A Conference in Hawaii Day 4 “Free at Last” December 7, 2019

The conference finished today after a half day event. I don’t want to pat myself on the back too much (who am I kidding, yes I do) but I started off with another 3 mile run before starting the academic symposium. The final lectures were very poorly attended. Supposedly 90 people signed up for the conference but there couldn’t have been more than 20 in the audience today and at least 6 of those people were faculty members. They had one individual attend today who I am sure was not registered. I took a picture of the bandit attendee, see below.

After the class we headed out to explore the island. Just a little north of the hotel we stopped for lunch at Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery (55-3415 Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719). Sorry no pictures but we both enjoyed the catch of the day (Ono). Patrice had it as part of a stir fry and mine was on top of a Caesar Salad. Both were excellent and we would recommend you dine there if in the area. After that we headed to see the statue of King Kamehameha. This is not the one that you see on ads and during the opening credits of “Hawaii Five O” but it was created by the same sculptor (Thomas Ridgeway Gould). This one, I was told, is located near the birthplace of the king.

We also found some interesting visitors to the King’s statue. See below.

We then headed to a viewpoint, recommended by the hotel concierge, called Pololu Valley Lookout. On arrival we were amazed how many cars were parked along the street. When we approached the path we were greeted by a plethora of signs warning of the danger of the pathway: “Warning, Falling Rocks”; “Warning, Hazardous Cliff”; “Warning, Flash Flood”; “Warning, Dangerous Shorebreak”; “Warning, Strong Current”. All they had to say was “You might not want to do this”. If the signs weren’t discouraging enough we took a gander at the trail and saw this.

So of course we headed down the trail. It was hot and neither of us were encouraged by those going in the opposite direction so we stopped a little over halfway down and got this picture

We then headed inland from Pololu Valley and climbed to about 3,500 feet. The scenery was lovely but the opportunities to stop were limited. We were on a rather busy two lane highway with a narrow shoulder. Sorry, but I wasn’t prepared to risk my life for my followers.

We saw something very curious from the highway, a herd of black cows, each one having its own group of pals which were white birds. I can’t tell you much more but look for yourself.

I’d love to share more but it’s time for my favorite travel activity………… DINNER.