Sunrise at Queen Lilli Park...

I just happened to be a few minutes ahead of schedule this morning...and whenever that happens I like to take a quick drive around Queen Lilli park in Hilo. It is a ocean park but is very well protected from ocean waves & such...the ocean is just across a small road, maybe 20-30 feet from the main park and continues down one side of the park for approximately a half mile.

This gorgeous park is scattered with benches for sitting and contemplating, around every corner there is a "view", maybe a blooming tree, a neat statue or a memorial...and lots of different textures have been used.

The pervading sense is of peace...not to say the park is not well used! Sometimes I think 1/2 of Hilo is walking their dogs, jogging, or picnicking in the park. Even at 7:00 in the morning I had to wait to get this photo with no one in it...it's lovely to see it so enjoyed, it is so refreshing to spend just a few minutes remembering why you work so hard, it revitalizes you for the rest of the day!

Incredible lava formation...

Isn't this a incredible lava formation? It is in a area located about 20-30 south of Hilo town, the red coloring really draws the eye...especially as the surrounding lava is black/brown/blueish colored.

When I first saw this it reminded me so strongly of the Giants Causeway in Ireland, go here for a great web site about that formation.

This photo is a little grainy (?), because the light quality was very challenging...this formation is down inside a "blow hole" by the ocean and the shot had to be timed between wave surges. (you know its been a good day when you have to clean salt spots of your glasses!)

Have a great Weekend...I'll show you how we celebrate Memorial day in Hawaii tomorrow...

The Old Man By the Sea...or Mongoose Highways.

These wonderfully gnarled trees grow right next to the tide pools at a park called "Coconut Island", a favorite place for all of the local kids to come and swim, jump from the old tower, fish or just hang out.
Coconut Island is located right next to Queen Liliuokalani park in Hilo, and just up the street from the awesome Isles Cafe. The reference to the mongoose is because the little guys love to run around on the nice flat and almost level branches, just like it is their personal highway.

Forever, at the seaside, i'll be...

Mr. Watanabe obviously loved the sea considering he requested to be buried right on the shorebreak!
I came across this tomb/mausoleum/crypt(?) the other day with some friends and I really don't know much about it...I will try to research it some more but at this point we know that Eric Watanabe was buried on the cliff side over looking the Ocean to the south east of the Big Island...and his tomb is bathed by the surf every few seconds...it was a very poignant moment as my friends and I stood and imagined why he requested this site for his final resting place, and the emotional strength of his friends/family to carry out that request. It must have been completed many years ago as I am sure it would not be allowed today. It really makes you think about who and what you leave behind...but in a very positive way. It was a beautiful day to be at the ocean and this truly added to our appreciation of it...