One of the coolest things ever happened today. I was snorkeling at Tunnels beach on the North Shore of Kauai and ran into a giant honu (sea turtle)! He was huge — about four feet long — and was RIGHT THERE. If he wanted to get up in my grill, he could’ve easily done so (he didn’t try anything funny, LOL!).
We swam around together for a good 10 minutes, just me and him in the warm blue water with the waves crashing over us. It was surreal — and really very moving. It felt like the ocean had given me a special gift, a wonderful memory to cherish.
I also went to a local farmers’ market and gorged myself on tropical fruit, spent some quality time with my Kauai kitty, Tortie Girl (Remember her? She’s still around, entertaining hotel guests by the barbecue pits.), and even bumped into an MBB reader on the beach (aloha, Chloe!). Like literally bumped into her. We put our beach towels down under the same exact tree!
And wouldn’t ya know it? The one time I’m not wearing a lick of makeup, I run into a fellow makeup lover. Would have been nice if I’d at least curled my lashes, but noooo.
Oh, I almost forgot! Guess who started feeding the hotel kitties again. Go on, guess. I’ll give you one guess. 🙂 Her name starts with ‘K’.
Aww looks like you’re having so much fun!!! Glad to hear the Tortie girl is still around 🙂 There’s this orange cat back in Taipei that I know. It feels so good to see him around every summer!
That’s awesome! How many people can say that they just happened to run into, and swim with, a sea turtle? I’m glad Tortie girl is still keeping the guests company – she was probably pretty excited to see you coming! 🙂
I’ve never had dragon fruit but was scrolling down and thought “oh, it looks just like a pomegranate inside… never mind”. HAHA! Glad you’re having a good time. Next week will be my week to be at the beach but mine will be less turtley and more cold (Maine). 🙂
How did you get the pictures of the turtle? Great pictures!
I felt I should clarify my question(I know how)…what type of camera did you use to get the turtle pictures? Haha!
Ha! Hi, Angie. I knew what you meant. I brought a Panasonic DMC-T55 with me on this trip. I’m really liking it so far. It’s more rugged and feels more durable than some of the waterproof cameras I’ve used before, which is great because sometimes while snorkeling they get bumped around against rocks and the sand. Here’s where I found out about it: thewirecutter.com.
Awesome, Karen! I started scuba diving a couple years ago and I hope to go to Hawaii someday just to see a sea turtle! I also had a problem with feeding the resort kitties when we went to Jamaica! I mean, come on, it was a buffet! Not their fault they’re not tall enough! Enjoy your vacay!
Karen. This vacation looks AMAZING! The pictures are gorgeous, you are gorgeous, and what an amazing moment with the honu! I have heard that crossing paths (or ocean currents!) with one is good luck 🙂 All the best to you in the tropical sunshine!
The turtle is fantastic. On a vacation to Hawaii I saw a very small sea turtle near me, maybe only 5 inches across though.
Love Hawaii! Looks like you’re having a wonderful vacation! =) We haven’t been to Kauai yet but that and the big island are on our list! There’s definitely something special about having the chance to share the ocean with a gorgeous creature like a turtle (esp one that big). We took the boys out when we were in Oahu last month and they got to swim with a couple of young turtles (by absolute luck)…their excitement and awe was priceless!!
Looks like a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us!
All the pictures look beautiful, including the one of you! You look great even without any make up!
I’m starting my Oahu count down .. air and hotel booked!
Monica.
I absolutely LOVE this post. It brought back very fond memories of Hawaii. I seriously need to go back!
wonderful pics!
Tortie girl is gorgeous!!! Oh, and you are too! 😉
OMG that is so awesome about the Honu! I got to swim with a few of them on Oahu close to the big aquarium, in a cove where we just happened to stop and see how the snorkeling was. They’re so peaceful and calm to swim with.
My boss just told me he’s going at the end of the month. Very envious of y’all, because I just can’t get it together enough to drag 3 kids and the hubby out there 🙁
Have fun!
I was just there last week! I saw a turtle off the bow of my kayak, and my husband found one resting in the shallows at Anini Beach. They are so cool. Also, I saw a feral chicken threaten a feral cat who tried to steal the snacks it got from a tourist. It’s pretty funny that the feral cats know their place.
Are those freckles that I see? 🙂 So pretty!
I’m so jealous! I love the Honu and Tortie Girl! You look great too 🙂
You’re so lucky! It’s one of my liftime dreams to swim with giant honu. I’m in love with sea turtles, they’re such amazing animals. Thanks for the great pictures!