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VOLCANO EMISSIONS
On the way back from Kona, we stopped at Volcanoes National Park to see the latest view of the volcanic emissions. The sight from the Jaggar museum lookout was different than we had seen previously. The circle of smoke emitting from Halema'uma crater was wider and thicker. The park rangers said the view at night is spectacular with the crater glowing and cinders flying.
SWELL IN KONA
Last week we drove around the island to see what was going on in West Hawaii. There was a big south swell which drew everyone out for surfing and paddling.
Water washed over the Ali'i drive wall.
The huge amount of road construction in Kona has finally been completed leaving large interchanges to handle the traffic into Kona from the airport and Waikaloa. We could sure use that on the east side.
The vog in Kona continues. The hills above Kona are still hidden behind a thick layer of haze from the Volcano.
FATHER'S DAY CAR SHOW IN HILO
Prince Kuhio Plaza mall in Hilo displayed old cars for Father's Day.
HILO FARMER'S MARKET
Farmer's Market in downtown Hilo is open every day of the week, but on Saturdays it is more like a festival than a market. Musicians and artists are plentiful and homemade foods and breads from around the world fill the tables in the market. Japanese, Filipino, South American, Portugese, Mexican, and Hawaiian speciality foods are available from enterprising residents that cook using their old recipes.
Vendors from around the island bring in special items for Saturdays, like these edible flowers.
This past Saturday we were rewarded with a display of Chocolate pods from the cacao tree.
A man at the market was sucking on the white flesh and seeds in the pods. He said the inside of the pod was delicious and the white flesh had health benefits.
A Filipino woman at the market said she prepares the pods after they become so ripe that they ferment. She removes the white flesh and uses just the seeds. She cooks the seeds, crushes them, and then mixes them with cane sugar juice to create a chocolate syrup. HILO BAY OUTRIGGER CANOEING
This morning the Kailana Canoe Club had a regatta in Hilo Bay.
The event started with the Keiki races and continued through the day.
This is a Keiki race, the first canoe race of the day. This is a young women's outrigger canoe race. This regatta is the first of three in the next couple of weeks that will lead to the Big Island Moku O Hawaii Championships on July 18.
Fifteen paddling clubs will be competing in the Big Island Championships including Kai Opua, Kawaihae, Kailana, Keaukaha, Keoua, Kamehameha, Puna, Keauhou, Kai 'Ehitu, Waikoloa, Kona Athletic, Na Wa'a Hanakahi, Hui Wa'a O Waiakea, Paddlers of Laka, and Tui Tonga. Winning teams will be selected for the State Championships.
The Hawaii State Championships will be held in Hilo Bay on August 1st for the first time in seven years. Over 70 teams from around the State are expected to compete in Hilo.
Hilo Bay Outrigger Canoe Regatta Schedule
Surfer Dog!! KING KAMEHAMEHA DAY in HILO
Today was the Hawaiian State holiday, King Kamehameha Day. In Hilo there was the annual celebration on Coconut Island.
Folks showed up to watch hula and listen to some great Hawaiian music.
The kids were playing in the water enjoying the beautiful day.
At noon the Order of King Kamehameha I arrived and did a ceremony.
HILO AIRPORT
During our recent visit to Hilo airport, we were surprised by the changes. Mokulele Airlines has taken over the bankrupt Aloha Airline's ticket counter. Mokulele Airlines has a new fleet of fuel efficient airplanes manufactured in Brazil. We haven't tried them out yet, but are happy to have more flying choices.
Though Hawaiian Airline's ticket counter is in the same place, their baggage pickup and arrival area has moved.
Instead of being at the end of the airport, left of the Hawaiian check-in counter, Hawaiian's baggage claim and arrival area are on the right side of the check-in counter at the opposite end of the airport. We walked to the wrong end of the airport before realizing that Hawaiian's airlines arrival area had changed. We noticed that the security check-in location changed as well and some new stores look like they are about to open soon.
The flowers and gardens within the airport are really nice making the walk very pleasant.
NANI MAU GARDENS IN HILO
June weather started perfectly. We visited Nani Mau Gardens nearby the Hilo zoo to see the flowers and trees. We were pleased with the display of orchids, flowering trees, fruit trees, and landscaping.
The garden has displays of orchids in small waterfalls.
The grounds are large with pathways. It was hot and there were not a lot of covered areas. But the clear skies and sun was perfect for picture taking.
The garden has a huge bell housed in a small building.
This is the gift shop.
Entrance cost is $10 and you can have lunch there as well. Several tour busses arrived and provided a driving tour on a covered tram and lunch. Previous May 2009 Hilo Log posts Copyright 2009, 2010
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