While visiting the Big Island, Hawaii I spent most of my time living out my dream as a mermaid ~ in the water.  After my final dive I asked the boys on the boat what would be the one thing in the area they recommended while I had a few hours of free time… They recommended Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.  They also said barely anyone went there as it wasn’t too well known AND I’d be able to frolic with green sea turtles.  And by frolic I mean just walk around them because by law you have to stay 15ft away.

The park happened to be a stone’s skip away from the docks, so I ditched most of my gear and moved forward with the camera in tow.  The dive boys were right – it was a relatively quite, serene, and beautiful beach where I encountered about 20 green sea turtles.  They were everywhere – on the sand, under bright green foliage, sunning on the lava rocks that were scattered throughout the shallow waters, and gliding in between a couple snorkelers.  Usually in groups of 2-3, and all kinds of sizes…

Besides the green sea turtles there is much to see at this pristine piece of Hawaiian culture: temple ruins, fish ponds, fish traps, canoe hale, and loads of lava rock.  The large black sooty rocks originated from eruptions of the Hualalai volcano, which last erupted in 1801.

The park is located about 2 miles south of the Kona Airport, and I highly recommend strolling along the trails, or taking a dip in the ponds!