Oahu '11,  Vacation,  Apr 24, 2011 - May 1, 2011     page 63 / 75

Saturday, we drove to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, highly recommended for its great snorkeling environment. We grabbed our snorkel gear, a bag of snacks and water, then got in line. An entry fee is required, and a 20-minute video about the bay and its sea life. A park employee answers questions and explains a few rules designed to protect the delicate sea life, then we all head down the trail to the beach.

The bay is popular, and the beach somewhat populated. Finding a spot to lay your towel requires walking a little way down the beach. Once settled, we hit the water.

The bay teems with a huge variety of sea life. Everyone told us we'd certainly glimpse a sea turtle there. As we headed back to the car to leave, it was obvious that Kevin was disappointed when we hadn't seen one. Libby and I spoke with one of the park volunteers earlier, who said she often will stand on the trail well above the bay to find where the turtles are swimming. They can be seen when they surface for air, and they often remain in one area for several hours. Well, while we were headed back up the hill, we stopped for a few minutes, and I spotted a turtle. I described the area to Libby and Kevin. It was an area well away from the one we had been swimming earlier. Kevin hustled down the hill and headed for the water. Libby and I followed. When I caught up with Kevin, he pointed at the graceful turtle so I could see it too. Kevin headed back to the beach, having fulfilled his goal. Libby and I eventually saw the turtle again, and returned to the beach, having gotten plenty of swimming and sun that day!