Category Archives: Scenes

New boat hoist, or is it?

This is the boat launch hoist at Mahukona. I’ve posted about this before, being buried by high surf (here), when it was in bad shape (here), after it was removed (here), and the dramatic signs on the new boat hoist (here).

I was going to post this photo, taken on March 10, 2024, to show the new hoist, but thought I’d wait to get a photo of a boat actually being launched. A blessing ceremony was held on April 4, 2024, which was front page news in the local monthly newspaper. But in the ensuing year and a half I’ve not seen any boat launched. For some time now the only difference in the scene is that the wire and hook have been removed. Not going to be launching boats without that.

I don’t know what’s happened, not being on social media and the like, but I’ve heard that the Army Corps of Engineers nixed the operation. A clue as to why that might be can be seen in the photo. The parking lot is a patchwork of patches over patches, where water regularly fountains up through the cracks.

I’ve no idea what will happen next with this, but it’s Hawaii, so it won’t happen soon.

Dendrobium Smiliae orchid

I had seen this flower some time ago and thought it would be easy to identify. No such luck. At the time, I didn’t realize it was an orchid. But then I saw this one at the Hilo Orchid Show with a handy tag attached. Problem solved.

It’s also known as the bottlebrush orchid and hails from northeastern Australia and areas nearby.

Jalousie windows

Jalousie windows, or louvered windows, are quite common in Hawaii. The old versions provide good ventilation, but aren’t great for keeping out rain, bugs, or people! I believe newer models are better in that regard. What I like about them is the interesting reflections they offer.

The Numbers Game #86

Cattle Egrets fly past the wind turbines at Hawi Wind Farm.

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 208. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

Water cascades down the rocks on the North Kohala coast.

A converted school bus in Hawaii — Water cascades down the rocks on the North Kohala coast.

A gold dust day gecko and green anole on yellow bamboo — A Gold Dust Day Gecko and Green Anole on yellow bamboo.

Winging it

A Black Witch moth in Hawaii — The beautiful wings of a Black Witch Moth.

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Wings and feathers.’ See more responses here.

A Wandering Glider Dragonfly in Hawaii — A Wandering Glider Dragonfly wandering over a mud puddle.

A Monarch Butterfly on a Balloon Plant in Hawaii — A Wandering Glider Dragonfly wandering over a mud puddle.

Two Hawaiian Noddys skim the ocean in Hawaii — Hawaiian Noddies skim over the ocean.

Three nenes flying in Hawaii — Hawaiian Noddies skim over the ocean.

Robert C. Seamans schooner

Recently, I saw this schooner anchored outside the port of Kawaihae. It’s been a couple of years since I last saw it (here). The vessel is used for sail training and research and is operated by the Sea Education Association.

The top photo was taken on a bright, sunny morning, and the other two, the afternoon before.

For more information about the Robert C. Seamans and Sea Education Association, go to https://sea.edu/.

Welcome to the Big Island

A plane lands at Kailua Kona Airport in Hawaii

A Hawaiian Airlines plane comes in to land at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, the official name for the Kailua Kona airport.

The Numbers Game #85

The port at Kawaihae at sunset — Lights at the Port of Kawaihae.

The idea of The Numbers Game is to enter a number into the search bar of your computer and then post a selection of the photos that turn up. This week’s number is 207. Captions are on the photos. You can see more responses here.

Graham's Island

Life on the Big Island of Hawaii