JEMS Return to Big Island: Day 2

Monday, September 4: Snorkel, Shop, Lanai Time

Due to the time zone difference, I was up around 5:45am and went for a lovely early walk along Ali'i Drive, followed by my typical travel morning workout (Zumba + yoga). We had to leave by 8am so that we could arrive at Keauhou Bay for our 8:30am snorkel tour with Sea Paradise. 

This was a half-day tour that included light breakfast and lunch and snorkeling at two beautiful spots in Kealakekua Bay. One of the crew started off our snorkel adventure with a moving ritual to honor the sacred space, including Hawai'ian chants and distributing ti leaves for everyone to toss into the water as an offering. 

At the first stop, we were the only boat anchored near the harbor, so we had lots of space to spread out. The second stop was by the Captain Cook monument, and we had more company there but were still able to enjoy exploring. The water was pretty warm, but I'm very glad that I wore my wet suit and a long-sleeved rash guard for extra protection and insulation.

Our boat for the tour, the Hoku Nui, was definitely the nicest catamaran we've been on for any snorkel trip. One of the best features was the fresh water showers available at the back, right above each set of easy-access stairs into the water. So nice to be able to rinse the salt water off my wet suit right away!

After we returned to the hotel to shower and change, we decided to check out some of the shopping area along Ali'i Drive, and I was very excited to find the necklace that F had asked us to buy for his friend. Mission accomplished! We saw some fun cat toys at a pet store but decided that the kitties are most excited by their various mice so we didn't bring anything home for them.

We finished off our shopping trip with a return visit to Safeway to pick up some fresh fish to grill for dinner. Before preparing our meal, we had snacks and drinks out on the lanai and confirmed that unfortunately the other wing of the hotel blocked our direct view to the sunset. 

For dinner, Mr. E took on the protein responsibilities at one of the three grills available near the pool area, and I focused on cooking up some veges on the stove top. The mahi and ono were delicious with just simple seasonings, and we had enough left over to save for tomorrow night.