On our first full day on the Big Island of Hawaii, we set out to explore the western side of the island, south of where we were staying in Kona. Our first order of business was to find a good beach, and we were recommended to drive south to Kahalu’u Beach Park.

We were fortunate to get the park early in the day as the parking lot was small. I have to admit I had low expectations upon first look of Kahalu’u Beach Park. The sand was course, with an abundance of lava rocks protruding from ground (perfect for little ones to get hurt), and overcast skies. However, there were lots of people in the water, with the majority of them snorkeling.

So just like our ritual at Hananama Bay, my father-in-law and I dawned our snorkel gear and headed out into the unknown. I had no idea what I was about to behold.

I had seen some pretty impressive snorkeling during my visit alone in 2006, but what I saw at Kahalu’u Beach Park ranked up there among my favorites. There were amazing fish, coral, and rock formations.

Once we headed in to swap in my wife, we learned how Bug (3) discovered our first viewing of a sea turtle, basking on the rocks. It was quite an experience to get to be within arms length of a turtle. It was also nice to see everyone respecting the turtles space and keeping at bay, since it is illegal to get near them.

The one thing I found quite amazing is just how well the turtles blend into the surroundings. We were probably a couple hundred feet away when my wife was pointing it out to me, and it really was a struggle to pick out the turtle against the dark lava, at least from a distance.

Once my wife and I headed back into the water, we went out a little deeper and the sites got even more impressive. Losing your sense of location and reality can easily be accomplished with your head down to the ground. The deeper we went, the more beautiful everything became. In addition, your sense of nerves also can be tested. It is one thing to see an eel in an aquarium, but it is quite another to see one up close in the ocean.

By the time we landed back on the beach, my opinion of Kahalu’u Beach Park had forever been changed. The snorkeling was absolutely fantastic! In addition, the boys were really starting to become aware of their environment and enjoy the ocean experience. The whole trip was worth it just to see them develop the way they did.

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