A gold dust day gecko ponders refreshment on a bird of paradise

A gold dust day gecko sits on bird of paradise flower.A gold dust day gecko sits on bird of paradise flower.

Gold dust day geckos have a lot of character. They’re largely unperturbed by human presence, often just returning the gaze of the big-headed creature looking at them. If they do feel threatened, they’ll disappear in an instant, usually just running off, but sometimes hurling themselves into space before sticking to whatever surface they were aiming for.

I found this gecko on a bird of paradise flower. I like the cheeky grin above, then the look of contemplation, and finally the reward.

A gold dust day gecko drinks from a bird of paradise flower.

The view north from Pu’u Wa’awa’a

The view from a bench of the hike up Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a.

Another post on the WordPress photo challenge theme of ‘serene.’

The hike up Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a is a steady climb, but there are several benches along the way for a quiet break. This bench looks north, toward the South Kohala coastline and North Kohala hills.

The trail isn’t crowded at any time of day, but in the early morning, it’s positively serene.

For more information about Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a and its trails, go to puuwaawaa.org.

Mauna Kea pu’us

Signs of old volcanic activity on Mauna Kea.

Another post on the WordPress photo challenge theme of ‘serene.’

To me this Mauna Kea scene, of an empty landscape in early evening light backed by pillow-like clouds, is quite serene. But is it really? Those fluffy clouds could contain the kind of turbulence that throws airplanes around, and the pu’us are evidence of volcanic eruptions in the past. Still, it does look serene.

Statues at the Painted Church at Honaunau

Statues in the garden below the Painted Church at Honaunau.

Another post on the WordPress photo challenge theme of ‘serene.’

I’m not a religious person, but I’ve always enjoyed visiting churches. The interiors are usually calm and quiet, and the graveyards and grounds outside have their own serenity. These statues can be found in the garden below the Painted Church at Honaunau.

For more information about the Painted Church at Honaunau, go to thepaintedchurchhawaii.org/.