Category Archives: In The Water

Some Hawaii wildlife

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Wildlife.’ See more responses here. I thought I’d go with a couple of photos from the air, on land, and in the ocean.

First up, a couple of native Hawaiian birds, a palila above and a pueo below.

Next, a group of goats blocking a trail in South Kona, above, and a wild pig snaffles a mango and runs off with its prize, below.

A wild pig runs off with a mango in Hawaii

Spinner dolphins in the waters off Hawaii

Finally, a pod of spinner dolphins that I encountered in the wild while snorkeling. This scene was made more poignant for me by having recently seen dolphins in a small pool doing their thing for tourists at one of the resorts here. I couldn’t bring myself to take a photo of that.

Cheerful chubs

A school of chubs in the waters off Hawaii

Conditions have been terrible for snorkeling lately. There’s been one swell after another barreling in from the northwest, which is good news for surfers, but which churns up the water and makes it hard to see anything.

Despite this, there can be clear patches and it was passing through one of these that I saw this school of chubs swimming by me, nicely illuminated by the sunlight.

Moorish Idol Juveniles

Moorish Idols are one of the most easily identified fish around here, with their distinctive colors, markings, and shape. These juveniles lack the long filament on their dorsal fins, but otherwise have typical appearance. Moorish Idols are considered of the smartest reef fishes.

The details make a difference

Restaurant tables on the coast at the Hilton Hotel on the Big Island, Hawaii

These tables were at a restaurant on the coast in front of the Hilton Hotel. I noticed that each table had a small pair of binoculars on them, probably because we’re in the Humpback Whale season. I thought that was a nice touch. I don’t know what the food’s like though.

Viper Moray Eel

A year or two ago, when I was snorkeling, I spotted an enormous eel resting in a recess in some rocks. I took a few photos, but couldn’t get anything very good because it was so tucked away. I pointed the eel out to some other snorkelers in the vicinity and they checked it out. One of the other snorkelers is much better than I at getting close to subjects so she was able to get better photos despite the surge around the rock. I joked with her that I was fine hanging back, and that I was waiting to get a photo of the eel attacking her!

The eel in question was a Viper Moray Eel so since that time the spot has acquired the name Viper Rock. My fish book describes these eels as “evil-looking” and “one of the largest and potentially most dangerous of Hawaii’s eel.” It’s been an on-and-off resident of that little cave since ever since and I’ve taken photos when I’ve had the opportunity. None have been great, but these are a couple that give an idea of the spot and its inhabitant.

Abstracts: Water painting

I took some photos in the water a while back, planning on doing a series. I posted one and then forgot about them. Here’s another one.

A look back at 2021

A Hawaiian monk seal resting — January: Hiwahiwa, a male Hawaiian Monk Seal born in 2020, rests at Upolu. Haven’t seen any monk seals since this encounter. (Link)

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘2021 in Your Rear-View Mirror.’ See more responses here. I’ve gone with a favorite photo from each month of 2021, with a caption and link to the post the photo first appeared in.

Wainanali’i lagoon at Kiholo, Hawaii at Kiholo, Hawaii — February: I love hiking at Kiholo Bay. There’s plenty to see and shady spots to rest awhile. (Link)

Spinner dolphins in the waters off the Big Island, Hawaii — March: Swimming with dolphins! Need I say more. (Link)

An I'iwi calls in a forest off Saddle Road, Hawaii — April: Another favorite hike, on Pu’u O’o Trail off Saddle Road, and an endemic I’iwi singing its heart out. (Link)

Close up of a coastal manta ray approaching — May: This inquisitive Manta Ray kept returning, probably wondering how something so clumsy-looking could survive in the water. (Link)

A Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly perched on a twig — June: I like seeing little creatures, such as this Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly, and I’m thrilled when the photos turn out. (Link)

Three palm trees in Hawaii — July: I like palm trees and word play so this was too tempting to pass up for Becky’s Tree Squares. (Link)

A school of mackerel scads, or Opelus being hunted by a rainbow runner off Hawaii — August: An instant in the water – a school of Mackeral Scads chased by a Rainbow Runner. They went by in a matter of seconds. (Link)

Red-masked parakeets at Kohanaiki Beach Park. — September: These Red-Masked Parakeets are not native, but they’re oh so tropical. (Link)

Early morning lights at the port of Kawaihae, Hawaii — October: When I have time, on my way to work, I stop at Kawaihae. I might see anything from a glorious sunrise, to a tiny crab on the beach, to these port lights. (Link)

The lava cone and lake at Kilauea Volcano in late 2021 — November: Kilauea erupted again so I had to go look. The eruption is still going, but a little erratically these days. (Link)

A Green turtle, with a slender remora on its shell, checks out the photographer — December: A recent encounter and maybe my favorite Hawaiian Green Turtle photo. (Link)

Belted Wrasse

Belted Wrasses are endemic to Hawaii. This one is a supermale, and while it’s not the greatest photo, I like how the light illuminates its bright colors with the vibrant blue lines particularly emphasized.

Incidentally, I’ve decided to start capitalizing the creatures named in the blog. I think it helps when proper names contain words that can be mistaken for descriptions. Now all I have to do is remember this decision!

Graham's Island

Life on the Big Island of Hawaii