A leisurely pace in Kailua-Kona

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Life took a more leisurely pace after Karel left. My mom, sister and I spent a lot of time relaxing and exploring the Kailua-Kona area. Our condo couldn’t get much closer to the beach. Being so close, the surf could be heard in stereo, although I wish the volume could have been turned down just a little bit. Kailua-Kona is a very tranquil region and our condominium was particularly quiet.

We preoccupied ourselves by watching the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles—an endangered species—constantly flopping in the churning surf or sunning themselves on the sand. The turtles look helpless in the water, but I think they are more in control underwater than they appear. In fact, my mom unusually shrieked at the sight of one appearing to struggle on the beach. But they seem to get where they want.

I found the flora and fauna of the rocky beach absorbing, quite the ecosystem. Jumping crabs, sea urchin and many other critters conducted their business within the many cracks and crevices of the rocky shore. I think one of the most unusual sea creatures I saw in Hawaii was the Shingle urchin. They looked like a blackberry with many, little paws surrounding its body. Someone on the beach told me that people eat the squishy little monsters. I don’t know, look like they could use a little salt.