Donnelly Oceantics: Big Island in September 2011

We returned to the Big Island in September for Gil's 6-man outrigger canoe race. The Queen Liliuokalani or Kona race is held each year over Labor Day weekend and entries come from all islands,the mainland and other countries. Gil's 60s team won gold again this year, beating the Australians by seconds - good job Namolokama guys! We attended the awards ceremony then later walked in the torch parade.

King Kamehameha Hotel hosted the 40th annual Queen Liliuokalani canoe race.

The torch parade through Kona, Gil has his 2nd Gold Medal

Next day we snorkeled next to the outrageously beautiful Pu'uhonua Honaunau refuge before heading back up to Volcano. From Jaggar museum we got to see the after dark glow of lava from the crater this time as it is in its ever changing flux. While in Volcano we also got to visit the conservation institute that has the only remaining native Hawaiian ravens. They hope to release them back to the wild next year.

The lava in Halema'uma'u Crater (within the Kilauea caldera) is in huge flux this year, rising an falling dynamically.

We snorkeled some more and Sharon was able to take the test as a reef surveyor with REEF.org on the way back to the airport. Grateful for the privilege of being so close to nature, it was a good trip and helped us resolve further that being stewards of the land and water are what we are about.