This is why it’s wise here to check clothes and shoes before use. Getting ready to go out for a walk, I glanced down and saw this centipede curled up in the heel of my sandal. Centipedes can give a very painful bite, so I’m told. I haven’t experienced one – yet. While this one wasn’t exactly lively, it was still alive. I can neither confirm nor deny that the poor fellow was overcome by fumes from the sandal.
Spear fisherman
A spear fisherman eyes breaking waves as he makes his way toward the shore on the rocky North Kohala coast.
And breathe
A green turtle comes up for air.
Abstracts: Yellow tang in blue water
A couple of yellow tang swim around rocks as the surface water ripples overhead.
From a gecko’s point of view
Two gold dust day geckos spot each other on a ti plant. Such frequent, daily encounters can be matter of life and death. More often, they result in a clarification of the pecking order in a given territory.
Giant porcupinefish
These large, wedge-shaped fish are likely not among the favorites in a fish beauty contest. They are, however, surprisingly maneuverable. They’re also somewhat shy and when they see they’ve been spotted, have a tendency to slide into holes or under ledges with the minimum of effort.
Like pufferfish, they can inflate themselves into a ball when threatened. Unlike pufferfish, they’re covered in sharp spines which stick out when inflated. They’re also poisonous so, while I enjoy seeing them, I have no intention of ever bothering one.
In my attempts to identify what I see in the water, I use John P. Hoover’s book The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fishes, Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Whales, and Seals. His website is hawaiisfishes.com.
Mauna Loa silverswords bloom and die
This is the time of year when silverswords bloom. These plants, members of the sunflower family, are endemic to Hawaii. There are slightly different silverswords growing on Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Haleakala on Maui. The plants are very susceptible to root disturbance and the activities of goats, pigs and humans has led to their decline. They’re making a comeback now thanks to fenced enclosures and careful management.
These photos were taken on Mauna Loa a few years back. The flower stalks were about 6 to 8 feet tall. The plants live for up to 30 years, but once they bloom, they die (like the one in the background of the top photo).
In the second photo, the ongoing eruption of Kilauea’s Pu’u O’o vent can be seen.
For more information about Mauna Loa silverswords, go to nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/endangered_ahinahina.htm.
Rolling down the channel
A sailboat rolls down the Alenuihaha Channel under only a mainsail as Maui pokes through the clouds in the background.
Graham's Island 