I started my day at 5am leaving my mother's house in Capt. Cook on the west side of the island. After driving through the sunrise (oops) and having a pastry and cup of Kona Coffee (with lots of sugar and cream), I hit my first stop Waipio Valley. I attempted to drive down into the valley with hopes of a few waterfall shots, but to my disappointment they were barely flowing. I did manage to nearly swamp my rented Jeep Cherokee in a stream that was deeper then I thought. This shot was taken around 8am at the valley overlook.

Lapahoehoe Point was my second stop on my drive. This monument is dedicated to people that died on the April, 1st 1946 tsunami, most were school children. The morning sun made photos difficult, but the stop was worth while.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is another common stop for tourist. Yes, even though I spent my first 18 years on the island it's always nice to play tourist when I come home for a visit. They're are many good hikes in the park, which I didn't have the time or to be honest desire to take. The flowers and fruit are offerings to the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire, Pele.

On tourist day two after a morning of shooting surfing, I visited St. Benedict's Painted Church located in Honaunau. It was built and decorated between 1899-1904 by Father John Velge, a Belgian priest. It is not just a place to visit but also a working church.

And of course after a week in of 80 degree beautiful weather I get to come home to this. Gotta love irony. But Maryland is treating me great. I think I may stay for awhile. :-)