OK, so here is at least an update.  Beth and I didn't make it out paddling last week, because the waves were too big. We did have a great time visiting Puhuhonua O Honaunau,  or the "place of refuge," one of my favorite places on the island.  We also snorkeled at nearby two step, and swam with a green sea turtle! The first time!  It was cool.  Contrary to what I imagined, they swim just a slowly as they move on land. 

The next day, we drove up to Pololu Valley with some of Beth's friends who were escaping the Alaska winter.  Pololu is at the end of the road on the north part of the island.  We had enough time and energy after hiking down into the valley (~20 mins) we decided to keep going to the next one over.  There are five big stream valleys in a row on this part of the island, rare here in Hawaii, because the land on the big island is generally too young to have been effected by erosion much.  But we were on the flanks of the oldest volcano on the island, Kohala, about 700,000 years old. So we kept on hiking, into Honokane Nui Valley.  I suppose we ended up hiking for 4 hours or so.  This was a great trip, with promise for more adventures up, in and around the valleys.  There are a lot of trails here made by pig hunters.  I think it would be nothing less than a service to Hawaii and its flora to shoot a pig while I'm here.  Maybe that will be the next adventure. 

pololu from the trail down

we found a playground at the bottom

the ridge to Honokane Nui

Ropes to get up and down

we found people camping with a shelter they built!

this has nothing to do with pololu.  A java finch/java sparrow. pretty.

Tomorrow we leave for Kaimana! (frisbee tournament on Oahu). Wish us luck.