A view of Waipi’o Valley taken from the mouth of the river, with dark clouds hanging over the Kohala Mountains.
Author Archives: Graham
Satin pothos
A satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) climbs a tree in Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. While rampant in tropical climates, this plant is quite popular as a houseplant elsewhere. It’s poisonous to dogs and cats though, so that’s something to consider.
For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.
Black stink bug
I thought this was a lady bug when I first saw it, but a bit of research revealed that it’s actually a black stink bug (Coptosoma xanthogramma). Black stink bugs were first found in Hawaii in 1965 on Oahu and can be problematic for some legumes and vines here.
Humpback whale breach
I could wish for the humpback whales to be around all year, but perhaps that would not be for the best. Aside from the minor detail that they would starve to death here, there’s also so the chance of becoming jaded. As it is, seeing a humpback breaching – raising its huge bulk out of the water and then crashing back in – continues to be a thrill every time I see it.
One drop of rain
A raindrop on a passion flower vine.
Abstracts: A softer, gentler firehose of lava
One last photo from my trip to see the firehose of lava from Kilauea Volcano gushing into the sea. I tried a few longer exposures and I particularly like the effect of this one. More lava photos here.
For more information about Kilauea Volcano and it current eruption, go to hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php.
Young katydid
This very small katydid gave me a wary look as I descended the front steps. It had good reason to since katydids have been one of the main munchers of the basil plants. But since those plants are now safe under netting, I tiptoed past without so much as a nasty glare.
Arc-eye hawkfish
It’s a common sight to see an arc-eye hawkfish perched in a head of coral, well assuming you’re in the water that is. If a predator comes along, they slip deeper into the coral for protection.
There are two patterns to these fish. Sometimes they’re paler than this one and have a distinctive white stripe on the side. One study has shown that the lighter fish tend to inhabit slightly deeper water where the coral is spread farther apart. Both patterns have the arc behind the eyes and the blue and red bars on the gill covers.
Graham's Island 