Cruising Around

Tuesday September 15, we left Lahaina Marina just after noon, headed towards Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District to do some snorkeling.

Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater, and is an underwater sanctuary. Located 7.5 miles off the coast of Maui, it is half-mile wide and rises 160 feet above sea level. During World War ll, the US used it for target practice. In 1977 Molokini and the surrounding 77 acres of underwater terrain were declared a Marine Life Conservation District.

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We anchored for the night at Makena Beach, a little sheltered from the waves.

The Milky Way and a sky full of stars!

Wednesday September 16, we were up early, 5:30am. Heading towards the Big Island.

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We anchored at sunset in Kealakekua Bay, in Hawaii, just outside the restricted area. Vessels need a permit to be in the bay. Inside the bay on the shore stands a white obelisk to memorialize explorer Captain James Cook.

For dinner I made Southwest Chicken Skillet with rice. Larry can pick out the zucchini and red peppers.

After dinner, we heard splashing in the water around out boat. Dan shined a flashlight in the water, there are Manta Rays swimming around us!

The Milky Way and a sky full of stars!

Thursday September 17, cruising north up the leeward coast. Much of the coastline are lava fields.

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Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, stands at 13,803ft above sea level. It is the highest point in the state of Hawaii. Most of the volcano is underwater. If measured from its base, it would be the tallest mountain in the world at 33,500ft. Thirteen telescopes, funded by eleven different countries, have been constructed at the summit. The Mauna Kea Observatories are used for scientific research across the electromagnetic spectrum and comprise the largest facility of its kind in the world.

Mauna Kea is 125ft taller than Mauna Loa which last erupted in 1984. Kīlauea stands at 4091ft above sea level, sitting East of Mauna Loa, is one of the most active volcanos in the world, last eruption was in 2018. Hualalai stands 8271 ft above sea level, last erupted 1801, it is expected to erupt again within the next century.

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The Milky Way and a sky full of stars!

Friday September 18, anchor up by 8am headed back towards Maui.

At 8pm EST, there was a large family zoom get together to sing and wish my sister in-law Sue, a happy 60th birthday.

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We anchored just after sunset in Honolua Bay. I made sausage and pepperoni pizza for dinner, one slice left!

The Milky Way and a sky full of stars!

Saturday September 19, sailed around the north shore of Moloka‘i Island. The north shore by the Forest Reserve is breathtaking!

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Leftovers for dinner. We anchored for the night on the western shore, it was quite rolly all night, the boat never did settle into the waves.

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Sunday September 20, on our way by 9:30am, towards Oahu.