Posted by Jody on April 20, 2012
This part of my life… this part right here? This is called “happyness.”
~Christopher Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness
~Photos taken at the Hilton Waikoloa Willage, Kohala Coast, The Big Island, Hawaii
It’s your turn! We hope you’ll share your “Happy Place” with us!
Posted in Friday Finds, Today's Special | Tagged: beaches of The Big Island Hawaii, Hilton Waikoloa Village Hawaii, Kohala Coast of Hawaii beach | 1 Comment »
Posted by Jody on April 16, 2012
Isn’t every beach in Hawaii gorgeous? We seem to talk a lot about the stunning blues of the water, the soft sand between our toes, the amazing island scenery… and we go on and on about the countless Hawaiian beach activities. We can beachcomb, sunbathe, swim, and snorkel. We can welcome the new day by watching the changing pastel colored sky at sunrise and we can end the perfect day in paradise by admiring the bolder colors of the Hawaiian sunset.
Palms along ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay, The Big Island (Photo: Polihale/Wikimedia Commons)
Here’s a Hawaiian beach that offers something a little different! Greg and I discovered ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay when we stayed in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii, “The Big Island.” We headed off of the Hilton Waikoloa Village property, following a rather rugged, black lava and broken white coral trail south and found a lovely public beach. The locals call this popular spot “A” Bay (for good reason!). About 17 miles north of the Kona airport, the beach at A Bay sports the expected Hawaiian amenities. Here you’ll find a beautiful, curved, black and white sand beach, palm trees, a hut that rents snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing gear, and restrooms.
“A” Bay Beach Treasures
The water is relatively calm at ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay due to the protective offshore reef. When beachcombing here, we found a quite a few very small shells and coral pieces along the beach (possibly due to the tranquil water?).
Aerial view of ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii. (Photo: Polihale/Wikimedia Commons)
So, what’s different about ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay? Did you notice the two ponds just beyond the sands of the beach in the photo above? Those are Ku’uali’i and Kahapapa, very large fish ponds, used by the ancient Hawaiians for raising mullet. There is an marvelous trail here with a few interpretive signs along the way, explaining how family groups (ohana) tended these fish farms. It’s a peaceful stroll and it’s quite educational, too! This different ~and rather unexpected~ Hawaiian beach activity is well worth the time! Aloha!
Have a great day at the beach!
Posted in Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Beaches of The Hawaiian Islands, Monday Miscellaneous, Seashells | Tagged: 'Anaeho'omalu Bay Hawaii, A Bay Hawaii, beach, beachcombing, beaches of The Big Island Hawaii, Kohala Coast of Hawaii beach, The Big Island Hawaii beachcombing | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Jody on November 25, 2011
Hapuna Beach, Hawaii pops up on many a “best beach” list!” The largest of Hawaii Island’s white sand beaches, Hapuna Beach has consistently been rated on numerous international Top Ten lists” (GoHawaii.com). Also quite impressive is the fact that Hapuna Beach, located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, was named the Best Beach in America in 1993 by “Dr. Beach” (Professor Stephen Letatherman of Florida International University).
Although this beach is no well-kept secret, Greg and I both felt like we discovered the ultimate beach paradise when we first laid eyes on this gorgeous crescent of sand. Is it possible that every person feels this way when they step onto the idyllic half-mile stretch of sugar-white shoreline called Hapuna Beach?
Hapuna Beach, The Big Island, Hawaii (©Jody Diehl)
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area encompasses almost 62 acres of beautiful park land and seashore. It’s a “landscaped beach park with swimming during calm seas, bodysurfing during periods of shore breaks, sunbathing and other beach-related activities, picnicking and shelter lodging opportunities. Dangerous rip currents and pounding shore breaks during periods of high surf! Waves over 3 feet high are for experts–all other should stay out of the water and away from the shoreline! Lifeguard services. Hiking opportunity along the coastal trail” (Hawaii State Parks.org).
Coral from Hapuna Beach, Hawaii
It’s a good idea to check with a lifeguard before entering the waters of Hapuna Bay, or any of Hawaii’s ocean beaches. It’s also quite smart to swim near a lifeguard. Swimming and playing along Hawaii’s shoreline is serious business. The Hawaiian Islands rest in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the largest ocean on earth, and Hawaii’s waves can pull a person under in the blink of an eye. It’s pretty frightening to be surf-tumbled underwater, not knowing which end is up! Hawaii Beach Safety is an excellent website, keeping beach visitors informed with current surf conditions and up-to-date ocean advisories.
What will beachcombers find on Hapuna Beach? Interesting and colorful pieces of coral! These beautiful, sturdy chunks of coral can be pretty heavy. Keeping in mind those steep airline luggage fees, it might be a bit difficult to decide which priceless beach treasures you’ll tote home in your carry-on.
Greg and I visited Hapuna Beach in the month of March. There may have been a dozen other visitors at the beach when we arrived in the morning hours. As the day progressed, the parking lots filled up, but the beach never seemed crowded. There must be room for everyone in paradise!
Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace. ~ Paul Theroux
Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Beaches of The Hawaiian Islands, Friday Finds | Tagged: beach, beachcombing, beaches of The Big Island Hawaii, collecting coral, Hapuna Beach Hawaii, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, The Big Island Hawaii beachcombing | Leave a Comment »
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