Second port day - Kona

Today we were in Kona. It was a tendered port so it took us about an hour to get off the ship and pick up our car. Then on to Kona Boys Surf Shop to pick up a rental kayak. Once we found the place (we were off with our directions), they loaded up our kayak, gave us a tutorial on the area we were going to, and pointed us in the right direction. The weather here today was overcast and mid-70's, but warm enough to be in the ocean and not so hot that you can't stand to walk around.

We put in Napo'opo'o Beach Park (thanks to the great guys working at the pier who did all the work for us) and set off on the 1-mile paddle across Kealakekua Bay. This is the scared spot where Captain Cook was first mistakenly worshiped as Lono, the Hawaiian god, and then later killed. The area is difficult to get to but offers beautiful snorkeling. We spent about 2 hours there and then headed the mile back to the beach. We're pleased to report that we did not capsize, although our route across the bay was less than direct!

After our work out, we sampled some Kona coffee and then strolled along the street fair that was set up near the pier. We shared a Hawaiian shaved ice and then headed back to the ship. Now it's time to shower and head up for dinner - we're hungry after our big paddle!