Beach, Eat, Repeat

Tuesday morning we walked to the local farmer's market and scored some life-altering butter mochi, rumbaton, and mountain apple. 

Ke'e Beach. Pictures don't do it justice.

Then we were on our way to stunning Ke'e beach.  The drive to the north shore was absolutely breath-taking with endless scenic views and quaint one-way bridges.  The scenic vista with Mario and Windham was one of the most impressive.  It overlooks a valley maintained by the National Wildlife Refuge that cultivates taro.  In addition to it's important role as a staple of the traditional Hawai'ian diet, the plants of all growth stages provide shelter for many species of birds.


Ahhhh, Ke'e Beach.  It's one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island but the tide was way too strong the day we were there.  The waves were wildly unpredictable and incredibly strong.  Little ankle-biter waves would gently break 2 feet from where the ocean meets the sand, then WHAM!  Instantly double in size and almost knock you off your feet.  Windham loved the excitement and was in heaven.  

We had a late lunch in downtown Kapa'a at a delicious BBQ place called Chicken In A Barrel.  (Barrel as in a wave barrel.)  Toward the end of our meal, Windham saw one of the many free roaming chickens on the island walk by and hopped off my lap and began to chase it, bib, utensils, and all.  It was pretty hilarious.