Day 5- Flowers & Coral

This morning we came across a wonderful little lady among the craft tables selling their wares in the hotel lobby. She made the most beautiful and creative leis out of flowers, cording, satin ribbon, leaves, nuts, etc. I had to get a picture of the variety; but I walked away with my own lavender colored milk thistle lei. It was delicate and unusual and only cost me $12. She pulled the outer petals off each flower and threaded them into an interesting cluster along the strand, leaving the peculiar buds behind as the star of the lei.

We decided to walk down the beach (Kerry still had not been in the sand yet) and check out the morning scene. Because the locals have such superstitions about removing itmes from the island, we found a treasure trove of coral and lava rocks to photograph.

We got a closer look at "Black Rock" the place where the Hawaiian spirits leap from the cliffs into the arms of their awaiting ancesters. Unfortunately, if no one is there to receive them their souls are said to cling to the rocks forever looking for their home. This is why the post offices in Hawaii receive boxes and boxes full of lava rocks that have caused "bad luck" sent back to the islands every year. We decided not to take our chances.

Creative kids on the beach (who's parents probably think I'm pretty scary for taking pictures of their children).

The sand on this beach is like a peppered golden color, but very soft.

A perfect plumeria from the grounds.