Snorkeling and Sunsets

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 

Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 

Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 

Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths. 

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. 

Psalm 148: 2-5, 7, 13

The beauty of God’s creation never dulls. Never bores. Never disappoints. You can see that in the way that people flock to the coast to watch a sunrise or sunset. People save and spend big bucks to have an ocean view. And request outside seating when there is water or a mountainside to be seen. Our souls crave the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. And when we experience it, something deep within is satisfied. 

We ventured out to go snorkeling on the Big Island. We rented snorkels at Snorkel Bob’s (but didn’t meet Bob). We first went to Hapuna Beach State Park and drove down a dirt road to Waialea Bay where the trees overhung the beach, providing a beautiful, shady spot to put our belongings. The water was clear and blue and the rocks protruded up. We “geared” up, which is quite a scene for the 5 of us, ha! We were amazed to see and swim alongside a sea turtle, who was just gliding by in her calm, beautiful manner. Someone pointed out an octopus to us and we saw it camouflage into the reef and then turn it’s reddish color, too, when startled. We saw a few eels...two with stripes and one with spots. The fish were abundant... in number and color. Schools of yellow tang were plentiful. The parrotfish, wrasse, butterfly fish, moorish idols, sea urchins, and coral were mesmerizing. I agree with Sebastian in the Little Mermaid... that “under the sea, under the sea, darling it’s better, down where it’s wetter, take it from me!”

We also enjoyed snorkeling at the Mauna Lani Beach Club, a beach cove that also provided beautiful sunset views. The kids had fun playing on the beach together. Might I add that though they have had their share of arguments, hitting battles and mean words, these siblings have bonded more already, finding ways to enjoy each other and have fun. From playing in the water, the beach, and yes, on the iPad, nothing makes Mom & Dad happier than seeing them happy and showing kindness. 

To that end, we had the most delicious dinner at Merriman’s in Waimea (thanks to our expert friend, Paige). We dressed up (still pretty casual here) and drove up the mountain to this classic restaurant. The air became drastically cooler as we ascended in our topless Jeep. The kids ordered Shirley Temples and dinners from the Keiki menu while Cabell and I enjoyed wine and fresh fish prepared vegan. It was simply incredible! Kanpachi and Mahi Mahi. These were delectable after eating our share of PBJ’s and Amy’s organic bean burritos during the week. :) (Yes, this is how we do it.) After just a short while, Luke fell asleep in my lap. Sweet boy. It allowed for some great conversations with our big 2... as Luke typically takes over when he’s around. Ha! It was a special night with Lawson and Lilly. Luke slept the whole way home as well, except to cry out, “I’m cold”, to which his big brother took the shirt off his back to lay over him in the backseat of the Jeep. It’s these sweet, special moments that matter most. 

The Big Island was a fantastic adventure and we are so grateful! On to Maui next...as the paradise pace sets in.