The original olive tree's from the time of Jesus were cut down for fire wood by the Roman soldiers. The tree's you see in the picture are regrowth from the roots of the original tree's.

Thanks for looking and posting! We just love Hawaii and keep returning there. I'd like to live there, but can't convince my husband to move (yet). It is very expensive. Gas was about $3.70, and food is outrageous. I've thought about buying a vacation rental condo, but haven't moved on that either. DH is still kicking himself for not buying a condo when we first visited in 1993. Now those same condos that were $200,000 then are over $500,000 now. Jodi--We didn't go across Saddle Road, because it would have violated our rental car contract. Our friend who lives there said she drives it once in a while and it's quite an experience. She's really beaten up her new 4Runner on that road. We planned to snorkel at both Kahulu`u and Place of Refuge, but never did. Both times we were at Kahulu`u we were just too unmotivated and ended up just sitting on the beach. And at Place of Refuge, by the time we hiked the 1871 trail and walked around the historic site, we didn't feel like changing into our suits. DH doesn't really care if we snorkel; he says he sees the same fish every time. And I won't go in without him... We stayed at Hale Kona Kai, which is a small, 39-unit condo building between Kona Reef and Royal Kona. Got it thru VRBO. I highly recommend it if you just need a 1-bedroom unit and want to be able to walk to town. It was very convenient. We loved watching the turtles from the lanai. Cathyid--How lucky you were to have lived there! When was the last time you visited? flamingo--Yes, we did see whales from our condo and from other points on shore. We also saw a couple when we were on the dinner cruise. One was slapping his tail on the water, which I haven't seen in a long time. DH saw a couple breaching from our condo. When we were on Maui several years ago, we went on a whale watching boat trip. One whale and her baby swam right under the boat and hung out for a long time! It was spectacular and we will likely never have that experience again. So now we don't bother going on a boat to see whales. I'm glad you all enjoyed my photos! Kathy who woke up to snow this morning :(

Hi Fran - I found this post when trying to catch up on missed reading here for the past few weeks. Glad you enjoyed your trip and that you are safely back home. Now.........what about those pictures?????????LOL We'd love to see them! Kathy

Boys are doin like you said Stacy. Wearing me out!! I must be doing something to them too, Drew fell asleep on the supper table! Hunter caught a few winks mid afternoon til his brother just couldn't stand it any longer and jumped on the bed to wake him up! Course I am sure it has nothing to do with both being up before 7 am! They are EARLY birds.