I'm normally more wordy than this, but I have some catching up to do... Honaunau was one of my favorite stops on our week long vacation to the Big Island, but not for the reason you'd think. Free parking on the nearby roads or $5 parking down by the shore. Easy access to snorkeling! And sure that's okay... Honestly I wasn't feeling snorkeling. I decided to stay by a nearby stone wall and watch our gear. While I was sitting there I noticed young men and women paddling their boats (canoe club) and swapping in and out. While I was watching a mom and I struck up a conversation. Just like we have soccer moms I guess you could say she was a canoe club mom... Lol She shared with me that canoe club is part of the culture there just like soccer clubs and other sports are practiced on the mainland. She had paddled as a kid and had "retired" but many people continue paddling as adults. Her son, daughter, and husband are all still active in a canoe club. The kids can start as young as six years old or so. When the young men and women finished the adult men were waiting to use the same boats. I'll forever remember conversations like this and the hospitality that was extended to me on BI. While you are in Hawaii please spend some time and learn the history and the true culture of the Hawaiian islands. As long as you are in the area make sure you check out the local shopping and restaurants! read more