Squash

DESSERT
Haupia Guava Cake

BEVERAGE
Coffee or Tea

Hale Koa Luau - Paul & self

Hale Koa Luau - front row table
Tahiti costumes& dance

FRIDAY February 18, 2022

PAUL’S BIRTHDAY

WEATHER another day in paradise Sunrise: Honolulu, Oahu 0659 Sunset: 1831

TRAVEL Paul and Sarah went on the Circle Island Tour - 0750 pick up at the hotel, Grand Waikikian - Waikiki Brewing Company - Fort DeRussy - Hale Koa Exchange - Barefoot Bar

Waikiki Brewing Co
between Grand Waikikian &
the Hale Koa Hotel

Grand Waikikian HGVC - the Hilton Hawaiian Village complex has innumerable shops - found a very small Harley-Davidson Oahu store (boutique size) that had few items in Large or Medium. I later found the same items at the Hale Koa Exachange in sizes that weren't 2X plus. Also found a US Post Office in the Xerox Business Center.

Fort DeRussy History

MAJESTIC CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR #11 – I’ve been on this tour in the past. I suggested to Paul and Sarah that this is the best way to see this island. Reservation was made on Monday when we arrived. Yesterday I reconsidered, and thought that I would go along but it was full - so I hung around the hotel - beach - pool.

This tour is different from all others, specifically redesigned to spend the most time “off the bus,” at each stop so that together we can discover all of the things that make our island magical. This tour using uses an air conditioned mini-bus to ensure that group sizes are kept small enough to enjoy each stop with your group and guide.

Itinerary: (Official stops)

Battle of Nu'uanau

Nu'ulanu Lookout

1. Nu’uanu Pali Lookout – The first stop of the day is at one of the most scenic and
historic places in all of O’ahu. How King Kamehameha united all of the Hawaiian Islands under one monarchy at the very spot where a famous battle took place. This was on my tour.

Byodo-in Temple

2. Byodo-In Temple – As we drive along the Ko’olau mountain range we stop to discover a hidden gem tucked away from the main road. Byodo-In Temple was featured by National Geographic in “20 of the world’s most beautiful Buddhist temples,” noting its architectural details and awe inspiring surroundings. – Not sure this was on my tour – but the blow hole and ‘From Here to Eternity’ beach were. – might be considered ‘bonus stops’

3. Tropical Farms – Famously known as “The Little Country Store On Your Way to the North Shore” Steve and Chrissy Paty started this as a roadside operation in 1987 and now, three decades later it’s a great place to try different local snacks and learn how to crack open some macadamia nuts as the chickens stand by watching hungrily hoping you drop a nut or two.

Just had a surfing championship
competion last week - while we were on the Big Island

North Shore these waves are very small compared to what they could be this time of year

4. North Shore Lunch Stop – Your driver will update you on the daily menu and determine a great place for everyone to enjoy a delicious lunch before driving alongside the world famous North Shore O’ahu coastline on our way to the next adventure. We ate at a Country Club.

Waimea Falls

5. Waimea Valley –

Eucalyptus tree
a rainbow
the closest we came to
seeing rainbow

Oahu

A short hike to a 45′ waterfall where you can swim. Learn about the ancient history of Waimea Valley and why it’s considered to be a very significant and religious site. This is an added stop. Looks like they avoided North Shore and the waves – maybe it will be considered a ‘bonus stop’.

Dole Plantation

Waimea Falls

6. Dole Plantation – We end our day with a drive through Haleiwa Surf Town and beautiful pineapple fields before stopping at the Dole Plantation. Don’t forget to try the world famous DoleWhip frozen dessert, a perfect treat under the Hawaiian afternoon sun! I didn’t stop at Dole when I took the tour.

7. * BONUS STOP(S) – “E Noa” means freedom. In addition to the stops listed above, our tour guides are known to prepare something unique and special for every adventure.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY February 19-20, 2022

WEATHER my last day in paradise 78 and partly cloudy at 1400
Sunrise: Honolulu, Oahu 0659 Sunset: 1831
Sunrise: Denver, CO 0647 Sunset: Milwaukee, WI 1726

TRAVEL: Grand Waikikian - Fly United Arilines Honolulu (LV 2105) – Denver (AR 0630 LV 1000) – Milwaukee (AR 1305)

Grand Waikikian HGVC – I stayed an extra day so we could have a place to hang-out. The plane does not leave Honolulu until 2105 - check out was 1000 if I had not decided on the extra day – place to hand out and hower. Spent the afternoon on the beach..