June 24th

Today we got up early and did a snorkeling tour. We went with Body Glove. It was a 65 foot catamaran. They fixed a way yummy breakfast with lots of fresh fruit, muffins, doughnuts, bagels, the works. We then boated out to our snorkeling spot. We snorkeled for awhile. It was fun to see all the cool fish and animals "Under the Sea". Too bad that the waves were a little more than normal and I got a little sea sick. I had to come back on the boat and take a little break. Scott, however, just kept going and going. He didn't even really come in for lunch. But because of this he got REALLY Sunburned. I felt bad for him. It was a lot of fun. I had never been sea sick before. It wasn't from the boat ride but from the waves while snorkeling. But I still enjoy these excursions.


After that we decided to drive around the Kona Coast. We headed down to Captain Cook. Captain James Cook and his ships, the Resolution and Discovery, entered the sheltered waters of Kealakekua Bay (Pathway of the God) on the morning of Jan 17, 1779, during the height of a local religious festival. Thinking Cook was a returning God, the Hawaiians welcomed and honored him. Strife followed, and the Hawaiians realized that Cook and his crew were not immortal. In the end, Cook was surrounded and killed at this very spot. There is a monument there but we weren't able to see it.

We also went to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. Life in ancient Hawaii was governed by a system of rigid kapus or taboos. Transgressions against any kapu, however minor, offended the gods and could prvoke a natural disaster such as a tidal wave. To protect the community, offenders had to be killed immediatley-unless they could reach a puuhonua (hill of sanctuary) such as the one that was here. Here they would receive spiritual cleansing within.

We also saw the Famous St. Benedict Painted Church where a Belgian priest, Father John Velghe, took four years to paint the interior of biblical scenses.


That night we decided to go to the Kona Temple. We did a session and then some sealings. I had a family name to do for a sealing and thought it would be cool to do in Hawaii. The Kona Temple is a smaller temple but it was beautiful and a neat experience. I am glad we could do it.

We didn't get home until late that night but sure enjoyed the fun and spiritual part of the day.