We are staying in Kailua Kona (the birthplace of king Kamehameha) We explored the island yesterday & saw the painted church & the little church by the sea, snorkeled at several different bays & beaches such a 2 steps, saw lots of tropical Hawaiian fish & beautiful coral reefs & listened to the history of King Kamehameha & how he is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Hawaiian islands as he ruled & united the islands during a time of great cultural change. We also saw firsthand the changes that have taken place here due to volcanic activity. Saw the lava fields & how they have changed the landscape & transformed the ever changing coast & coral reefs. Saw from a distance the captain cook memorial which is a considered a controversial monument to a British explorer who was killed here in 1779 after he & his crew “overstayed” their welcome & interactions between the British sailors & the Hawaiians became increasingly violent. They initially were well received but misunderstandings & violent confrontations ensued. This monument is the only place in Hawaii technically on British land. It is a source of contention as it is considered by some Hawaiians as a monument that celebrates a man that they see invaded & ultimately brought change to the islands.
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