The Big Island - Two Step and Swimming with Manta Rays

Our morning beach today was Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, better known as Two Step.

It's named for it's easy ledge entry into over-your-head water.

You sit on the ridge, wait for the tide to rush up over you, then push off into the water.

Beautiful coral and lots of fish.

I enjoyed being in deeper water and not having to worry about kicking any coral.

We saw a lone sea turtle on the volcanic shore when we got out. It wasn't sea turtle season during our visit, so it was a rare sighting.

The Place of Refuge is right next to Two Step and definitely worth a visit. It's a historic sight housing temples, where only royalty was allowed.

In the old society, you could be killed for breaking the laws, but if your boat made it to the Place of Refuge, no one could harm you in this sacred place, and a priest would absolve you.

We ate lunch at one of the stalls in the Green Market at TJ's BBQ by the Beach. We shared half a rack of ribs, fall off the bone, lots of meat. The plate came with rice, coleslaw, and pineapple. This was the perfect size for us to share.

I'm one to drink only water, wine, or beer with meals, but the guava drink by Hawaiian Maid would change that if it was more readily available on the mainland.

Rib plate + 2 drinks < $25

We went back to the condo for some chill time. I worked more on my manuscript. Being productive on vacation feels good.

We ate dinner right next to our condo at Island Ono Loa Grill. The burgers were fine but the onion rings were the standout.

I recommend this place mostly because the owner was so friendly. He informed us that the lava had risen in the volcano across the island and his enthusiasm was infectious. We were heading to the volcano in a few days and had to cross our fingers that the lava would wait for us.

That night we went snorkeling with the manta rays on this boat.

The boat took us near the Sheraton while we enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

The history is that the Sheraton shined floodlights into the water so their guests could see the sea life near the shore at night. The lights attracted the plankton, the food of the manta rays. So manta rays started showing up to feed every night. And tour companies decided to capitalize.

Our boat put out a plastic float that everyone held onto with both arms and we lay flat on the water, looking down. A scuba driver shined another light from the ocean floor and we got a manta show.

The huge manta rays effortlessly glided underneath us.

At one point two were swimming together like a dance, twirling.

The manta ray is my new spirit animal. They represent how I want to live my life, gliding easy and carefree.