March 16

On a warm, cloudy morning, I accompany Caroline and my daughter, Allison on a hike in Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a 50-acre tropical landscape on the southeastern shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. On a steep descent, I pause to hear a familiar Michigan sound of a Mourning Dove mixed with a sound of ocean surf below. Exploring a strip of vegetation away from the beach, I watch some active Asian Mongooses. These invasive mammals are native to India and were originally introduced to Hawai’i in 1883 by the sugar industry to control rats in sugarcane fields. While rodents make up a portion of the mongooses’ diet, they also prey heavily on native birds, insects, and other fauna. They have been blamed for the extinction of ground-nesting birds including 8 federally endangered Hawaiian species. Walking parallel to the beach, I spot a few colorful perching birds including: a Common Myna, a Red-crested Cardinal and a pair of Red-vented Bulbuls. Flowering trees that catch my eye include Plumeria and Hibiscus while on the ground I notice a Beach Morning Glory blossom. Also, on the ground, I watch a Zebra Dove probing the pine needles and a Golden Plover prancing toward the surf. Up ahead, I’m surprised to see several friendly feral cats roaming around, being managed and fed by park personnel. Next, an odd looking tree, called a Screwpine draws my attention. The edible leaves have a floral-like aroma and are used for making sandwich wraps and teas. About the size of a football, the fruit is studded with about 100 protruding segments called cones that start out with a green highlight on the bud that then turns to orange (stock photo). The cones are sweet and yield a juice that tastes like thick mango nectar. Investigating the sandy beach, I come upon a washed-up chunk of coral, a snail shell and a coconut husk. Given the geologic history of Hawaii, I’m not surprised to see outcrops of volcanic rock. After coming upon some tide pools, I pause to see clusters of pea-size Periwinkles clinging to the rock face. Turning around, I make my way back up the slope toward the car where I take one final look at this unique cove that was once a volcanic crater that flooded so now snorkelers and swimmers can explore its coral reef.

Mid March day

Find my way

A scenic lane

Hawaiian domain

Late winter season

Have a reason

To hike these trails

Where nature prevails

The waves appear

My ears to hear

Flowering trees

Eyes to please

D. DeGraaf