Day 12 - To the airport with the students...my vacation begins!!

Aloha students and Aloha a few days vacation! Kate and I hang out a bit while we are waiting for out rooms to be ready.  This is NOT my hotel.  It was just so pretty!

Lunch at Duke's and a fruity cocktail! 

This is my hotel...not quite as spectacular, but it works!

Dinner from Mermaids Cafe.  Yummy!

Day 11 - Waimea Canyon, Kokee Museum, Kalalau Lookout, Spouting Horn, National Botanical Gardens...and some other stops

Last day with the students.  We started with the Waimea Canyon overlook (well, random stop). 

Iliau Loop to see the final Silversword. 

Waimea Canyon photo shot.  Check out our matching shirts!

Some geology...something about rain and the canyon forming. 

Dempsey sports his skirt...4 years strong! Want to know the story...just ask!

Kalalau Lookout...so beautiful!

Some Biology about the swamp....stress, adaptations, etc.

The Salt Ponds to check out some more Geology...something about sandy limestone.  Gosh, I really need to pay more attention to Geology!

The Blowhole.  It was not popping much today, but always fun to watch!  There were some Green Sea turtles out there and a Hawaiian Monk Seal!

Rainbow Eucalyptus at the National Botanical Gardens. 

Garbage Conglomerate.

Day 10 - Limahuli Gardens

Each year that we go to the Limahuli Gardens, we do a service project.  This year is no different.  We were first welcomed by a Oli (Hawaiian Chant to ask permission to come onto the land). 

We then went around and said our names. 

Dr. Winters welcomes us and talks about the Canoe Plants that were brought to Hawaii by the Polynesians. 

We did a riparian (river and area) restoration effort today.  We cleared out truckloads of invasive species growing in this area.  I wish I had taken a before picture. 

Here is an after shot.  This was full of invasive species. 

A little muddier, but we had a great day weeding. After our picture, we planted a few native plants in the upper area. 

Here is my little plant. 

A dip in the Limahuli river.  It is so nice and refreshing down here.  The water is so clear and cool. LOVE it!

Day 9 - Anini Reef and the Kilauea Light House

Beautiful Anini Reef!  We went Reef Collecting here today.  We found some cool critters!  

After lunch (this is my view!), we went out to go snorkeling. There were some great Sea Turtles here. I cannot want to see them on my computer! I am waiting for my underwater camera to fully dry before I open it!

Afterwards, we went to the Kilauea Lighthouse.  This year, we were given an educational presentation.  Students were able to dissect a pellet from an Albatross to see what they would fine.  It is quite scary!  These are pellets from young birds.  Their parents brought this food back for them.  There was typical squid beaks, but there were also a lot of plastic debris that was found in these poor babies food. There was a LARGE amount of fishing line in their pellets. 

Day 8 - Activity Day!!!

Today was activity day!  It is such a nice break in the program.  Students get to choose their activity and recharge their battery.  I was on Beach duty!  This year, we went to Lidgate Park. It was very nice. The beach was nice and there was a little snorkeling area that was protected from the waves. My camera ran out of batteries, so I may go back there and snorkel again. 

Most of the students went to the Luau in the evening.  We found this great place to eat that was not very far away from the condo.  The burgers were really good, but BIG!

Day 7 - Flying to Kauai

We fly to Kauai...my favorite Island and place to stay. After we got settled, the instructors made our way to the Kilauea Fish market for some super yummy and fresh fish tacos!

Day 6 - Snorkeling and Volcanoes National Park

This is one of the most beautiful places that we visit in Hawaii.  This is a swimming/snorkeling area not to far from where we stay in Hilo.  

Group shot at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Entrance. After this, students did a plant scavenger hunt.

Down an old road to check out some MORE plants...

Road separating cattle land from pristine rainforest. 

Back in time to eat at Ken's House of Pancakes.  A local favorite...and a place where the "Rock" goes to eat.  One day I will be eating in there when he is in there...I hope!  Very large and good taco salad!