24 September, 2017
The flower on the Naupaka plant tells the story of two lovers separated by status and location.
The flower of the Monkeypod tree.
Albizia saman is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to the Neotropics. Its range extends from Mexico south to Peru and Brazil, but it has been widely introduced to South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii. Common names include saman, rain tree and monkeypod. The Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) is an endangered Hawaiian subspecies of the black-necked stilt (H. mexicanus) species. It is a long-legged, slender shorebird with a long, thin beak. Other common names include the Hawaiian black-necked stilt, the aeʻo (from a Hawaiian name for the bird and word for stilts), the kukuluaeʻo (a Hawaiian name for the bird and word for “one standing high”), or it may be referred to as the Hawaiian subspecies of the black-necked stilt. The valley at Kualoa Ranch where they filmed movies such as Jurassic Park. Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a species of flowering tree in the mulberry and jackfruit family (Moraceae) originating in the South Pacific and eventually spreading to the rest of Oceania. British and French navigators introduced a few Polynesian seedless varieties to Caribbean islands during the late 18th century, and today it is grown in some 90 countries throughout South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean, Central America and Africa. Its name is derived from the texture of the moderately ripe fruit when cooked, similar to freshly baked bread and having a potato-like flavor.
According to DNA fingerprinting studies, breadfruit has its origins in the region of Oceania from New Guinea through the Indo-Malayan Archipelago to western Micronesia. The trees have been widely planted in tropical regions elsewhere, including lowland Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. In addition to the fruit serving as a staple food in many cultures, the trees’ light, sturdy timber has been used for outriggers, ships and houses in the tropics. Another view of the valley at Kualoa Ranch. These islands, viewed from Kualoa Ranch, just off of Mokapu penninsula, resemble a mother and baby elephant walking through the water.
Moku Manu, or “Bird Island” in the Hawaiian language, is an offshore islet of Oahu, three-quarters of a mile off Mokapu Peninsula. Moku Manu and an adjacent small islet are connected by an underwater dike. The island was formed from debris flung from a vent of the nearby Kailua Volcano. Its highest point is 202 feet (62 m) high, bordered by near-vertical cliffs on many sides. Moku Manu is protected as a state seabird sanctuary. Regardless, landing by boat is nearly impossible due to the lack of a safe beach.
Moku Manu’s isolated nature makes it an excellent nesting site. Eleven species of seabirds nest on Moku Manu, along with several migrating shorebirds. One of the many cats at He’eia State Park. The cats at He’eia State Park get fed by a volunteer each afternoon. One of the many cats at He’eia State Park. One of the many cats at He’eia State Park. One of the many cats at He’eia State Park. One of the many cats at He’eia State Park. Sunset from the lookout over Hawaii Kai. The silhouette of Diamond Head resembles a pregnant lady laying down. A shot of the Moon that I took while watching the sunset from Hawaii Kai. Looking across the water from Hawaii Kai toward Kahala, Kaimuki, and Waikiki. Viewed from Hawaii Kai, the crane is in Waikiki where they’re building the Ritz-Carlton hotel. Silhouette of the palm trees at Portlock. A little shaky because I took the photo by hand at 400mm zoom and no tripod. The view after sunset from Hawaii Kai looking across toward Kahala and Waikiki. Another shot I took of the Moon, a little bit later. This was hand-held, no tripod, at 400mm zoom. At night, the lights on the hill at Mariner’s Ridge above Hawaii Kai, resemble a whale with it’s tail up in the air. Parting shot. Last shot of the day. After this, I took my tour, with their luggage, to the airport. Along the way, we listened to some songs that will definitely make you miss Hawaii, Honolulu City Lights by Keola and Kapono Beamer, and White Sandy Beach of Hawai’i by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.