Sunday's ride plan was to go to the north end of the island. The winds were higher and gustier than Saturday, so I cut short my plan for a long ride and settled for 40 miles, ending at Hapuna beach for a dip in the ocean and a sunburn on my back. Despite the wind, a nice ride, considering Winter has returned, if only briefly to Colorado.
While heading north from Kona my rides have passed by the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, pictured above. From the highway, it's not much to look at. The visitor's center is in the middle of a brown lava field, across the road from an industrial area famous for Costco and Home Depot. Beyond the visitor center, however, is a wealth of natural beauty on the coast. Ancient fish ponds are now significant wetlands and a haven for birders. Green sea turtles are abundant along the beaches and the off shore reefs are home to numerous species of fish. Even though access to the site is easy from either the Marina or the highway, the area is quiet and can feel quite remote. The Park is actually within the Kailua-Kona limits and brings with it more urban law enforcement issues. On December 12, 1999 Ranger Steve Mukuakane-Jarrell was shot and killed while responding to a report of aggressive dogs.
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