My friend was no swimmer, so he took lessons before embarking on his snorkel journeys with me in Hawaii. He built up some basic knowledge and confidence to match his courage. He really, truly wanted this, wanted to swim the open Pacific, face down, trusting his breathing apparatus and his ability to handle the current. […]
My roommate’s sister was in town for a visit. We became fast snorkeling buddies. We both loved floating along the hypnotic sea, marveling at all the colorful life. This day we were at Kahalu’u, a storied beach with shallow waters and a protective rock wall that tends to keep fish in and sharks out. As […]
Pele’s Choice Pele is the volcano goddess. Pele lives. She is ferociously beautiful. She demands that you understand both aspects of her fluidity, which requires understanding yourself. If you want to live on this island because you find her beautiful, you must also accept her ferocity. That means remaining self-aware, which includes being aware of […]
Snorkeling Off a Cliffside I had a close call, once, with a relative who could not get out of the water at a beach known locally as Two-Step. Perhaps the word “beach” should be in quotes, for most “beaches” on the Island of Hawaii are jumping off points made of volcanic rock. These are not […]
Snorkeling off a sandy beach Snorkeling alone, diving down, emulating the movements of the colorful fish nations all around, one forgets about time. One forgets about the images formed in thought that occupy space between beings, keeping us from real relationship. We are that relationship, truly are, timelessly connecting in the deep blue. Understanding the […]
If years of snorkeling have taught me anything it’s that some breeds of fish like to cuddle. They like to swim with you, swim under you, trail you, and, after you’ve earned their trust, be petted. Some keep their distance and aren’t into any of that. They are scared or disinterested where others are curious. […]