Feb. 22, 2012: kee, Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei

Today was an EARLY start.  Between my husband being on the computer at 4 am and the mainland visitors getting up, then, too.  I didn't sleep much past that. 

At least we did walk to the beach and watch the sun rise.  That was about 7:04am.  It was pretty cloudy, so it wasn't too spectacular, but it was a pleasant morning---probably low 70s and the wind was down a bit.

We decided to have breakfast at Scotty's.  Last time we were there breakfast was ordered off a menu.  Now it's buffet style.  It was pretty nice.  Pretty similar to Bobby's V's, but I will admit I prefer the ocean views from Scotty's.

Then we decided to make some reservations for some activities they want to do.  Being first time (and not knowing if it's their last), they want to see and do as much as possible.  So---we'll be going zip-lining and to Smith's luau on Friday and on a helicopter ride on Sat.  Plus they wanted to try snorkeling for the first time.  They also wanted to go to Hilo Hattie's and Costco and get souvenirs to take home. 

On the way back from Lihue, we took them up to Wailua falls.  That's a quick, but worthwhile stop.

Back at KBV, we stopped to take a picture of a "jurassic" tree (Morten Bay Fig Tree) amongst the trees lining the entrance to the resort.

Then we decided it was time to hit a beach.  We had heard that the surf was down on the north shore and conditions at Kee were listed as good, so we decided to take advantage of that and head north for a little snorkeling.  Loved the ride north with lots of beautiful views such as this one.

Even saw this cute little bird (the highly endangered  'Alae 'Ula, the Hawaiian Moorhen)  as we were driving along.

Also noticed they're apparently widening the road, or moving the road, along one of the curves on the far north side of the drive.

We noticed a parking spot by tunnels, so we stopped there to check it out.  It was doable, but with new snorkelers, we thought Kee would be a little better. 

So off to Kee we went and spent the next 2 or 3 hours there.  Snorkeling was pretty good.  It was near high tide and there was a bit of a current, but the newbies did pretty well. 

Although Coni did think the water was about 10 degrees.  Took her awhile to get all the way in. 

The first time snorkelers didn't venture too far from the shore, but they seemed to be getting the hang of it.

I was watching all our valuable towels and such while they were snorkeling when this giant rooster showed up!

When they had enough fun, Coni and I took a walk down the beach for a better view of the Napali.

About 5 we decided to start heading back to Hanalei and took them over to the hanalei pier for a little while.

Even got to watch some outrigger canoers.  Looked like fun.

It looked like the clouds were too heavy for a good sunset, so we decided dinner was in order.  As we were leaving, we noticed this post.  i don't know how long it's been there, but I've never seen it before.

Dinner ended up by Kalypso's again.  We even found out that on Wed. nights happy hour is all night!  So we shared wings (hot and bar b q --- exellent!), a rolled crusted and fried kalua roll (ok), fried calamari (wasn't impressed),  Coni had a couple mai tais (said they were great!), I had a pina colada (also great) and Ken and I shared a fish and chips dinner, while Coni and John shared the shrimp and swordfish dinner (no complaints there).  It was another great dinner---followed by lilikoi pie back at the condo. 

So ends another great day in paradise!