Kapoho Tidepools

On the big island, guide books suggest that you go to the sunny, Kona side of the island for snorkeling...but like everything else on our trip, we did this backwards and found some of the best snorkeling on the rainy, Hilo side. In fact, while standing at the airport trading out rental cars (due to a cockroach infestation:), two independent TSA employees approached us out of the blue and suggested these tide pools.

The tide pools are all different sizes and temperatures. Some are hot spring fed -- mmm-- while others get more input from the ocean and the marine life within them changes accordingly. Most of the water is crystal clear and there is stunning coral to be found here.

On a personal note, it is also an excellent place to burn one's butt. :) Beware the bikini.

Look at the size of those leaves!

Despite the fact that this place looks like a botanical garden, it is just one of many state parks. It's called Lava Tree State Park because when the lava came up from under the ground into this area, the existing trees acted like molds.

Some of the trees burned up once encased by the lava and others slowly degraded away leaving only a perfect tree mold, entirely made from lava rock. (See below.)

Underwater cameras are awesome!