Sunday, July 13, 2014

Day Twelve: Final Exam Day and Cruise

Today was the final exam day. All of the stress and studying paid off and we were ready to go!


Before the test, Ms. Lynch and Ms. Hartman took a short trip to higher ground for a picture opportunity. We were able to get a picture of all three volcanoes in one shot. 









After the exam, we were treated to a relaxing cruise in Kona. We had snacks and drinks on board. We also had the opportunity to jump off the top of the boat in the ocean, go off a slide, and snorkel. Some of us just laid out on the boat and got some sun.











On the ride home from Kona, we saw where the lava flowed into the ocean. Locals take white rocks and line them up to spell things. It's like eco-friendly graffiti.



And....a good time was had by all :)









Friday, July 11, 2014

Day Eleven: Gyotaku and Checkout Dives!

Today was a big day for the divers, Seth (BHS) and Nick (WCHS). They completed their checkout dives and are now both certified divers! Ms. Hartman went with them today to see them complete their last set of skills. We were so thankful for the amazing things we got to see. Click on the link below to see an awesome video that Nick took while we were all on the dive:











When we finished, we saw some fisherman bringing in their catch of the day.




They have a "pet" sea turtle who has learned that if he hangs out under the dock, the fishermen will feed him fish scraps as they clean their catch. 




Meanwhile at HPA, students were making Gyotaku t shirts. This is the ancient practice of fish printing. The Kumu's provided different fish for the kids to paint (dead fish of course), and they made printed shirts. After that, they headed out to the ocean for their last lab: fish feeding study.





Everyone spent the rest of the night studying for the final exam the next day. Lots of snack and energy drinks (go-go juice) was involved :)










Thursday, July 10, 2014

Day Ten: Fish Identification Lab and Last Sunset Dinner


 Today we visited a historical site where we toured a Hawaiian village. Our guide explained the purpose of each of the structures on the property. When we finished the tour, we went down to the cove to complete a lab.




We were able to see Maui from our lab location today. 







This water is home to a fish sanctuary and marine preserve. We were not allowed to wear any sunscreen because it could damage the fragile coral living in this area. Students worked in groups to identify as many fish as they could in the time given.



Next, we headed to Hapuna Beach for our last sunset dinner. The waves were HUGE this time. Everyone enjoyed some free time before finishing up the extensive fish ID lab. We were thankful for another awesome sunset.






The mongoose is like the squirrel of Hawaii. They are everywhere!














Everyone has utilized the common areas in the dorm to work together on labs as well as spending time with new friends.