What's the deal with the dolphins?

One of the fantastic things about living here is being able to see native wildlife in its native habitat. During humpback season we can see whales from the house as they relax right off shore. When we swim or snorkel, we see a variety of beautiful reef fish (sometimes the water is so clear you can see the yellow tangs from shore), and often see green sea turtles.  At dusk we are often greeted by the native owl, pu'eo, and in the afternoon we often see the native hawk, io, soaring high above our neighborhood.  It always feels lucky to see these beautiful animals.

The animal that probably receives the most attention is the spinner dolphin.  There is a local pod that moves up and down the South Kona shore, often resting in Honaunau and Kealakekua Bays. The dolphins move out into deep waters to fish at night, and utilize the shallow Bays for rest and as nurseries.  Kealakekua Bay is a nature preserve but also a major tourist attraction, so balancing use of the Bay for recreation whilst maintaining its pristine condition is a serious source of concern and tension on the island.

The effect of growing interaction between the dolphins in the Bay and humans has been and is being studied.  From what we have read here locally and what we have learned from a guest of ours who is a marine biologist and has spent time living at the Bay and studying dolphin behavior, excessive, close contact with humans is proving to be detrimental to the dolphins' well-being.  Their numbers are starting to decline.

If you are swimming or kayaking in the Bay and the dolphins happen to approach you, which they often do because they are inquisitive animals, consider yourself lucky.  It is undeniably magical and wonderful to see such a beautiful creature in its home.  It is best, however, not to pursue them.  Let them come to you.  Keep in mind that the Bay is the dolphins' bedroom and nursery, and that when you are in it, you are a guest in their home.

Spinner dolphins, like Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, and humpback whales are protected by the Endangered Species Act; it is illegal to touch or approach them. You must stay 50 feet away from a sea turtle, 50 yards away from a dolphin, and 150 yards away from a humpback whale.  Not all whale-watching tours or wildlife-encounter tours are respectful of these rules.  Please be mindful of this as you research tours, and don't be afraid to ask questions. It's in the best interest of everyone that Hawaii's precious creatures be treated with respect.

Walking from the Inn

When I stay somewhere new I love to be able to walk right from my accommodation. I like to get a feel for a place this way. It's always a disappointment to me when the place I'm staying at is on a bad road or is so isolated I have to drive to get anywhere interesting. I thought I should address this because I am a BIG walker and have been for years and one of the things I love about our location is that you CAN walk right out the gate and enjoy some beautiful walks, runs, and bike rides.  

If you turn right out of our gate you can get down to the water in ten or fifteen minutes (depending on how fast a walker you are). You'll pass gorgeous fragrant trees and tons of wonderfully weird exotic plants and eventually end up at the Bay. Our quiet road meanders through a residential neighborhood and you'll see some cool local houses and maybe meet some fellow walkers and friendly dogs. The water is gorgeous of course, and many of our guests walk down daily to swim and snorkel. Some guests also walk down late in the day to take a leisurely dip at Napo'opo'o Beach while watching the sun set, or have a picnic-dinner at Manini Beach.  

At the water Napo'opo'o Road turns into Pu'uhonua Road which flattens out and will eventually take you to the City of Refuge national park (Pu'uhonua o Honaunau) and then back up to Hwy 11 (a great loop for bikers). If you want a flat, hot run take Pu'uhonua road, if you want a cooler, curvy road, head to Middle Keei.  

If you turn left out our gate you can walk up to the coffee mill and through the exotic fruit garden (you can stop at Kalama's store for shave ice or the coffee mill for an espresso on your way back). I've walked and run out Middle Keei Road and out Painted Church road. Both these roads are surrounded by farms like Napo'opo'o so you can see lots of coffee growing, along with breadfruit, avocado, citrus, and lots of sweet-smelling flowers. I often see pheasants and turkeys on these walks, along with lots of other wonderful birds. I’ve walked these roads on moonlit nights and watched the moon rise up behind the hill. It’s quite a site! You may even be lucky enough to see a native owl, pueo.

If you enjoy walks and runs you'll have lots of beautiful opportunities here. Walking or running around the neighborhood is a fantastic way to experience this magical place. You'll see some fascinating bird and plant life, smell some gorgeous flowers, and of course enjoy lots of fantastic ocean and sky views.