Hawaiian Diversion- Part Three

Breathing underwater. Can you think of anything so unnatural? I can’t!

My first attempt at this feat was with Snuba, an underwater adventure that utilizes an oxygen tank on a raft and a line down to a regulator that allows someone like me to go up to 20 feet underwater.

I completely freaked out at first! On an instinctual level, my body and mind rebelled against me. No matter how many stress exercises I tried, I could not get past the fact that everything inside me was screaming, “This is WRONG!”

After a bit of time though, I was able to suppress the feeling long enough to prove to myself that it was, in fact, possible. It was amazing down there. There were schools of fish that were close enough to reach out and touch; I was a good girl and kept my hands to myself though! A turtle made it’s way by me and swam gracefully on it’s way. I was so glad I stuck with it and didn’t let my primal instinct rob me of the opportunity.

After conquering Snuba, I was determined to go snorkeling. A few days later I had my head down in the water in Hanauma Bay and my waterproof point and shoot camera firing.

I haven’t done a lot of underwater work before. It certainly presents it’s own challenges, but I was enjoying myself so much it really didn’t matter to me if they came out or not. Even now, I’m just proud that I was able to do it at all!

I know it seems silly, but I was honored, in a way, to be sharing the same space with these animals. They were so gentle and beautiful. The colors were so vibrant and lovely. The experience was soothing and relaxing.

Breathing underwater? Sure… as long as I can swim with the fishes! =)

Hawaiian Diversion- Part Two

Hope you enjoyed the flowers and surf in the last post! I had such a wonderful time there and I really try to share all that I felt while I was there. The photographs don’t always carry the message, but I will never get tried of clicking that shutter!

This time I wanted to show you just a bit of the Big Island. We went on a helicopter tour of part of the island with Sunshine Helicopter Tours. It was my first time in a helicopter and it wasn’t as scary as I expected!

We flew over the Kohala mountains, the oldest part of the island. There were beautiful waterfalls, dramatic bluffs, and the lush rainforest all spread out wide before me. Unfortunately, there was quiet a bit of reflection from the windows and it spoiled quite a few shots, but I was able to get a few.

After the tour, we had a bit of time before we needed to head back to the airport to return to Oahu, so we went to get something to eat at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. As we tried to find our way to an open restaurant, I found a couple of views irresistible.

Check out this skylight in the main lobby. =)

Here’s an A-MAZ-ING view from a main balcony of the hotel. I wish I could have stayed here long enough for a fruity drink and a lounge chair while I drank in the scene. At least I’ve got the picture! =)
Here’s just one more from the drive back. I loved all the black rock along Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Hawaiian Diversion- Part One

Did you miss me? I haven’t been posting as often as usual because I found myself in paradise. Although it would be great to blog from Oahu, I found myself otherwise occupied. Forgive me! =)

The following photographs were taken on a visit to Waimea Valley, where they have a beautiful botanical garden. Since I’d visited before, I recommended it to my friends and we headed out to explore.The colors were SO amazing and I had a relaxing time buzzing from flower to flower.

After we had taken in the many varieties of tropical flora with a lovely walk, we decided to cool off at a nearby beach. I’m not sure what it was named, but it was just south of Waimea Bay off Kamehameha Highway.
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As we were standing on the shore with the waves lapping at our feet, we found that we were not alone in enjoying the water. A sea turtle was only about 6 feet away, just where the waves were breaking onto the shore. Can you spot him? =)

Keep your eyes open for the next couple of blog posts! I have a good amount of images yet to share!

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