Friday, April 24, 2009

Kona From a Distance and the Historic District of Keauhou

This is me taking in the breathtaking scene...

Historic markers are sometimes hard to find and usually poorly marked in Hawaii. However this scenic point off of Queen Kamehameha III highway is a simple stop with mind numbing views of Kailua-Kona to the north, the ocean and bay it overlooks and Ohi'a Cave the birthplace of the first King and most well known of Hawaii.

This historical marker tells a little of the caves that allowed, in times of war and unrest, a peaceful refuge. It also was the burial place for many generations of native Hawaiians even sometime through the 19th century.

Looking directly out from the outcropping you can see the lava crested beachfront and a long board paddler in the blue drink taking a break while the ocean rocks gently to the sand and rocks.
I'm always fascinated by the foliage that inhabits this black rock volcanic island. Kona is located on the leeward side of the island and doesn't accumulate as much precipitation as the Hilo or windward side. So I am sometimes astounded at the beautiful tropic gardens that over the years have nestled in the hard earth beneath.
This was a wild papaya tree (I think) clinging to the side of the very steep slope where this overlook was located. In the distance you see the infusion of current humanity nestled in and around Mount Hualalai leading to the bay in Kona seen below. It was a beautiful spot we didn't make our way to many land locations this trip but I'm glad I made an exception in this case.

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