Friday -- our first full day on the Big Island.

I started the day running two loops around the Waikoloa complex; each lap is a little over two miles and has just a couple of ups and downs. The weather has been comfortable and mild, although the wind picks up in the afternoon and it's cool enough to sometimes wear a fleece.

After eating breakfast at the Ocean Club, we went down south to Kona.

On the recommendation of my boss, who grew up in Hawaii, we went to Kahulu'u Beach, which is reputed to have the best snorkeling. The excellent book Maui Revealed also mentions it. There were a lot of people on the beach and the beach consisted of coarse salt and peper sand. The snorkeling was pretty good, although it was a bit rocky and shallow. If I were to go back, I'd head out on the south side of the beach and work my way north. My boss says you have to make your way over the high coral to the area beyond. Next time I'll give that a shot.

On the way back, we had lunch at the Kona Brewing Co. our pizza was amazing ... a chicken and blue cheese pie with Frank's Red Hot sauce. I ordinarily wouldn't have ordered it, but I'm glad I took the chance. I had a few Wailua Wheat beers and Paul had Hula Hefeweizen. Afterward it was back to the condo to relax and watch whales.

A great day!