We have spent the last few days on the Big Island of Hawaii, on what we are affectionately calling the sunny side of the rainy side. In fact, this morning is the first time it has rained on us in four days, although there has been significant rain in Hilo.

We have been based in Kapoho, just south of Hilo in a private rental called Kapoho Oceanside Villa. This location is worlds away from the hotels and resorts of the Kona side. With the threat, all be it small, of another volcanic eruption covering this land, there is limited development in the area. And as you pass the turn off for Volcano’s National Park, there is limited traffic beyond the locals and occasional tourist looking at the lava fields.

That feeling of remoteness is both a positive and a negative. I have a sense that I am able to see the way day-to-day life is for people who find themselves trying to live in a “tropical paradise”. For example, the costs of goods can be astronomical, but they don’t have to be if you learn the local ways. Buying fruits and vegetables from road side stands and the weekly farmers market significantly reduced those costs. Also, choosing to eat at restaurants and markets that the locals choose opened our eyes to great new foods. Two days ago, we found a local vendor selling Huli Huli chicken in his front yard, which became our dinner. It was so good, we bought Huli Huli sauce to take home from the grocery store. It also teaches our son the world beyond hot dogs. His favorite so far (after the coconut ice cream) has been the Samoan food we had at the farmers market – Pu was a mixture of coconut milk, rice, sweet onion and beef wrapped in Taro leaves.

But of course, it isn’t all perfect in this sunny corner of paradise, either. We have been amazed at how often we see and are actually able to swim with the wonderful sea turtles, but if things don’t change that may not last. The caretaker here, Audrey, informed us that there used to be 30-35 turtles here on a regular basis but now its down to around 5. The reason is locals are trapping them at night. In fact, we saw this happening and thought they were night fishing. Audrey explained that although they call the rangers every time it happens (like she did that night), the Rangers either get here too late or don’t come at all because it’s too remote. I do understand that for some people, they see the turtles as there heritage. It is my hope that they or their children will realize the need to be protected for them to be part of their future.

On a lighter note, I was surprised to see people selling Solar Panels and tankless hot water heaters at the farmers market. With the new Hawaiian law requiring solar on new construction, it looks like this technology is a standard here. Makes sense will all this sunny weather we are having on the rainy side.