Makapu'u point lookout

We went to Makapu’u to see the whales.   It has an easy paved hike that ends in a popular lookout for whale watching.  The whales were scarce that day.  We saw some breaches and lots of spouting, but I wasn’t quick enough on the draw to get any photos.  The day was hazy and gray making visibility poor and the whales we did see were so far out they were tiny indistinct forms jumping out of the water and little puffs of mist when they spouted.  But looking straight down from the highest lookout the view was awesome.

My favorite part of the day was the scenery- the huge expanse of water laid out before us, the amazing intensity of the deep blue fading into bluish gray as it neared the horizon; and all the spring green clinging to the cliffs.  It was so very beautiful and I felt grateful that we had made the effort of getting up early and driving far to come.  Some things are worth the effort, even without the whales. Here are some scenes from the day:

Little presents from Mary along the way.

Two state bird sanctuaries- Rabbit Island (the larger) and Turtle Island.  They are closed to the public, but shearwaters, noddies, petrels and tropicbirds breed on them.

Elena and Mary on the lookout along the trail.

The only photo of whales I was able to capture.

Mary can't stand wearing shoes any longer, luckily Big Sister came prepared with slippers.

Lighthouse on Makapu'u Point, as seen from the top lookout.

I stood at the highest point and looked out at the big blue.  

It's a view to take your breath away, 

to make you pause and remember how huge the world is, 

and how small we are in comparison; 

and yet, how significant, 

considering this is all for us-

 for our life and breath and sustenance, 

for our happiness and peace.  

That's what I felt as I stood there on that high place- 

happy and peaceful- even without the whales.