Like most visitors, my first tour of Hawaii included all the must see attractions, like the north shore waves, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor on Oahu; coffee plantations, and Waipio on the Big Island. I spent seven days the first time on a whirlwind of must see destinations.

The second visit was longer, slower and more relaxed. I fell in love with the Big Island on my first visit, so spent most of my time there the second visit. There were a lot more wonderful coffee plantations to tour, and a few more shops for tourists but much of "my island" had remained the same.

I headed to Punaluu right off, the black sand beach being one of my favorites. I was happy to find a large turtle on the sand, and as I got into the water I found that there were many more turtles around me. This was my first swim with the turtles. I remained calm as my Hawaiian friends had advised me that the turtles won't hurt you, they are just curious. It was an amazing thing, to swim with these huge sea turtles. They are unbelievable graceful in the water.

The next day I continued around the island and stopped at my next destination, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Heiau, a restored ancient village site. It's not on the guide map, but as you go into this site via a long driveway, look to the right, you will find a small area with water access, the locals swim there. The snorkeling in this spot is really great so I jumped in.

Much to my delight I again came face to face with a giant sea turtle. It was looking at me, I was looking at it, just floating there suspended in the water. It came close enough to get a good look at me and started to swim away, and that is when I noticed there were three more turtles in the water around me. I was beginning to think I was really lucky, my local friends had told me it was not that common to run into the giant turtles, and here I was, seeing them where ever I went.

And indeed, I did see them where ever I went for the rest of my stay, it seemed every time I got in the water, turtles appeared. My next stop was the incredible snorkel park at Keauhou Bay. Then I returned to Oahu and the famous snorkel area , Hanauma Bay as well as the locals favorite, Ala Moana Park. Turtles at every stop! I finally bought one of those disposable underwater cameras and got some really nice photos of turtles checking me out. The turtles were the highlight of my second visit to Hawaii, I will never forget them.