07May14 - Day 6, Big Island, Snorkeling, Body Surfing and Manta's

Today we played local.

We went snorkeling at a beach only 3 miles south of our hotel called Kahaluu Beach.

The fish population and size of the fish is as good as I have ever seen.

Something new, apparently there is a fish called a Humu Picasso Triggerfish that is nesting right now and if they feel threatened they will attack. I was in the water about 5 minutes when apparently I pissed one off.

These guys are huge...at least 10 inches (haha)....well it surprised the heck out of me and drew a bit of blood.
I talked to the nice ranger standing in the water telling everyone to stay off the coral and she thought it was quite a hoot, apparently they seldom bite, but I had the marks to prove it.

This beach also has the large green sea turtles and they were swimming about in shallow water.

We had a great time snorkeling and wanted to get some beach time. We went to a local grocery store, bought sandwiches and took them to the next beach up the coast called White Sand Beaches. It has nice sand and moderate waves.

We body surfed until our suits could not hold any more sand.

In this picture, Fred is on the left and Ed on the right.












After we were exhausted and acquired a good sun burn we went back to our hotel to rest up for our next adventure, a night time encounter with the Manta Rays. We had also convinced Sue and Roger to join us to get a better rate on the encounter, Sue was a bit apprehensive but is a good sport so went along.

We met for dinner at a place called Splashers, it was great with outside balcony seating looking out over the bay, if you are in Kona, do it.

The company was Bluesea cruises.

There were about 20 of us on the boat and the crew was made up of three young guys the youngest being from NH, so Sue and Roger hit it off with Chris. The crew went out of their way to make the 40 min trip out and back pleasant.
Since we float on the surface in cooler conditions, we were all fitted with wet suits.

The Mantas are drawn to an area at night by putting lights in the water that attract plankton much like bugs to a light. The Mantas feed on the plankton and actually like to play with humans.

I would say it is a bit of a religious experience to be that close to these graceful giants and not be afraid.  We had Mantas come up and brush you, the Manta blessing or kiss, that had a 12 to 14 foot wing span, just amazing.

We all had a magical experience, including Sue.
So we concluded another spectacular day and are planning to head west tomorrow to do the tourist thing, see the waterfalls and volcano.