{photos by Kelsey and April Kennedy}
Continuing from last week, we now bring you the rest of the Kennedy family’s story of blending school in with vacation. Click here to read Part 1, and click here to read Part 2.
Wed. Jan. 14: Another, longer, cliff trail run in the late morning. At one terminus of the run, we come upon the lava rock ruins of an ancient heiau, a Hawaiian sacred site. We see honu (sea turtles) swimming and snacking in the small coves along the shout shore cliffs and whale spouts in the distance.
After lunch, we snorkel in the little bay across from Prince Kuhio park. Wow. The snorkeling off the boat was ok but this is amazing. Shallow reef, water as clear as can be. We saw tang, angelfish, parrotfish of different varieties, coral, sponges, urchins, sea slugs, triggerfish including the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, the state fish of Hawaii (What's the CA state fish?). April even saw a Moray eel. The boys were enchanted. Miles was squealing and yelling through his snorkel while excitedly pointing out different animals. All the while there was a Hawaiian Monk Seal sleeping on the tiny beach, oblivious to the tourists.
At one point, I hadn't looked up in a while and was drifting a bit close to some rocks. I popped up to look above the surface and began to swim out again. Back under the water, I turned around briefly to look behind me and came inches from kicking a honu in the face! What an amazing, graceful animal.
In the afternoon, another farmer's market, lots of great local food. The boys each have a cold coconut to drink, opened with a machete by the vendor. When they're done with the drinks, we go back and he splits them open to scoop out the sweet, tender young coconut meat.
Thu. Jan. 15: Morning cliff trail run, lots of clambering over rocks, more honu sightings in the little coves.
Splashing about and snorkeling again, this time at Poipu Beach. Larger, closer, and busier than PK Beach, the snorkeling was nonetheless, similarly excellent. All manner of sea creatures to be seen including the good sized honu who slowly dragged herself up onto the beach for a little sunbathing in spite of the crowd.
Some work on science projects, a bit of math, writing and Arabian Nights back at the house after a late lunch.
Fri. Jan 16: A little bit of snorkeling and beach play today. Our only “school work” for today is some journaling and writing a couple of thank you notes. We try to sleep a bit early to prepare for tomorrow's travel and the readjustment to CA time. Fresh fish from a local market and poi for dinner.
Sat. Jan. 17: Our last day on Kauai. A long travel day made even longer by the fact that our flight is delayed. The delay however, affords us a relaxed opportunity to visit the Kauai Museum in Lihue.
Among the many cultural artifacts and displays about the history, biology, and geography of the island, the biggest treat was running into Uncle Charlie again, watching him sew his net and listening to him talk story. We also got the chance to meet and listen to a performance by Kauai's musical treasure, Larry Rivera.
Uncle Larry performed at the Coco Palms Hotel on the west side of the island for decades until the hotel was destroyed in 1992 by Hurricane Iniki (the same event that helped ensure Kauai would forever be carpeted with chickens). At 84, he still writes, records and performs several times a week on Kauai. Among his selections this afternoon were one of his most famous tunes, (Where is my love?) Kamalani, and a tribute to his good friend, Uncle Charlie.
On the flight home, both boys get a chance to work on some math, catch up on history and literature reading, as well as some video entertainment. It is, after all, a long time for a young'un to sit still.
Sun. Jan. 18: What a trip this was! While I couldn't describe it as relaxing, it was most certainly rejuvenating. We consider ourselves blessed to be able to take a trip like this, blessed to belong to a school community that makes it easy to do, and that encourages expanded learning in addition to the regular curriculum.
Did the boys complete all their regular coursework for the last two weeks? Nope, though we should have no problem picking up the slack in the next week or so. The things they got to see and do will hopefully stick with them for a very long time and encourage a lifetime of curiosity.
Along with deep gratitude for being able to share these experiences with my family, the trip left me feeling a little ashamed for not taking better advantage of the outdoor opportunities in my own backyard. The Central Coast ain't Hawaii, but we've got mountains, and beaches, and I've got a sweater and a bag to carry schoolbooks. And a wetsuit.
Kelsey Kennedy is a Track B SLOCA dad to two boys who suffers occasional bouts of logorrhea and writes his own “about the author” blurbs in the third person. He realizes that for a blog post ostensibly about home schooling, he probably mentions food more frequently than schoolwork. He likes food. Sue him.
PS: April says we actually did more schoolwork than I recorded. I guess I was just more focused on the other stuff. 
Thanks again to Kelsey, April, Max and Miles, for sharing your Hawaiian adventures with the rest of us. It sounds like you had an amazing time together, a spectacular environment for homeschooling, and gained tons of additional learning along the way! What a great reminder to get out there and have new experiences, and that there’s so much to learn wherever you are.
If your family decides to take an extended vacation and you’re concerned about keeping up with SLOCA assignments, you can see how the basics can be done while still enjoying time away. Educate for life!
