South Point & Manta Rays

We did not have any activities planned for Tuesday until the evening, so we hopped in the car and drove south. We made a few stops along the way, but it seemed like we drove and drove and drove.

One of our first stops was at the southern most point in the United States. We heard rumors (okay-we read about it) that there is a green sand beach on this island. Unfortunately, green sand is still just a myth to us. Once we were at the southern point, it was a 3+ mile hike across rough terrain to the green sand. We had not come prepared (in anyway) for a hike we could not complete in flip flops. We enjoyed the beautiful views for a few moments and then headed back to the highway. Along South Point Road we saw windmills, cattle (that looked to be starving to death), horses, a few houses and some goats.

About 15 miles east of South Point Road, we found a black sand beach…a beach frequented by Sea Turtles (or so the books say). We took in the sights and sounds for a bit, but when we thought it was time to leave, Richelle said she wasn’t leaving without seeing a turtle. She walked down the beach to the other end and somehow she found one. There was one lonely Sea Turtle in a shallow pool of water. He was beautiful (of course)…and Richelle was happy.

There was also a beautiful lily pond behind the beach (does that make sense?). The foliage on the islands is incredible. Each island is completely different, but they are all incredibly green and lush. The beauty is simply magnificent. This lily pond was no exception. It was just a simple pond, but it really was beautiful. The beach was incredible too. I love the black sand. It’s course and not nearly as soft as some of the soft white sand beaches, but it’s just amazing.

We stopped for lunch at the United States most Southern Bakery. It was a fun little place…Hawaiian expensive, but a fun experience. Richelle treated herself to some malasadas (Hawaiian pastries) and apple turnovers.

We made our way back to the condo just in time to get changed and over to the dock for our snorkel with the Manta Rays. What an amazing experience! Our small group (10-11 people) took a boat ride just outside the dock/harbor area and anchored to their moorings. We all dressed in wet suits (uh…no pictures of that please), grabbed snorkeling gear and jumped in the water.

We all held on to a special “float” with bright lights pointing directly down into the water. The bright lights attracted gigantic Manta Rays. We were lucky enough to get three rays to “perform” for us. The rays were all big; about 16 feet across. They swam so close we could have touched them without even trying…it was amazing.

Richelle, unfortunately, did not have the same experience. The sea was very choppy, and the boat ride out started the motion sickness. Swimming in choppy water did not help. Her snorkel experience ended quickly…vomit included. I think she must have gotten salt water in her mouth…which is what always pushes my stomach over the edge. I was smart this time and put my snorkel in my mouth prior to jumping in. This kept the salt water out…and kept me in the water. Whew.

They served us hot Clam Chowder for a snack, but only Mike and I felt up to eating any. After we were home, and everyone’s stomach was back to dry land normal, the boys headed to Subway to grab a quick bite. Too bad everything in Kona closes super early….they ended up at Jack in the Box instead.

It was a very long day, but it was amazing to see the sites and to swim with the Manta Rays.