Champagne ponds

Now this was an experience! Perhaps even one of my favorite from the big island (although nothing may ever top our visit to the lava...) Heidi and Briana brought us there as a surprise. They wouldn't tell us where we were going-- just to bring snorkels, wear bathing suits, and bring towels. Well I know I don't need to say this but these girls rock! I doubt that we would have ever been able to find them on our own.

The champagne ponds are a series of volcanically heated ponds with an outlet to the ocean so the water is BEAUTIFUL. Now the big trick here is that they are on the other side of a gated community called Kapoho hiding behind a seemingly empty bit of the island. In order to access these wonders of the big island one must park on the side of the road before the gate, and walk through the community.

Even the community is stunning, the plumeria, hybiscus, and many assorted versions of palm trees are just amazing to walk by. It seems more a blessing to have to walk the near mile or so to get to the ponds.




This is apparently what happens to some palms that go untrimmed..-- so cool!
Plumeria!
Now when you finally reach the ponds there is a tiny public access path behind a house. This brings you to another tiny path with water on either side that leads to a landing with a ladder where you can jump in. The water is warm, maybe a few degrees above body temperature and has currents of cool water running through it. There are apparently 2 resident sea turtles that we unfortunately missed, as well as a whole slew of fish; clown fish, angel fish, eels, and tiny minnows among others that we did get to see. The water here is amazingly clear-- there is really something miraculous about this place.