South Kona

Our first day in South Kona we visited Pebble Beach, its black sand making the water and sky so much more blue, with frothy surf foaming as it broke on the beach. So calming to feel the pulse of the ocean and a gentle breeze.

Hawaiian Islands are younger than earth's continents and haven't been populated long, but have such fascinating stories.

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park has preserved a great wall Hawaiians built from lava rock 400 years ago to protect their sacred space, with wooden totems honouring the gods; and fishponds to feed the king and kahunas.

In Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park we stood beside the remnants of a Hawaiian village and looked over to a monument honouring Captain Cook; in this place worlds collided with the arrival of Captain Cook in 1779.

The place we're staying has a sunset view of the ocean and a morning space for yoga and meditation.

During the day we can watch birds and butterflies, at night we are wakened by roosters crowing and coqui frog contests. Cute little geckos hang out on the lanai and in the shower. Not so cute is the scat the rodents leave. The first morning half a papaya was gone from the fruit bowl, so now everything gets stored in the fridge.

Papaya, passion fruit, mango and banana trees grow on the property. This morning we enjoyed fresh passion fruit grown outside our door for breakfast.