On Monday we visited the historical Place of Refuge, preserved ancient Hawaiian village.
If you're interested in the details, here is an excerpt:
Those who broke ancient Hawaii's intricate system of kapu (sacred laws) - perhaps by treading on the shadow of a chief, or fishing in the wrong season - could expect execution unless they fled to the sanctuary of a place such as this. As chiefs lived on the surrounding land, transgressors had to swim through the bay surrounding the village, known as shark's den. If you managed to survive, the kahuna (priest) was required to offer you sanctuary, ceremonially absolve you of all wrong doing, and release you overnight. No matter who came here or why, this was a place of sanctuary where all was forgiven. It was not a city of criminals as the name might suggest. It was sacred ground on which life began anew...
In the cultural spirit:
Where's Waldo? actually the sea turtle. I'll give you a hint, it's not in the water.
This is an ancient Hawaiian game ... Colton called it Hawaiian Checkers.
One day we visited a local coffee farm. They had many many coffee trees, but also grew bananas and avocados. We learned that in the morning, they go out and pick up the ripe avocados that fall off of the tree. If they pick the avocados before they actually fall off, they start to rot from the inside out. The falling from the tree doesn't damage the avocado because they are still hard for a couple of days after "ripening" on the tree. We were free to take any we found that had dropped throughout the day. We found TONS of tiny ones, which the kids thought were fun to collect, and which they said aren't very good for eating ... but just so happen to be fine for juggling! or pretend juggling ;)
That picture from the previous post of the kids buried up to their ribs in the sand? Jared bet them that they couldn't get out ... $10. a piece. they got out.
Colton bought this dragon (from the movie) with his money.
From the coffee tree, a blossom:
The harvest season for Kona coffee beans lasts from August to March!!! Because they hand pick the ripe cherries, and leave the rest on the tree, having to return to the tree multiple times for a complete harvest.
Not to fear, they can reach ALL of the cherries from the ground. This tree (I think she said is about 100 years old) still produces and the trunk you see is about 3 feet tall.
Here's a photo of the Hula Dance Ruthie joined in on, on stage!
Prior to that, she was enthralled with the dancers. From a local hula school, aged between about 5 years old and 15 years old.
Colton was not so enthralled with the hula show.
