March 8

First stop today was The Refuge south of Kona.  The Refuge was a sacred place where warriors went when they were not able to fight in battles and a place where the guilty went when they were facing punishment for breaking the law.  The priests would get the guilty back on the straight and narrow, then they were able to leave the refuge without fear of punishment.  We also visited The Painted Church.  Islanders did not want to go into spaces where they could not see the sky so the priest decorated the ceiling with blue sky, clouds, and palm trees.  The walls were painted with scenes that explained the Christian faith as a teaching tool for the priest before he learned the Hawaiian language.

I also went snorkelling at the beach beside The Refuge.  This was only the second time in my life that I have been snorkelling.  What a rush.  There were more than 20 species of fish in all shapes, sizes, and colours.  I also bumped into a few mermaids...accidentally, of course.

After snorkelling, we went to the Captain Cook Monument.  The monument is on the beach where Captain Cook was killed by the islanders after a disagreement over a stolen boat.  I have read numerous books on Captain Cook's voyages; therefore, being at the monument was a special time for me.

For our evening meal, we went back to our favourite watering hole, Kona breweries for the Pipeline Porter and a shrimp/Hawaiian pizza.  After the evening meal, I bought a Hawaiian shirt at Wallyworld.  Those of you who know me well will believe me when I say this shirt can be spotted from space.  Buying the shirt was in response to pressure I have been receiving from friends and family to wear a maumau.  Trust me.  This shirt will not disappoint.

Tomorrow, we are off to the Farmer's Market in Kona, then we are travelling up to the north west point of The Big Island to watch humpback whales.  This should be exciting because there is a wind warning.  Gale force winds are expected.  The waves should be wild.

Now it's time for the pool, hot tub, and nighty night.  Aloha.