Evidence that the time-honored tradition of carving names into tree trunks is still as popular as ever.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Name that tree
Tag Archives: On The Coast
Kohala Coast tree
A tangle of branches can be found on this scenic tree on the North Kohala coast.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Spencer Beach Park
Lately, I’ve been enjoying Spencer Beach Park, near Kawaihae. It’s a sheltered spot for getting in the water, it’s a great place to picnic, and the sandy beach is backed by shade trees. What’s not to like?
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Poise
This balanced rock has been decorated with leis, as has the neighboring tree heliotrope.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
Surfing at Pine Trees
Pine Trees is a popular surf break north of Kailua Kona. In these photos, a pair of surfers head out, another surfer rides a wave, and a surfer coasts back to shore.
Posted in response to Becky’s July Squares challenge theme of ‘Trees.’ See more responses here.
The great outdoors
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Great Outdoors.’ See more responses here.
In Hawaii, people spend a great deal of time outdoors. It’s common for people to have an outdoor kitchen, sometimes their only kitchen, sometimes a second one where a barbecue is the featured cooking apparatus. Carports often feature chairs and tables with cars parked elsewhere. The lanai, or deck, is as well-used as any room in the house.
Outdoor activities are popular here, too. Many involve the ocean and its inviting water: swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and of course surfing. Plenty of people go fishing and hunting, longtime sources of food for the table.
Palm trees on the coast. 
A trail through the woods. 
A view from the Hilina Pali Trail. 
View of an old flow over Holei Pali.
For me, experiencing the great outdoors primarily involves hiking and snorkeling. Hiking isn’t especially popular here, especially along the coast where it can get quite hot. I get strange looks when I hike the length of popular beaches togged out in hiking gear, including shoes, hat, and fanny pack loaded with water. For most, the beach is a place for stretching out and broiling in the sun, not actively working up a sweat.
Hawaii Amakihi 
Great Frigatebird 
A gecko on yellow bamboo. 
An ashy grey lady beetle on Plumeria.
The vast majority of photos on this blog are taken in the great outdoors. These photos are a small selection of things I’ve seen while out and about, from sweeping views to birds and bugs.
Signs: Ala Kahakai Trail
The Ala Kahakai Trail, which used to run from the northern tip of the island to the south-eastern tip, can be followed for a good stretch of the South Kohala Coast. The part south of Kohanaiki Beach Park is well marked and signed. That’s not the case in many other places.
Kawaihae small boat harbor
The one positive, from a photographic point of view, of the brush fire that occurred on the Hamakua Coast a couple of weeks ago (here) was that it created some colorful skies. Here’s a view of the small boat harbor at Kawaihae taken late that afternoon.
Graham's Island 