Day Six, Hawaii 2015 (7/3/15)

Ah, just another gorgeous day in Hawaii.  It was time for the kids to try out their new snorkeling skills, so we headed to Kahalu'u Beach Park.  

Ready to conquer the reef! 

It was very lovely and calm but a bit crowded.  I was worried we would see more people than fish.  

There were tons of colorful, tropical fish just cruising around and the kids thought that was great.  Serafina struggled a little with the snorkeling.  It's a bit unnatural and getting used to the gear can be tough too.  She really enjoyed seeing the fish in the ocean though.  Here she is on a little break.  

We moved on to Pu'uhonua o Hanaunau, which is another bay.  The snorkeling was a bit tricky here since the entry was right off the lava rock and the reef dropped off to deep open ocean.  Leo made it out with me for a little bit, but got nervous and headed back.  I took a few minutes to look around by myself since the coral was very impressive and it felt like swimming over a forest.

Tom took a turn snorkeling while I took the kids to a different part of the bay.  It was close to the boat launch and called "Two Step" since it only takes two steps to get in.  They had more fun swimming around there.  

We had spotted dolphins in the bay when we first got there and I could see them again while Tom was out there.  I hoped he had gotten a chance to get close to them but I wasn't sure.

When we met back up with him, he was happy to report he did get to swim with the dolphins, and not poor trapped dolphins, but wild, free ones and it was awesome.  Here's the look of a man in touch with nature.

Though Tom would have been happy to hit another spot for more snorkeling, I had told the kids they could get in the hotel pool before dinner so we started to make our way towards the hotel.  Of course, we couldn't resist a stop at Greenwell coffee farm for a sample and a tour.

Serafina was impressed with the bananas growing on the tree.

Tom admiring the coffee "cherries".

We also stopped at a chocolate shop on the way home.

Then after a dip in the pool, we headed to a nice dinner at the Kona Brewing Company.  They had very delicious beer and pizza.  Leo declared it the best pizza he ever had.

We took a stroll after dinner and had shaved ice for dessert.  

Leo was a big fan.

As you can tell from her face, Serafina wasn't as enthusiastic.

Tom got his loaded up all fancy.

And that ended another fabulous day on the Big Island.