The MOKES

Monk Seal taking it easy

The Mokalua Islands are two Islands off the coast of two of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches...Lanikai and Kailua, on the windward (East) side of Oahu.  They are both bird sanctuaries, but with the proper permit one can land on the northern most island.  Since they face eastward, the sunrises are spectacular, so it is a popular location for early morning photographers.

Anyway, under the guidance of our friendly neighbor Tom,  Kathy and I, our three kids, who were visiting...and two other friends...we headed out on paddle boards (the experienced folk) and kayaks...that's us the rookies.  Landing can be tricky as the ocean waves circle around from the back and come together with a big splash just in front of the landing beach.  After we safely landed, a 350lb Monk Seal ambled up through the surf to take a nap on the warm beach.  They are one of the most ancient types of seal and their numbers are diminishing.  We carefully hiked around 
to the  Ocean side with green waves crashing against the dark volcanic rock...AWESOME.  

Micaela then saw a Humpback whale breach.  Man, does God's creation get any better than this.  Are we lucky! 

Enjoy the Mokes and a few other Photos...some are ours and some borrowed from Tom

We know its cold there...hang in... the equipment truck left Fenway...Spring is on the way !

The sun rising off Lanikai

Very peaceful

Paddle boarder starting his trip

After sunrise...we took a vigorous hike to the Lanikai pillboxes...observation posts during WWII...not a bad spot to see the Mokes

The girls mimicking King Kamehameha at the Hawaii Supreme Court

Ryan on duty at Pearl Harbor

I might add...with us on duty, not a single Jap Zero made it into the Harbor !!!