The dolphin caller returns.

Hawaii is our only land-based trip, but we still do a full day on a boat every Wednesday here. Captain Momi met us in the parking lot at the marina, as the charter company’s office was damaged in a series of storms here last month. We loaded up the boat and steamed out  of the harbor, immediately greeted by a pod of dolphins. Momi noticed that they were acting tired after the previous night’s full moon activities: chasing and eating squid. One of them slapped their tail at us as if to say “I am happy to be a dolphin”. We thank guest Jenny for these sightings, as we’ve seen dolphins on all 5 of her trips with us, including 2 in the BVI, another in Hawaii and 1 in the Bahamas. This woman is a dolphin magnet. 

I actually managed to catch the dolphin tail slap! - HP

Our first stop is Kealakekua Bay, AKA Captain Cook Bay. The Captain met his demise in grand fashion here, but more importantly, this place was home to thousands of Hawaiians, and has played an important role as a harbor and fishing grounds. This morning, however, one corner of the bay is filled with noodlers. These are tourists who come here on all kinds of tour boats, are given masks, snorkels and noodles, and then they float around. We jumped in and swam through them, admiring the coral and fish. Once along the steep cliff face, we are free of the noodlers, and a nice stretch of swimming commences. Kekau caught an octopus for us to check out, and a pod of dolphins entertained us for a bit. Back on the boat, we watched as  perhaps 20 dolphins raced from one side of the bay to the other with astonishing speed. Another group rode our bow wake as we steamed out of the harbor. 

Jenny (the dolphin caller, left) and her dolphin squad.

Our next stop was at Ho’okena, with lovely silver sands, coral and more octopus. Sometimes I wonder how many octopi I have swum over in my career. Probably thousands, most of them well camouflaged. We ate lunch here, and had a decision to make. Momi was notified over the radio that there were pilot whales swimming off of Kona. Our options were to hit another bay for another swim, or steam several miles offshore in pursuit of the whales. We decided to go with the whales, but came up short. I took a long, Dramamine-induced nap, not waking until we pulled back into the harbor. 

Both Kekau and Momi caught their octopus (he’e) dinner in Ho’okena Bay.

The Portuguese have made their mark here on the islands, having introduced a tiny guitar the Hawaiians re-named a Ukelele. They also brought donuts, or Malasadas. Filled with all kinds of yummy ingredients and deep fried, they are by no means a diet food, but extremely delicious. We picked up a dozen at a roadside stand here in Puako. 

Malasada stop! Hopper’s lovely pink cocktails looked beautiful in the evening light, Jenny celebrates her unbroken dolphin streak!

Waiakaloa Bay was uncharacteristically flat and calm for late afternoon, and many of us jumped in for another swim. Clare and Dan put out some sashimi, then a lovely dinner of salmon and vegetables. Lilikoi cheesecake paired well with an italian white wine, and capped off the day. 

Hopper

HP (me) has a cold and missed sunset and dinner - this photo will have to do! - HP

Here’s a little video recap of our day! Thanks as always to Kekau who captures much of the video you see on this blog! - HP XO