Thank you for your patience as pictures are loading.
Being avid disc golf players, I had researched disc golf courses in Hawaii for us to try and play during our visit. One was reported to be at Old Kona Airport beach state park. This park is situated along the single runway of the Old Kona Airport which was closed due to larger aircraft not being able to land on the too-short airstrip. Discs in hand, we began searching for any disc golf related tees, baskets, signs, etc. without success.
In the meantime, we got in a good, long walk along the old runway and down the beach. The beach itself seemed to made up of eroded coral. There was quite a contrast between it and the lava fields. The lava itself was a fascinating mixture of textures.
Opposite of the beach side of the runway is a garden trail. Along either edge of the trail are small landscaped areas tended by various groups and organizations. Some feature herb gardens, some native flowers, some trees.
I have no idea what species of palm is pictured, but I was attracted to the vibrancy of the orange against the green of the fronds. I also enjoyed the plumeria trees. Plumeria is recognizable as a lei flower.
Mongoose are very prevalent, but very fast, so they are difficult to photgraph. I caught this one munching on food left out for the feral cats in the park. In the bottom right is what we think is a variety of dove based on the coo sound they make, but they are blue-faced.
After visiting the park, we headed back up Ali'i Drive and lunched at Bubba Gump's. In the distance, we could see whales breaching, spray from their blowholes and an occasional tail fin.
That evening, we caught another glorious sunset at Kanaloa at Kona before heading over to the Sheraton for dinner at their Kai restaurant. The Sheraton also has a Manta Ray viewing. This is accomplished at the edge of the patio of their outdoor cocktail lounge, overlooking the ocean's edge. After darkness falls, they shine floodlights out into the water. The light attracts plankton, which in turn attracts the manta rays that feed on them. It's nearly impossible to get a photo, but it's fun to watch the manta rays swoop and fly through the water. Every once in a while, you'll see a wingtip break the water and wave.
