Woke with a jump this morning, my tour today included an unwanted wake up call at 5.30am! 6am would have been much better, but oh well!
Was up and waiting at the front door to be picked up by 6.25am. Was actually picked up at 6.45am. Then it was off to the airport, where I got to be a " real " tourist and wear a silly badge!
The flight was again uneventful and only took about 40mins. We were picked up at the airport by our guide called Karen and were in a small bus - 24 of us. Everyone seemed to feel sorry for me as I was on my own (the only one!), but I obviously looked happy enough as they all soon stopped worrying about me, but they all insisted on helping getting me on my pictures, it was easier to let them, than try to explain, that I prefer landscapes to pictures of me!
Our tour started off with a trip to Akaka Falls, for me the hike was nothing, but the older generation were quite puffed. But the falls were beautiful and we saw them from a completely different angle to all the other falls I have seen this holiday. From there we went to the Macademia Nut factory, we got a free bar of chocolate cause we were stood in the wrong line, but who's to complain. I bought a small tin of nuts for Mum, I wanted to get some uncracked ones, but they didn't sell them. After 1/2 hour there it was on to an orchid farm. There I got Mum loads of Hawaiian plant seeds and roots.
And then finally we made our way to the Volcanoes National Park. First stop there was Volcano House, where we had lunch looking out over a crater. Then we carried on our journey stopping to look at various craters and lava flows. We got to the sea and in the distance you could see the steam cloud, where the new lava was going into the sea. Unfortunately that was the closest we got to the lava. I would have liked to have seen some hot stuff, but it didn't happen.
From there it was back to the airport and back to Oahu. Once back, I found out that Nicki's scuba diving had been cancelled that was annoying 'cause she could have joined me. Can't be changed!
We met Albert and Mei for dinner at 20.30 and today we went to Duke's Canoe Club which is directly on the beach. It was fun there, as I got carded! Yes, nearly 30 and the waitress thought I was not yet 21! GREAT! Nicki at 26 was not quite as pleased, but when she is pushing 30, she will be!
Dinner there was delicious, I had " Opah " fish, (Hawaiian Moonfish) Then it was back to bed.
Last Day
Nicki and I went out shopping this morning, first we went to Crazy Shirt and bought loads of T-shirts (one for me, Mum and Ramona), then I wanted some new Tevas (smart ones) but they didn't have any in black, so I went without. Nicki bought a bag for all her goodies. Then it was back to the hotel to pack and see Mei and Albert off. We checked out after Mei and Albert had gone, and then went to lay on the beach.
We left the beach at about 4pm to have a shower at the hotel, they let you have a room for 1/2 hour after having checked out. I thought that was great service.
After our shower we went to Keo's for dinner, delicious, we should get the cook to move to Germany. But why would he want to leave Hawaii! After dinner we made our way back to the hotel and Nicki left at 7.50pm. I waved her off of course and then did some last minute shopping. When I got back to the hotel the bus driver that the others had had, was waiting to say goodbye to me. That was so cute, cause I wasn't actually going to the airport with him, as I had booked a return shuttle coming in. Won't do that if I go again. Two single fairs would still have been cheaper!
I left the hotel to the airport at 21.00 and was there in plenty of time to check in and buy a couple of magazines. My flight left on time at 23.00pm and that apart from the long flight home was the end of another great holiday!
Showing posts with label Hawaii. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hawaii. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Waimea Canyon, Kauai
As we had all decided on the short hike today, we had a bit of a lay in and had a big fried breakfast at nine with scrambled eggs and bacon! Of course, I started with Cocoa Pebbles first. After breakfast and the washing up, we set off for Waimea Canyon which is the Hawaiian version of the Grand Canyon. Although not as big, it is still as beautiful, and when you are stood at the viewpoint you feel just as small as you do at the Grand Canyon.
Too close to the edge for me!After the viewpoint, we went on a short 3 mile hike along the top of the canyon. This time I took notes of how much of the trail went down hill, so that I was prepared on the way back up! The hike was relatively easy, but would have been even easier, if I hadn't had been a bit scared cause of the height and sheer drops. The hike took us to the top of some waterfalls, which I didn't actually see cause I didn't go down the scary part. Nicki and I sat up a bit higher worrying about the others dangling their legs over the edge!
Going back up Ulrike and I went at our own pace rather than at Nicki's Mountain Goat speed. So we arrived at the top a bit later than the rest. Then we went further on up the road to some picnic tables and a museum for lunch. After lunch during which we also fed the cockerels, we went to the Kala.(something) lookout point, which was totally in the clouds, so that was a big shame.
swimmingWe turned back then and headed to our campsite, where I headed straight for the shower, I was so filthy. Nicki, Todd, Albert and Mei went for a swim in the little lake in the campsite. Ulrike and I had by then showered and wandered over to watch them. Nicki was trying to teach Mei to tread water, but she didn't really succeed, from where I stood with Todd it looked more like the pair of them were drowning! Apparently they were laughing and not choking, could have fooled me!
Nicki cooked for us today: Falafel, delicious, I think I will have to see if I can get the mix for that at home. I have only ever had them on Trek!
Again we postponed the washing up, which was probably not the best of ideas, but I was sleeping in the other cabin, so I didn't have to go to sleep in a garlic infested room!
We went to bed quite early as we all had to be on the road by 7.15 for the helicopter ride over Kauai.
Well, I woke up twice in the night and heard the rain, but was convinced it would have passed by the morning. And when I woke at 6.45am I could hear birds outside chirruping, so I thought all was well outside. But I was soon proved wrong, when I made my way to the loos!
It was grey extremely cloudy and drizzling. Todd was up and scrubbing out the van, so I asked him if it was worth waking up properly, he is like me, forever an optimist and assured me it was!
Well, Marcus was not too pleased he had to surface even though it was raining. And when we all set off at 7.15 he more or less complained all the way to the helicopter place. There they told us what Marcus had predicted, that our flight would be put back two hours to 10am. Todd was to phone them at 9am to reconfirm that. Well, back at the campsite the weather just got steadily worse come 9am! And our flight was cancelled all together. I'm quite disappointed, but I suppose that is a reason to one day come back to Hawaii.
After doing all yesterdays and breakfast washing up, we packed the van up, and headed for the airport, we had decided to go back to Oahu on an earlier flight as there there are more things to do on a rainy day. But this also meant that Todd left us earlier. I actually missed saying goodbye to him, as I was baby-sitting Ulrike, who checked her baggage in before we left the airport to Waikiki. Instead of us all getting a taxi to the hotel, we took the city bus ($1 each and ever so easy as we knew where we were going!)
We all checked into the hotel and then headed straight back out for some lunch. We went to a Japanese noodle house, where only a few days earlier Albert had entered a competition. He had to eat a bowl of Ramen (noodles in a broth - huge portion) in under 20mins. He did it in 11! I would have liked to have seen him beat his own record, but he decided to be civilised and eat at a normal pace. I had fried noodles which were delicious. After eating we all split up and Marcus and I went to the Imax Theatre and saw the film about the volcanoes (Ring of Fire). Scary seeing as I am going to the Big Island tomorrow.
We met up with Nicki after the film and we all headed to the shopping mall. Nicki bought more clothes at Gap and I got a T-shirt for Sven. We got back by 7pm with time for me to shower before we saw Ulrike off to the airport. She got a shuttle bus at 7.50pm and we all waved her off. I think she was having a hard time trying not to cry!
We re-met in the lobby at 8.30pm for dinner. We went to the " Shorebird Beach Broiler ", where you are responsible for cooking your dinner. They have a salad buffet and you get raw meat which you barbecue yourself and the whole thing is directly on the beach. Beautiful setting and great fun. We were going to go have a drink after that, but I had an early morning ahead of me, so we headed back to bed! It was gone 11pm anyway.
Oh, I nearly forgot, I tried a Mai Tai at the restaurant, which was really delicious, so I will probably have another tomorrow!
Too close to the edge for me!After the viewpoint, we went on a short 3 mile hike along the top of the canyon. This time I took notes of how much of the trail went down hill, so that I was prepared on the way back up! The hike was relatively easy, but would have been even easier, if I hadn't had been a bit scared cause of the height and sheer drops. The hike took us to the top of some waterfalls, which I didn't actually see cause I didn't go down the scary part. Nicki and I sat up a bit higher worrying about the others dangling their legs over the edge!
Going back up Ulrike and I went at our own pace rather than at Nicki's Mountain Goat speed. So we arrived at the top a bit later than the rest. Then we went further on up the road to some picnic tables and a museum for lunch. After lunch during which we also fed the cockerels, we went to the Kala.(something) lookout point, which was totally in the clouds, so that was a big shame.
swimmingWe turned back then and headed to our campsite, where I headed straight for the shower, I was so filthy. Nicki, Todd, Albert and Mei went for a swim in the little lake in the campsite. Ulrike and I had by then showered and wandered over to watch them. Nicki was trying to teach Mei to tread water, but she didn't really succeed, from where I stood with Todd it looked more like the pair of them were drowning! Apparently they were laughing and not choking, could have fooled me!
Nicki cooked for us today: Falafel, delicious, I think I will have to see if I can get the mix for that at home. I have only ever had them on Trek!
Again we postponed the washing up, which was probably not the best of ideas, but I was sleeping in the other cabin, so I didn't have to go to sleep in a garlic infested room!
We went to bed quite early as we all had to be on the road by 7.15 for the helicopter ride over Kauai.
Well, I woke up twice in the night and heard the rain, but was convinced it would have passed by the morning. And when I woke at 6.45am I could hear birds outside chirruping, so I thought all was well outside. But I was soon proved wrong, when I made my way to the loos!
It was grey extremely cloudy and drizzling. Todd was up and scrubbing out the van, so I asked him if it was worth waking up properly, he is like me, forever an optimist and assured me it was!
Well, Marcus was not too pleased he had to surface even though it was raining. And when we all set off at 7.15 he more or less complained all the way to the helicopter place. There they told us what Marcus had predicted, that our flight would be put back two hours to 10am. Todd was to phone them at 9am to reconfirm that. Well, back at the campsite the weather just got steadily worse come 9am! And our flight was cancelled all together. I'm quite disappointed, but I suppose that is a reason to one day come back to Hawaii.
After doing all yesterdays and breakfast washing up, we packed the van up, and headed for the airport, we had decided to go back to Oahu on an earlier flight as there there are more things to do on a rainy day. But this also meant that Todd left us earlier. I actually missed saying goodbye to him, as I was baby-sitting Ulrike, who checked her baggage in before we left the airport to Waikiki. Instead of us all getting a taxi to the hotel, we took the city bus ($1 each and ever so easy as we knew where we were going!)
We all checked into the hotel and then headed straight back out for some lunch. We went to a Japanese noodle house, where only a few days earlier Albert had entered a competition. He had to eat a bowl of Ramen (noodles in a broth - huge portion) in under 20mins. He did it in 11! I would have liked to have seen him beat his own record, but he decided to be civilised and eat at a normal pace. I had fried noodles which were delicious. After eating we all split up and Marcus and I went to the Imax Theatre and saw the film about the volcanoes (Ring of Fire). Scary seeing as I am going to the Big Island tomorrow.
We met up with Nicki after the film and we all headed to the shopping mall. Nicki bought more clothes at Gap and I got a T-shirt for Sven. We got back by 7pm with time for me to shower before we saw Ulrike off to the airport. She got a shuttle bus at 7.50pm and we all waved her off. I think she was having a hard time trying not to cry!
We re-met in the lobby at 8.30pm for dinner. We went to the " Shorebird Beach Broiler ", where you are responsible for cooking your dinner. They have a salad buffet and you get raw meat which you barbecue yourself and the whole thing is directly on the beach. Beautiful setting and great fun. We were going to go have a drink after that, but I had an early morning ahead of me, so we headed back to bed! It was gone 11pm anyway.
Oh, I nearly forgot, I tried a Mai Tai at the restaurant, which was really delicious, so I will probably have another tomorrow!
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Kauai
The flight to Kauai was uneventful. Todd was there waiting for us, when we arrived, as was our luggage, which had obviously travelled on an earlier flight than us. What I liked about the baggage claim, was that as we left they compared the stickers on the bag to the stickers on our tickets. That stops anyone taking the wrong bags accidentally or even on purpose.
We drove from the airport straight in the direction of our campsite only stopping on the way to shop for dinner. We decided on Burritos again and I made my " Schichtsalat " (a delicious German salad, click here for the recipe).
Sunset on KauaiOur campsite had cabins with bunkbeds so we didn't need to build up tents, it also had a kitchen, so we didn't have to boil water for washing up, it was already there coming out of a tap. After dinner we went to the beach and made a campfire. Campfires on the beach in Kauai are actually legal (the only Hawaiian island, where that is so). Ulrike didn't want to sleep outside, nor in the cabin on her own, so I joined her in the cabin, although I would have liked to have slept under the stars, but I got a good nights sleep in bed instead.
Trail along the Na Pali CoastlineToday was a nice long hike along the Na Pali Coast, which is just beautiful. The trail goes right along the cliffs edge, but there is so much growth that it isn't really frightening. The first part of the trail was 2 miles long and didn't seem too strenuous. And our finish was at a beautiful beach, which is only sandy in the summertime, in winter the waves wash all the sand away. We stayed on the beach for maybe about 30mins, then 5 of us (Mei, Albert, Ulrike, Marcus and I) went on the hike to Hanakapi'ai Falls (another 2 miles), someone had told Nicki and Marcus, that it was a difficult hike but except for the last bit, I didn't find it too bad. I was of course out of breath and sweating like a pig, but that memory will soon fade.
I didn't go swimming in this pool, the water so cold. So I only went in up to my thighs, Marcus and Albert went in for a swim, and a quick shower under the falls. The falls were beautiful twice as high at least as Sacred Falls. Speaking of which, there was a tragic accident at Sacred Falls on Sunday (Todd told us about it on our return from our hike). There was a landslide and 7 people (in the meantime 8) died and about 40 were badly injured. The rocks some as big as small cars came down the mountain right by the pool. We were only there 4 days earlier, it makes me feel a bit sick just thinking about it. Especially as we had sat at the waters edge and said: " Just think, all these rocks here were once up there! " Scheisse!
Anyway back to the hike on the Na Pali Coast. We didn't know about the Sacred Falls Tragedy, so we weren't bothered at the Hanakapi'ai Falls. The hike back from the falls to the beach was mostly down hill so that was quite easy but we all still needed a little breather at the beach. And then we set out on what we thought was the easy part of the hike. We were wrong! We had forgotten just how far we had gone down on the way in, and every time we thought we had reached the highest point and could relax and start going down, we'd turn a corner and find the trail was still on it's way up! Not to worry a couple of Traubenzucker kept us all going.
But I even had problems with the going down. I love my Teva's, but towards the end of the hike, I could feel every single stone through them and my feet were really aching, but I made it!
Although when we found Todd and Nicki on the beach, I must have looked knackered, as they both commented on it. But that way I got a little rest, before we set off to our next campsite.
The next campsite again had beds for us all, actually it was a real surprise, as not only did it have beds the two cabins had kitchens and towels for everyone. Wow!
Todd cooked for us tonight. Hawaiian, I really enjoyed it. It was pork wrapped in a Tara leaf with sweet potatoes (which were purple) and Poipoi sauce, which was also a purple colour and looked a bit like that slime stuff kids play with. I can't really describe what it tasted like but the texture was a bit strange (like what the dentist uses to take an imprint of your teeth!).
We drove from the airport straight in the direction of our campsite only stopping on the way to shop for dinner. We decided on Burritos again and I made my " Schichtsalat " (a delicious German salad, click here for the recipe).
Sunset on KauaiOur campsite had cabins with bunkbeds so we didn't need to build up tents, it also had a kitchen, so we didn't have to boil water for washing up, it was already there coming out of a tap. After dinner we went to the beach and made a campfire. Campfires on the beach in Kauai are actually legal (the only Hawaiian island, where that is so). Ulrike didn't want to sleep outside, nor in the cabin on her own, so I joined her in the cabin, although I would have liked to have slept under the stars, but I got a good nights sleep in bed instead.
Trail along the Na Pali CoastlineToday was a nice long hike along the Na Pali Coast, which is just beautiful. The trail goes right along the cliffs edge, but there is so much growth that it isn't really frightening. The first part of the trail was 2 miles long and didn't seem too strenuous. And our finish was at a beautiful beach, which is only sandy in the summertime, in winter the waves wash all the sand away. We stayed on the beach for maybe about 30mins, then 5 of us (Mei, Albert, Ulrike, Marcus and I) went on the hike to Hanakapi'ai Falls (another 2 miles), someone had told Nicki and Marcus, that it was a difficult hike but except for the last bit, I didn't find it too bad. I was of course out of breath and sweating like a pig, but that memory will soon fade.
I didn't go swimming in this pool, the water so cold. So I only went in up to my thighs, Marcus and Albert went in for a swim, and a quick shower under the falls. The falls were beautiful twice as high at least as Sacred Falls. Speaking of which, there was a tragic accident at Sacred Falls on Sunday (Todd told us about it on our return from our hike). There was a landslide and 7 people (in the meantime 8) died and about 40 were badly injured. The rocks some as big as small cars came down the mountain right by the pool. We were only there 4 days earlier, it makes me feel a bit sick just thinking about it. Especially as we had sat at the waters edge and said: " Just think, all these rocks here were once up there! " Scheisse!
Anyway back to the hike on the Na Pali Coast. We didn't know about the Sacred Falls Tragedy, so we weren't bothered at the Hanakapi'ai Falls. The hike back from the falls to the beach was mostly down hill so that was quite easy but we all still needed a little breather at the beach. And then we set out on what we thought was the easy part of the hike. We were wrong! We had forgotten just how far we had gone down on the way in, and every time we thought we had reached the highest point and could relax and start going down, we'd turn a corner and find the trail was still on it's way up! Not to worry a couple of Traubenzucker kept us all going.
But I even had problems with the going down. I love my Teva's, but towards the end of the hike, I could feel every single stone through them and my feet were really aching, but I made it!
Although when we found Todd and Nicki on the beach, I must have looked knackered, as they both commented on it. But that way I got a little rest, before we set off to our next campsite.
The next campsite again had beds for us all, actually it was a real surprise, as not only did it have beds the two cabins had kitchens and towels for everyone. Wow!
Todd cooked for us tonight. Hawaiian, I really enjoyed it. It was pork wrapped in a Tara leaf with sweet potatoes (which were purple) and Poipoi sauce, which was also a purple colour and looked a bit like that slime stuff kids play with. I can't really describe what it tasted like but the texture was a bit strange (like what the dentist uses to take an imprint of your teeth!).
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Honolulu
We were on our own today and we all split up and went our various ways. Nicki wanted to take back her GAP dungarees, so she headed off on her own to Ala Moana Shopping Mall.
Ulrike and I headed off sightseeing on our own. But our first stop was breakfast at Denny's, where we both had a Belgian waffle with strawberries.
Iolani PalaceThen we caught a No. 2 bus to Punchbowl Street in downtown Honolulu, which is the nearest stop to our first port of call - Iolani Palace. We went on a tour of the palace, which was great fun. It was so beautiful and the guide made it very interesting too.
After that we wandered down to Aloha Tower Market Place. To start with we wandered around there looking for a place for a quick something to eat, but couldn't so we just had a drink and sat down and watched some Hula girls (We found out later that Mei and Albert were there at the same time, but we didn't see one another) After our drink we went up the Aloha Tower and took a few pictures. Then we did a bit of shopping and I bought myself some new sunglasses (polarized). I also got Lee (my brother) a South Park T-shirt, I don't know what I'll get Ramona (his girl-friend) yet.
Then from there we caught a bus to the Ala Moana Shopping Centre, where I got all my postcards and some of those strange gummi bears. Ulrike had a look at some backpacks but was undecided. We left the centre and went to the internet café, where we had to wait an hour before we could get on the computer. As we had to wait so long they didn't charge us for our drinks.
After sending Mum an email we made our way back to the hotel for a quick shower before we set off to Keo's, a Thai restaurant, where obviously all the stars go, as there was loads of pictures of them all with the Chef.
I had an " Evil Jungle Prince " which I washed down with an " Evil Princess " cocktail. It was all very delicious. After that we were all totally bloated and enjoyed the walk back to the hotel. Mother's Day today, but I sent the email for that yesterday. So no worries there.
Marcus, Ulrike and I went to breakfast together. We looked all around but we couldn't find the 99c breakfast, so we ended up at Chili's. Which was nice but not quite so cheap. After breakfast we picked Nicki up at the hotel and hauled all our bags into Mei and Albert's room. Then we set off for the Waikiki Aquarium. I thought that was fun, as instead of having to read everything we had a sort of telephone thing to listen to. Just one thing was annoying. I heard all about corals about 1000 times!
After the aquarium we all grabbed a bite to eat before meeting back at the hotel for our shuttle to the airport. Well, that got us to the airport way too early. Our flight was at 3.45pm and we were at the airport at 2:10pm! We just hang around there for a while, and I wrote and sent all 30 of my postcards! But I don't suppose they will make it to Germany before me! (surprise, surprise they did!)
Ulrike and I headed off sightseeing on our own. But our first stop was breakfast at Denny's, where we both had a Belgian waffle with strawberries.
Iolani PalaceThen we caught a No. 2 bus to Punchbowl Street in downtown Honolulu, which is the nearest stop to our first port of call - Iolani Palace. We went on a tour of the palace, which was great fun. It was so beautiful and the guide made it very interesting too.
After that we wandered down to Aloha Tower Market Place. To start with we wandered around there looking for a place for a quick something to eat, but couldn't so we just had a drink and sat down and watched some Hula girls (We found out later that Mei and Albert were there at the same time, but we didn't see one another) After our drink we went up the Aloha Tower and took a few pictures. Then we did a bit of shopping and I bought myself some new sunglasses (polarized). I also got Lee (my brother) a South Park T-shirt, I don't know what I'll get Ramona (his girl-friend) yet.
Then from there we caught a bus to the Ala Moana Shopping Centre, where I got all my postcards and some of those strange gummi bears. Ulrike had a look at some backpacks but was undecided. We left the centre and went to the internet café, where we had to wait an hour before we could get on the computer. As we had to wait so long they didn't charge us for our drinks.
After sending Mum an email we made our way back to the hotel for a quick shower before we set off to Keo's, a Thai restaurant, where obviously all the stars go, as there was loads of pictures of them all with the Chef.
I had an " Evil Jungle Prince " which I washed down with an " Evil Princess " cocktail. It was all very delicious. After that we were all totally bloated and enjoyed the walk back to the hotel. Mother's Day today, but I sent the email for that yesterday. So no worries there.
Marcus, Ulrike and I went to breakfast together. We looked all around but we couldn't find the 99c breakfast, so we ended up at Chili's. Which was nice but not quite so cheap. After breakfast we picked Nicki up at the hotel and hauled all our bags into Mei and Albert's room. Then we set off for the Waikiki Aquarium. I thought that was fun, as instead of having to read everything we had a sort of telephone thing to listen to. Just one thing was annoying. I heard all about corals about 1000 times!
After the aquarium we all grabbed a bite to eat before meeting back at the hotel for our shuttle to the airport. Well, that got us to the airport way too early. Our flight was at 3.45pm and we were at the airport at 2:10pm! We just hang around there for a while, and I wrote and sent all 30 of my postcards! But I don't suppose they will make it to Germany before me! (surprise, surprise they did!)
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Canoe Sailing
We were all a little later up today, cause of the windy and rainy night. Ulrike and I were the first to the " kitchen " where we realised that not doing the washing up the night before, was not a good idea! Well, we set about boiling some water for the washing up and got down to having some breakfast which was followed by doing the dishes. Having done that, we had to pack everything up as it was our last morning in " Jurassic Park ".
The sailing canoeWe then headed to the beach just south of the one where we had kayaked and there in two groups we went sailing on a sailing canoe. I was on the second tour with Nicki, Ulrike and Todd. It was great fun, even though after two minutes I was drowned. We were out on the water for about an hour, we sailed towards the Mokulua and then back again. It was fun. The sailors dropped us back off at the beach and Todd went for another quick spin on the boat, whilst we all had lunch.
After lunch it was off to Waikiki, where Todd dropped us off at the hotel. We were all meeting at 19.00pm in the lobby to go to an authentic Japanese restaurant. In the meantime Nicki and Ulrike went and did some laundry, I am saving mine for a decent German washing machine!
The meal at the Japanese restaurant was delicious, I should definitely try and convince Tsuji-san (my ex-boss) to take me and Moni (my colleague and friend) to one. I had raw Tuna fish in a hot sauce (starters), then I had a combination which included Garlic tuna fish (cooked) and battered veg, which is dipped in soy sauce. Very yummy. Once back from there we all fell into bed exhausted.
Oops, nearly forgot: The restaurant didn't have a liquor license, so you can buy your beer at a store and take it in with you! Never experienced that before!
The sailing canoeWe then headed to the beach just south of the one where we had kayaked and there in two groups we went sailing on a sailing canoe. I was on the second tour with Nicki, Ulrike and Todd. It was great fun, even though after two minutes I was drowned. We were out on the water for about an hour, we sailed towards the Mokulua and then back again. It was fun. The sailors dropped us back off at the beach and Todd went for another quick spin on the boat, whilst we all had lunch.
After lunch it was off to Waikiki, where Todd dropped us off at the hotel. We were all meeting at 19.00pm in the lobby to go to an authentic Japanese restaurant. In the meantime Nicki and Ulrike went and did some laundry, I am saving mine for a decent German washing machine!
The meal at the Japanese restaurant was delicious, I should definitely try and convince Tsuji-san (my ex-boss) to take me and Moni (my colleague and friend) to one. I had raw Tuna fish in a hot sauce (starters), then I had a combination which included Garlic tuna fish (cooked) and battered veg, which is dipped in soy sauce. Very yummy. Once back from there we all fell into bed exhausted.
Oops, nearly forgot: The restaurant didn't have a liquor license, so you can buy your beer at a store and take it in with you! Never experienced that before!
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Pearl Harbour
We were on the road by 8.45am heading for Pearl Harbour and the Arizona Memorial. It is hard to describe the memorial, I felt sad for all the young men that died there on 7th December 1941, but all I really could think is " War is stupid ".
The V.C. is the start to the memorial and before you go out to it on a boat, you watch a 20min video about the Arizona and its part in World War II. All in all we were there 2 hours. After which it was time for lunch.
But first we went to get some Boogie Boards, which the others are trying out now. I am gonna try tomorrow, without lenses or glasses, so that I can't possibly lose them. I have my goggles with me, but after losing the safe key, I don't feel so lucky!
a better picture than the non active blowhole From there we drove to the " Blow Hole ", which didn't do us the favour of blowing, but according to Todd, there is another on Kauai, so better luck there.
Mei and Albert cooked for us tonight, but before then Todd took some pictures that could be used for the catalogue. If they are I will be in them, as I was in the shower at the time! After dinner we made a campfire and we had s'mores and marshmallows.
All except Ulrike and I decided to spend the night under the stars. Well at about 5am they all joined us back in the tents as it started to rain!.
The V.C. is the start to the memorial and before you go out to it on a boat, you watch a 20min video about the Arizona and its part in World War II. All in all we were there 2 hours. After which it was time for lunch.
But first we went to get some Boogie Boards, which the others are trying out now. I am gonna try tomorrow, without lenses or glasses, so that I can't possibly lose them. I have my goggles with me, but after losing the safe key, I don't feel so lucky!
a better picture than the non active blowhole From there we drove to the " Blow Hole ", which didn't do us the favour of blowing, but according to Todd, there is another on Kauai, so better luck there.
Mei and Albert cooked for us tonight, but before then Todd took some pictures that could be used for the catalogue. If they are I will be in them, as I was in the shower at the time! After dinner we made a campfire and we had s'mores and marshmallows.
All except Ulrike and I decided to spend the night under the stars. Well at about 5am they all joined us back in the tents as it started to rain!.
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Sacred Falls
Set off today at 9am and our first stop was the hike to Sacred Falls. That was fun, even though I did nearly break my ankle, when I slipped on the mud, but I luckily only grazed my palms!
The falls were beautiful, and I am glad Nicki convinced me to change and go for a swim in the pool. I think I probably shocked most people when I just changed then and there, but as I always say, we are all made of the same stuff!
When we got back to the van, it was time for lunch, so Todd drove us to a nice picnic spot, again on the beach, and then we headed for the North Shore. That was a bit disappointing, as the sea was as calm as a mill pond, so there wasn't a single surfer to be seen. But there were some beautiful beaches. One of which we went to after checking out Haleiwa. In Haleiwa we had the Hawaiian speciality " Shaved Ice ". It was nice, but it was so big, that it got a bit sickly about 1/2 way through and I threw it away.
The beach we went and sat on was Waimea Beach, there was a big rock not far off shore, where they were all jumping from. They were fun to watch, but none of us tried it. When it got cloudy we made our way to the shops then back to camp. Where Ulrike made us Spaghetti with a tomato sauce.
We all got dressed up (meaning jeans and T-shirt) and went "to the movies". We went to see "Never been Kissed", with Drew Barrymore, nothing spectacular, but the guy in it was just adorable!! (I have since found out that his name is Michael Vartan!)
We got back to camp at about midnight and all went straight to bed.
The falls were beautiful, and I am glad Nicki convinced me to change and go for a swim in the pool. I think I probably shocked most people when I just changed then and there, but as I always say, we are all made of the same stuff!
When we got back to the van, it was time for lunch, so Todd drove us to a nice picnic spot, again on the beach, and then we headed for the North Shore. That was a bit disappointing, as the sea was as calm as a mill pond, so there wasn't a single surfer to be seen. But there were some beautiful beaches. One of which we went to after checking out Haleiwa. In Haleiwa we had the Hawaiian speciality " Shaved Ice ". It was nice, but it was so big, that it got a bit sickly about 1/2 way through and I threw it away.
The beach we went and sat on was Waimea Beach, there was a big rock not far off shore, where they were all jumping from. They were fun to watch, but none of us tried it. When it got cloudy we made our way to the shops then back to camp. Where Ulrike made us Spaghetti with a tomato sauce.
We all got dressed up (meaning jeans and T-shirt) and went "to the movies". We went to see "Never been Kissed", with Drew Barrymore, nothing spectacular, but the guy in it was just adorable!! (I have since found out that his name is Michael Vartan!)
We got back to camp at about midnight and all went straight to bed.
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Kayaking
We were up really early, but then again the first night on the floor isn't always the best nights sleep! Anyway we were up and had had breakfast, ready for the off at 8.15am.
Today was Kayaking! We drove to Kailua and then kayaked to the " Twin Islands " Mokulua (moku=island, lua=two), it was beautiful there. The island we stopped on was a sea bird sanctuary, and all these birds had made their nests in the hill face. So cute! Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me (in case the boat tipped!) Todd took us to the back of the island, and showed us where they sometimes do cliff diving. Marcus, Albert and Ulrike jumped in after seeing that Todd came up safe and sound. I didn't try I was too afraid of losing my lenses! And it was quite a high jump, at least I thought so.
Once we got back to the front of the island Todd took Marcus, Ulrike and Nicki out in the kayak to ride the waves. Marcus and Ulrike did well. When he took poor Nicki out they tipped the boat twice!! But both came back in fits of laughter, so it can't have been too bad. And they did manage to catch one wave.
Once they were back we started paddling back to the beach. God it was exhausting, I would have loved to have given my poor shoulders a bit of a rest, but if we stopped paddling Nicki started feeling ill, so I just kept on going, slower than on the way to the island. We nearly made it back without Nicki throwing up, unfortunately the poor girl didn't quite make it, and about 20m from shore she did throw up.
After giving the kayaks back, it was time for a well-earned lunch on the beach and some of us not brave enough to try out the showers with a view, had a shower at the beach.
This hill was steeper than it looks! After lunch we left Nicki snoozing under a tree and went for a hike up to a view-point overlooking the bay we had just kayaked through. It was a short but very steep hike. But the view made it very worthwhile. Getting down was the most difficult especially the last bit, where the others got a picture of me hanging from tree to tree like a monkey!
We then went shopping and back to the camp. Where I had my first shower with a view! Best one ever I think. It was so much fun. Even when it started really raining.
Nicki made dinner today, we had a vegetable stir fry and cous-cous with a tangy sauce. Poor Marcus missed out on food, his back was bad from kayaking so he stayed lying flat.
Today was Kayaking! We drove to Kailua and then kayaked to the " Twin Islands " Mokulua (moku=island, lua=two), it was beautiful there. The island we stopped on was a sea bird sanctuary, and all these birds had made their nests in the hill face. So cute! Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me (in case the boat tipped!) Todd took us to the back of the island, and showed us where they sometimes do cliff diving. Marcus, Albert and Ulrike jumped in after seeing that Todd came up safe and sound. I didn't try I was too afraid of losing my lenses! And it was quite a high jump, at least I thought so.
Once we got back to the front of the island Todd took Marcus, Ulrike and Nicki out in the kayak to ride the waves. Marcus and Ulrike did well. When he took poor Nicki out they tipped the boat twice!! But both came back in fits of laughter, so it can't have been too bad. And they did manage to catch one wave.
Once they were back we started paddling back to the beach. God it was exhausting, I would have loved to have given my poor shoulders a bit of a rest, but if we stopped paddling Nicki started feeling ill, so I just kept on going, slower than on the way to the island. We nearly made it back without Nicki throwing up, unfortunately the poor girl didn't quite make it, and about 20m from shore she did throw up.
After giving the kayaks back, it was time for a well-earned lunch on the beach and some of us not brave enough to try out the showers with a view, had a shower at the beach.
This hill was steeper than it looks! After lunch we left Nicki snoozing under a tree and went for a hike up to a view-point overlooking the bay we had just kayaked through. It was a short but very steep hike. But the view made it very worthwhile. Getting down was the most difficult especially the last bit, where the others got a picture of me hanging from tree to tree like a monkey!
We then went shopping and back to the camp. Where I had my first shower with a view! Best one ever I think. It was so much fun. Even when it started really raining.
Nicki made dinner today, we had a vegetable stir fry and cous-cous with a tangy sauce. Poor Marcus missed out on food, his back was bad from kayaking so he stayed lying flat.
Hawaiian Dream Trek: East Coast of Oahu
Nicki and I were awake extremely early, probably excited about meeting the rest of the group! We just lolled around reading all our free Hawaii brochures. Until at about 8.45am, after repacking our bags we made our way down to reception. The CrewIn the lift we met Marcus, who is on the Trek with us. He is 26 and from Germany (somewhere near Munich). We checked out, and I paid the $50 for a new safe key. Then we waited for more to arrive. (Oh, Nicki went shopping for something to drink and a beach towel (map of Hawaii)) Todd was next to arrive, he is the tour guide, he told us that there are only 6 of us. Ulrike (an Au Pair from Germany, living in Boston) arrived next, well actually she'd been there all along, we just hadn't spotted her around a corner. Mei and Albert were next (and last) to arrive they are from San Francisco, the first Americans I've been on a trek with !
We filled in all the forms and then Todd showed us on the map, what was planned. We headed out of Waikiki to the east side, and stopped at the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. A beautiful view.
From there it was on to our campsite to set up the tents. We are camping in/at Ka'a'wa Valley, which I call the "Valley of the Dinosaurs" as some of Jurassic Park was filmed here. In fact quite a few things have been filmed here (Fantasy Island, Birds of Paradise, George of the Jungle, Joe Mighty, etc.) Also this campsite is for Trek only so it is just idyllic.
Valley of the dinosaurs
Well, we set up camp admired the view, had lunch, and lessons on how to work the toilets and shower, then it was off to the Polynesian Cultural Centre. That was fun, Todd didn't join us, he had to do various other things, such as get something for dinner!
The Polynesian Cultural Centre is like a living museum for the Polynesian Islands and they each have their own area, where they do shows to introduce you to their culture. We saw a show from New Zealand, Marquesas, Tonga and Hawaii. We also saw the Canoe pageant and played a spear throwing game in Tahiti.
Willy Junior, the big guy on the right! The show in Tonga was the best. It was this huge guy called Willi Junior, teaching three guys the drums. Well he had picked out a Japanese guy, who didn't seem to speak a word of English! It was hilarious. He told the guy to shout to the audience: " Are you ready " No problem, then he asked " Japan " to shout: " Are you ready " in Japanese. So Japan repeated parrot fashion " Are you ready in Japanese " He played this game about 4 times! So funny! We left the P.C.C. at 18.00 and went back to the campground, where we had Burritos for dinner. Delicious as always. Then Todd made us a campfire, whiched proved slightly difficult as most of the wood wasn't really dry! But we got it going eventually.
Can't remember when we went to bed, but I don't think we were very late.
We filled in all the forms and then Todd showed us on the map, what was planned. We headed out of Waikiki to the east side, and stopped at the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. A beautiful view.
From there it was on to our campsite to set up the tents. We are camping in/at Ka'a'wa Valley, which I call the "Valley of the Dinosaurs" as some of Jurassic Park was filmed here. In fact quite a few things have been filmed here (Fantasy Island, Birds of Paradise, George of the Jungle, Joe Mighty, etc.) Also this campsite is for Trek only so it is just idyllic.
Valley of the dinosaurs
Well, we set up camp admired the view, had lunch, and lessons on how to work the toilets and shower, then it was off to the Polynesian Cultural Centre. That was fun, Todd didn't join us, he had to do various other things, such as get something for dinner!
The Polynesian Cultural Centre is like a living museum for the Polynesian Islands and they each have their own area, where they do shows to introduce you to their culture. We saw a show from New Zealand, Marquesas, Tonga and Hawaii. We also saw the Canoe pageant and played a spear throwing game in Tahiti.
Willy Junior, the big guy on the right! The show in Tonga was the best. It was this huge guy called Willi Junior, teaching three guys the drums. Well he had picked out a Japanese guy, who didn't seem to speak a word of English! It was hilarious. He told the guy to shout to the audience: " Are you ready " No problem, then he asked " Japan " to shout: " Are you ready " in Japanese. So Japan repeated parrot fashion " Are you ready in Japanese " He played this game about 4 times! So funny! We left the P.C.C. at 18.00 and went back to the campground, where we had Burritos for dinner. Delicious as always. Then Todd made us a campfire, whiched proved slightly difficult as most of the wood wasn't really dry! But we got it going eventually.
Can't remember when we went to bed, but I don't think we were very late.
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Lei Day
Got up earlier today as I didn't want to miss anything on Lei Day!
"May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii"
There was a big festival on in the park with Lei making competitions and Hula music. The kids also entered the competition and there were kids under 6 making beautiful leis in the shade of a tree. Then I watched all these Hula kids line up for dancing, I didn't watch them dance then though, as I made my way back to the hotel to meet Nicki. She was already there and showered, so I marched us back off to the park. Where we sat and watched the Hula performances and the lei competition winners.
In the evening we went to Planet Hollywood for dinner after having looked everywhere else. After that we went to the cinema. We saw " Matrix " with Keanu Reeves, which finished better than it started. As Nicki put it, it was extremely bizarre, but by the end of the film, I think I got what it was all about. I have since seen the film again, and understood and enjoyed it!
What a day! I would start at the beginning but I have to get something off my chest first. I managed to lose the safe key! We had decided on a bit of time on the beach and walked right along the waters edge to the park, where I must have lost my key from my trouser pocket, when I stripped off down to my bikini. So stupid! We did go back to the spot when I realised I'd lost the key, but we couldn't find it. Well, the hotel managed to sort out the dilemma and let us get at our valuables again. (Cost me $50) But I am still very annoyed with myself!
But I didn't only lose the key today! Nicki brought us both an ankle chain, which had gone missing by the time we went for dinner! Spent most of the rest of the evening worrying about taking out my contact lenses, as things always come in threes, but I have just remembered I have already lost a third thing today - my big (dead) toe-nail. Yucky! So I should be alright in a minute, when I take out my lenses. Once we were able to get the money out of the safe we went to a large shopping mall (Ala Moana Centre) and from there we went for a Thai meal (Singha), it was delicious.
"May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii"
There was a big festival on in the park with Lei making competitions and Hula music. The kids also entered the competition and there were kids under 6 making beautiful leis in the shade of a tree. Then I watched all these Hula kids line up for dancing, I didn't watch them dance then though, as I made my way back to the hotel to meet Nicki. She was already there and showered, so I marched us back off to the park. Where we sat and watched the Hula performances and the lei competition winners.
In the evening we went to Planet Hollywood for dinner after having looked everywhere else. After that we went to the cinema. We saw " Matrix " with Keanu Reeves, which finished better than it started. As Nicki put it, it was extremely bizarre, but by the end of the film, I think I got what it was all about. I have since seen the film again, and understood and enjoyed it!
What a day! I would start at the beginning but I have to get something off my chest first. I managed to lose the safe key! We had decided on a bit of time on the beach and walked right along the waters edge to the park, where I must have lost my key from my trouser pocket, when I stripped off down to my bikini. So stupid! We did go back to the spot when I realised I'd lost the key, but we couldn't find it. Well, the hotel managed to sort out the dilemma and let us get at our valuables again. (Cost me $50) But I am still very annoyed with myself!
But I didn't only lose the key today! Nicki brought us both an ankle chain, which had gone missing by the time we went for dinner! Spent most of the rest of the evening worrying about taking out my contact lenses, as things always come in threes, but I have just remembered I have already lost a third thing today - my big (dead) toe-nail. Yucky! So I should be alright in a minute, when I take out my lenses. Once we were able to get the money out of the safe we went to a large shopping mall (Ala Moana Centre) and from there we went for a Thai meal (Singha), it was delicious.
Hawaiian Dream Trek: Waikiki
Well, so far so good! I am on the second leg of my journey and am safely on board my flight from Cincinnati to San Francisco. There was no problem connecting in Cincinnati, the flight was 1/2 hour early which left me with plenty of time even for a MacDonalds! The flight to Cincinnati was totally uneventful, except for the guy sat two away from me, who snored for most of the journey! Oh, and maybe the gay couple who insisted on sitting two rows apart and sending love sick looks to one another! Aah, how cute! Now it is just a case of fingers crossed that this flight is also on time or even early, as I only have 50 mins to change in San Francisco.
Well, my wishes came true, I arrived in San Francisco 1/2 hour early too. So no problem whatsoever changing. I also didn't have to pick up my luggage this time.
I also arrived in Honolulu 1/2 hour early, so I was finally able to get to bed at 22.30 Hawaiian time. Meaning I had been up for 27 hours. Not too bad really!
My very first impression of Hawaii was when I stepped off the plane - it smells beautiful, all flowery but not overpoweringly so! Just that smell made up for all those hours travelling!
View from the hotel room Woke up feeling quite alright at about 8am took my time getting up though. Had a look at the view from the balcony, that looks better at night, but it wasn't too bad, we aren't surrounded by skyscrapers. I had a good look at the free brochure the hotel left in the room. And decided to set out and explore and find an internet café. So on went the shorts and T-shirt and off I went in search of the VC (Visitors Centre).
Found that in a shopping centre and they knew where to find the or should I say a café with a computer. Sent a mail off to Mum and Moni, then I moseyed on down to the beach. Beautiful, less crowded than I expected. I walked right along the beach to Kapiolani Park. I had lunch at a snack bar there and sat in the shade admiring the view of Waikiki and people watching.
Eventually went back to the hotel, showered and went to a steak place for dinner. But they really rush you with eating in the States. I was in and out of the restaurant in just under 45 minutes. I then went for a walk, where I encountered a gospel choir. I listened to them singing and preaching on a street corner for about an hour and then made my way back to bed.
Well, my wishes came true, I arrived in San Francisco 1/2 hour early too. So no problem whatsoever changing. I also didn't have to pick up my luggage this time.
I also arrived in Honolulu 1/2 hour early, so I was finally able to get to bed at 22.30 Hawaiian time. Meaning I had been up for 27 hours. Not too bad really!
My very first impression of Hawaii was when I stepped off the plane - it smells beautiful, all flowery but not overpoweringly so! Just that smell made up for all those hours travelling!
View from the hotel room Woke up feeling quite alright at about 8am took my time getting up though. Had a look at the view from the balcony, that looks better at night, but it wasn't too bad, we aren't surrounded by skyscrapers. I had a good look at the free brochure the hotel left in the room. And decided to set out and explore and find an internet café. So on went the shorts and T-shirt and off I went in search of the VC (Visitors Centre).
Found that in a shopping centre and they knew where to find the or should I say a café with a computer. Sent a mail off to Mum and Moni, then I moseyed on down to the beach. Beautiful, less crowded than I expected. I walked right along the beach to Kapiolani Park. I had lunch at a snack bar there and sat in the shade admiring the view of Waikiki and people watching.
Eventually went back to the hotel, showered and went to a steak place for dinner. But they really rush you with eating in the States. I was in and out of the restaurant in just under 45 minutes. I then went for a walk, where I encountered a gospel choir. I listened to them singing and preaching on a street corner for about an hour and then made my way back to bed.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Exploring the Big Island of Hawaii: HILO and the VOLCANO
HILO and the VOLCANO
On August 8, we headed off on a big island adventure, all the way around the island in one day. Setting out from Kona we headed north and crossed thru Waimea and past the Parker Ranch to the Waipio Valley. This valley is still inhabited by descendents of ancient Hawaiians who tend to the taro crop. There is a long black sand beach and we saw lots of kayakers out in the surf. We could only take pictures from up above, the trail is so steep down to the valley only 4-wheel drive vehicles could make it down there. I was happy to stand above it and admire the scenery.
The natural scenery on the way to Hilo was spectacular. We stopped along the way to take pictures of the coastline and of a waterfall that could be seen from the road.
The famous waterfall on this side of the island is Akaka Falls. There is a nice trail that leads to the falls and scenic overlooks where we took pictures. We were lucky enough to capture a rainbow at the bottom of this picture. Bamboo and ginger were plentiful along the trail and the whole area made me feel like I was in a remote tropical jungle instead of a few miles off the road.
We continued on towards Hilo, admiring all the scenery along the way. We decided to check out Rainbow Falls on the outskirts of town and climbed the trail there to the overlook at the top of the falls. There we saw two streams that came together and dropped over the edge to a calm area of water below. These falls were not as secluded as Akaka but were just as interesting in their own way. The terrain at the top was rugged and the cascade ended near some caves and pretty foliage.
We had lunch in Hilo at a very good Mexican restaurant with the strangest name - Reuben's. With a name like that it sounded like they'd serve good reuben sandwiches, but it was all Mexican and it was delicious. We wandered around the waterfront for a little while then headed to Nani Mau Gardens before going to the volcano.
Nani Mau means "forever beautiful" and these gardens were! They stretch over 20 acres that were once part of a rain forest. Hilo gets about 130 inches of rain a year so these plants are happy plants. There is a museum, an orchard, a ginger garden, annual gardens, an orchid walkway and many other sections just as gorgeous. We took the tram thru the gardens since we didn't have a lot of time to wander but the driver stopped at a few places for us to take pictures. One area was the Makalapua Lookout where we got good pictures of the entire annual garden. We strolled along the orchid walkway and took pictures there before getting back on the road and heading to the Volcanoes National Park.
SNORKELING ADVENTURES ON THE BIG ISLAND
One thing I was really looking forward to during this trip was snorkeling. I had heard the fish and corals were gorgeous in the Pacific Ocean so I couldn't wait to jump in and see them. We found a place called Honaunau Bay which was about a 30 minute drive from our hotel on the Kona Coast. The beach, if you could call it that, was mostly black lava which we stepped out onto to enter the water, using the steps formed by the lava.
I wish I could describe how beautiful it was under the water. A disposable camera just doesn't do it justice. We were so impressed with this bay that we snorkled there twice. Besides the tropical fish and the corals there was also a sea turtle who cruised by us as we swam. I tried to keep up with it to get pictures but only managed to get shots as it swam away.
At one spot underwater someone had spelled the word "Aloha" with white rocks. One thing I especially remember was snorkeling along with the floor about 20 feet below me then, suddenly, I swam out over a huge drop-off and the view below me was spectacular. It went on forever it seemed and was so colorful. Here are a few shots that will show just a sampling of what we saw, although on film it's not nearly as colorful as it was in person.
Snorkeling in that particular area was free, just a small parking fee if you couldn't find a spot along the road. Our other snorkeling adventure cost a little more but was also worth it. We booked a rafting and snorkeling trip with a company called Sea Quest out of Keauhou Bay on the afternoon of 8/9. We were fitted with masks and fins then off we went to the raft to meet the guide and the two other passengers who went with us. The ride was a little bumpy but lots of fun and we arrived at Kealakekua Bay in about 40 minutes. This is the bay where the Captain Cook Monument stands on the shore.
We had about an hour to snorkel among the colorful fish in this bay. The corals were not as interesting as the other spot but there were so many fish to see we hardly noticed. We have a yellow tang in our aquarium at home so those caught my eye, and there were a million of them to see. Below are pictures of the tangs and of a parrot fish which were also abundant in these waters.
At the end of the hour we were called back to the raft and our guide had fruit and taro chips for us to eat, plus juice to drink. Then we headed back up the coast, a little slower in spots so she could point out the interesting areas and tell us some of the history of the cliffs along the way. Seems that ancient Hawaiians were afraid of evil spirits and of the color red. These cliffs had a reddish color in them due to iron deposits and, at one point, a face appears in the side of one cliff (pic on left). The eyes were actually old lava tubes (close-up of the tube is on the right) but the ancients thought this was an evil spirit with a red face so they stayed away from that area.
The guide also showed us caves cut into the cliffs from the wave action and areas where the locals go cliff diving. Not sure I'd want to try it but there were a few hardy souls diving at one point. She got us back to the dock safe and sound in about an hour and we all agreed it was a great trip.
Snorkeling is only one thing that is easy to do in Hawaii, and fishing is another. The fishing in Hawaii is different than in our home state of Florida. The best fishing in Florida is miles offshore but, in Hawaii, it's just off the coast. We had gone on a half day fishing excursion right before this raft ride so we got to experience both adventures all in one day.
FISHING ADVENTURES ON THE BIG ISLAND
My husband was really looking forward to sportfishing in Hawaii. It's a little different fishing in Hawaii than it is in our home state of Florida where the fishing is best miles and miles offshore. In Hawaii, lines are in the water as soon as the boat is out of the harbor. There is deep water right off the coast. During the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, we could see the boats from the beach at the hotel, that's how close in they were fishing.
We booked a half day fishing excursion on a boat called Tara even before we knew it was the winner of the tournament and we were hoping to have good luck while fishing on this boat. Darrell and his father and I boarded the boat in Honokohau Harbor early on August 9 and met the crew, Captain Nate and First Mate Jeremiah. They hustled around getting ready, we stowed our gear, and off we went. Tara is a 46' Hatteras and was well equipped with all the fishing gear we needed. I didn't plan to fish, just watch, but I settled into the fishing chair just to see how it felt.
The crew got the lines in the water to try and catch tuna to use as bait for marlin. It was interesting to watch as they caught a tuna, ran a line thru it's mouth and kept it alive by running water thru it at the same time. First Mate Jeremiah was quite efficient while performing those tasks, below.
I had to give up my fishing chair so that the real fishermen on the boat could have a turn. My father-in-law landed one of the tuna that we used for bait. But try as they might all morning, they never caught anything but bait fish. I guess the billfish were tired after fighting with this same boat during the big HIBT tournament! But both men agreed that, even without a big catch, they loved being out on the ocean.
And what happened to me you ask? While Darrell looked longingly out to sea in search of that prize marlin, I decided the sofa in the cabin looked pretty good so I tested it out for a few hours. After all, I had to get some rest so I would be able to snorkel later. We had booked a snorkeling trip for that afternoon so we had to be back to port by noon. The crew, anxious to catch some fish, was willing to stay out all afternoon if we wanted to but I didn't want to lose the deposit on the raft trip. After all, the guys had another charter booked for 8/11 so they'd have another chance at "catching the big one" then.
On 8/11, the guys got up early and headed out again, this time on Pamela, booked thru the Kona Charter Skippers Association. Pamela is a 38' Bertram sportfisher out of the same harbor. I decided not to go along on this one, I could wait until later to hear the fish stories when the guys got back. Well the story was much the same as the previous trip, a beautiful day on the water but no fish. Darrell was still glad he had gotten to fish even if there was no prize marlin tugging at the end of his fishing rod on either trip. See, doesn't he look happy?
On August 8, we headed off on a big island adventure, all the way around the island in one day. Setting out from Kona we headed north and crossed thru Waimea and past the Parker Ranch to the Waipio Valley. This valley is still inhabited by descendents of ancient Hawaiians who tend to the taro crop. There is a long black sand beach and we saw lots of kayakers out in the surf. We could only take pictures from up above, the trail is so steep down to the valley only 4-wheel drive vehicles could make it down there. I was happy to stand above it and admire the scenery.
The natural scenery on the way to Hilo was spectacular. We stopped along the way to take pictures of the coastline and of a waterfall that could be seen from the road.
The famous waterfall on this side of the island is Akaka Falls. There is a nice trail that leads to the falls and scenic overlooks where we took pictures. We were lucky enough to capture a rainbow at the bottom of this picture. Bamboo and ginger were plentiful along the trail and the whole area made me feel like I was in a remote tropical jungle instead of a few miles off the road.
We continued on towards Hilo, admiring all the scenery along the way. We decided to check out Rainbow Falls on the outskirts of town and climbed the trail there to the overlook at the top of the falls. There we saw two streams that came together and dropped over the edge to a calm area of water below. These falls were not as secluded as Akaka but were just as interesting in their own way. The terrain at the top was rugged and the cascade ended near some caves and pretty foliage.
We had lunch in Hilo at a very good Mexican restaurant with the strangest name - Reuben's. With a name like that it sounded like they'd serve good reuben sandwiches, but it was all Mexican and it was delicious. We wandered around the waterfront for a little while then headed to Nani Mau Gardens before going to the volcano.
Nani Mau means "forever beautiful" and these gardens were! They stretch over 20 acres that were once part of a rain forest. Hilo gets about 130 inches of rain a year so these plants are happy plants. There is a museum, an orchard, a ginger garden, annual gardens, an orchid walkway and many other sections just as gorgeous. We took the tram thru the gardens since we didn't have a lot of time to wander but the driver stopped at a few places for us to take pictures. One area was the Makalapua Lookout where we got good pictures of the entire annual garden. We strolled along the orchid walkway and took pictures there before getting back on the road and heading to the Volcanoes National Park.
SNORKELING ADVENTURES ON THE BIG ISLAND
One thing I was really looking forward to during this trip was snorkeling. I had heard the fish and corals were gorgeous in the Pacific Ocean so I couldn't wait to jump in and see them. We found a place called Honaunau Bay which was about a 30 minute drive from our hotel on the Kona Coast. The beach, if you could call it that, was mostly black lava which we stepped out onto to enter the water, using the steps formed by the lava.
I wish I could describe how beautiful it was under the water. A disposable camera just doesn't do it justice. We were so impressed with this bay that we snorkled there twice. Besides the tropical fish and the corals there was also a sea turtle who cruised by us as we swam. I tried to keep up with it to get pictures but only managed to get shots as it swam away.
At one spot underwater someone had spelled the word "Aloha" with white rocks. One thing I especially remember was snorkeling along with the floor about 20 feet below me then, suddenly, I swam out over a huge drop-off and the view below me was spectacular. It went on forever it seemed and was so colorful. Here are a few shots that will show just a sampling of what we saw, although on film it's not nearly as colorful as it was in person.
Snorkeling in that particular area was free, just a small parking fee if you couldn't find a spot along the road. Our other snorkeling adventure cost a little more but was also worth it. We booked a rafting and snorkeling trip with a company called Sea Quest out of Keauhou Bay on the afternoon of 8/9. We were fitted with masks and fins then off we went to the raft to meet the guide and the two other passengers who went with us. The ride was a little bumpy but lots of fun and we arrived at Kealakekua Bay in about 40 minutes. This is the bay where the Captain Cook Monument stands on the shore.
We had about an hour to snorkel among the colorful fish in this bay. The corals were not as interesting as the other spot but there were so many fish to see we hardly noticed. We have a yellow tang in our aquarium at home so those caught my eye, and there were a million of them to see. Below are pictures of the tangs and of a parrot fish which were also abundant in these waters.
At the end of the hour we were called back to the raft and our guide had fruit and taro chips for us to eat, plus juice to drink. Then we headed back up the coast, a little slower in spots so she could point out the interesting areas and tell us some of the history of the cliffs along the way. Seems that ancient Hawaiians were afraid of evil spirits and of the color red. These cliffs had a reddish color in them due to iron deposits and, at one point, a face appears in the side of one cliff (pic on left). The eyes were actually old lava tubes (close-up of the tube is on the right) but the ancients thought this was an evil spirit with a red face so they stayed away from that area.
The guide also showed us caves cut into the cliffs from the wave action and areas where the locals go cliff diving. Not sure I'd want to try it but there were a few hardy souls diving at one point. She got us back to the dock safe and sound in about an hour and we all agreed it was a great trip.
Snorkeling is only one thing that is easy to do in Hawaii, and fishing is another. The fishing in Hawaii is different than in our home state of Florida. The best fishing in Florida is miles offshore but, in Hawaii, it's just off the coast. We had gone on a half day fishing excursion right before this raft ride so we got to experience both adventures all in one day.
FISHING ADVENTURES ON THE BIG ISLAND
My husband was really looking forward to sportfishing in Hawaii. It's a little different fishing in Hawaii than it is in our home state of Florida where the fishing is best miles and miles offshore. In Hawaii, lines are in the water as soon as the boat is out of the harbor. There is deep water right off the coast. During the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, we could see the boats from the beach at the hotel, that's how close in they were fishing.
We booked a half day fishing excursion on a boat called Tara even before we knew it was the winner of the tournament and we were hoping to have good luck while fishing on this boat. Darrell and his father and I boarded the boat in Honokohau Harbor early on August 9 and met the crew, Captain Nate and First Mate Jeremiah. They hustled around getting ready, we stowed our gear, and off we went. Tara is a 46' Hatteras and was well equipped with all the fishing gear we needed. I didn't plan to fish, just watch, but I settled into the fishing chair just to see how it felt.
The crew got the lines in the water to try and catch tuna to use as bait for marlin. It was interesting to watch as they caught a tuna, ran a line thru it's mouth and kept it alive by running water thru it at the same time. First Mate Jeremiah was quite efficient while performing those tasks, below.
I had to give up my fishing chair so that the real fishermen on the boat could have a turn. My father-in-law landed one of the tuna that we used for bait. But try as they might all morning, they never caught anything but bait fish. I guess the billfish were tired after fighting with this same boat during the big HIBT tournament! But both men agreed that, even without a big catch, they loved being out on the ocean.
And what happened to me you ask? While Darrell looked longingly out to sea in search of that prize marlin, I decided the sofa in the cabin looked pretty good so I tested it out for a few hours. After all, I had to get some rest so I would be able to snorkel later. We had booked a snorkeling trip for that afternoon so we had to be back to port by noon. The crew, anxious to catch some fish, was willing to stay out all afternoon if we wanted to but I didn't want to lose the deposit on the raft trip. After all, the guys had another charter booked for 8/11 so they'd have another chance at "catching the big one" then.
On 8/11, the guys got up early and headed out again, this time on Pamela, booked thru the Kona Charter Skippers Association. Pamela is a 38' Bertram sportfisher out of the same harbor. I decided not to go along on this one, I could wait until later to hear the fish stories when the guys got back. Well the story was much the same as the previous trip, a beautiful day on the water but no fish. Darrell was still glad he had gotten to fish even if there was no prize marlin tugging at the end of his fishing rod on either trip. See, doesn't he look happy?
Exploring Hawaii and the Kona Coast
Pearl Harbor, Dole, North Shore
We all decided to make the circuit of the island the first full day we were on Oahu, starting with Pearl Harbor, continuing to the Dole Pineapple Store and Maze, then the North Shore, and finally coming around the island's eastern side and back home to the Hale Koa.
Hanauma Bay, Maka Puu, KimoZ
The next day Darrell and I struck out on our own to do some things that weren't of interest to my in-laws. First was snorkeling at Hanauma Bay then on to Makapuu, the first of two lighthouses we visited on Oahu. Lunch at KimoZ in Waimanalo and a quick stop at the Halona blow hole, then back home.
Pali Lookout, Byodo-In Temple, Polynesian Cultural Center
The following day we took the Pali Highway to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout for a spectacular view of the island. The next stop was the Byodo-In Buddhist temple, a beautiful replica of a 900 year old temple in Japan. We arrived at our main destination, the Polynesian Cultural Center, promptly at noon when it opened and had a great day, filled with the colors and sounds of Polynesia.
Waikiki Aquarium, Foster Botanical Gardens
Just one day left on Oahu before leaving for the Kona Coast. Darrell and I walked to the Waikiki Aquarium to see the fish and exhibits and then took the bus to the Foster Botanical Gardens. What a peaceful place, with gorgeous flowers, trees and other plants. Then we went back to the hotel for the dinner buffet and Hawaiian show later that night.
Diamond Head Lighthouse
The next morning we took a quick drive to the Diamond Head lighthouse for a last minute photo opportunity before boarding the plane that took us to the big island of Hawaii.
On August 6th, we took a short Aloha Airlines flight from Honolulu to Kona on the big island of Hawaii. This island is the largest of the chain, and also the newest. Our home for the next six nights was the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kailua-Kona. We had a free breakfast every morning and I fell in love with the bread pudding with cream sauce topping. That was a treat to wake up to every day.
The view on the left is from my in-law's room, ours was similar but a little more obstructed by the trees. The picture on the right is the hotel, the beach and the Ahu`ena Heiau, the temple of peace and prosperity built by King Kamehameha. The public pier is right next to the hotel and we watched the sportfishers coming in that night with the catch from the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. It was fun to see all those gorgeous boats coming in, one after the other. After the excitement died down we walked thru town to the Kona Inn where we had a great meal, then we came back to the pier to see the last of the billfish being weighed in for that day.
The next day was the final round of the Billfish Tournament and we wandered around the pier at 4:00 PM to see who would bring in the final catch. A boat named Tara had a billfish on and was still fighting it when the call came to bring in the lines. We all waited for Tara to return to the dock and it was worth the wait when she arrived with the winning billfish of the tournament. A young Japanese man had landed the fish so, for the next few hours, he posed with his 697 pound marlin and with Miss Billfish. I'm not sure which one the men found more appealing, that fish or the beauty queen, but my husband, a true fisherman, seemed to drool a little bit more when looking at the fish.
The town of Kailua-Kona is much more laid back than Honolulu, more of a fishing village with lots of great shops and restaurants. But it was the diversity of the island that surprised me, there is so much to do. We enjoyed deep sea fishing, snorkeling and visiting all the fancy resorts above Kailua-Kona. But one of the best days we had was the circular tour of the whole island when we visited the Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Hilo and Rainbow Falls, the Nani Mau Gardens and finally the Kilauea volcano. That day we saw just about everything that the big island has to offer.
We all decided to make the circuit of the island the first full day we were on Oahu, starting with Pearl Harbor, continuing to the Dole Pineapple Store and Maze, then the North Shore, and finally coming around the island's eastern side and back home to the Hale Koa.
Hanauma Bay, Maka Puu, KimoZ
The next day Darrell and I struck out on our own to do some things that weren't of interest to my in-laws. First was snorkeling at Hanauma Bay then on to Makapuu, the first of two lighthouses we visited on Oahu. Lunch at KimoZ in Waimanalo and a quick stop at the Halona blow hole, then back home.
Pali Lookout, Byodo-In Temple, Polynesian Cultural Center
The following day we took the Pali Highway to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout for a spectacular view of the island. The next stop was the Byodo-In Buddhist temple, a beautiful replica of a 900 year old temple in Japan. We arrived at our main destination, the Polynesian Cultural Center, promptly at noon when it opened and had a great day, filled with the colors and sounds of Polynesia.
Waikiki Aquarium, Foster Botanical Gardens
Just one day left on Oahu before leaving for the Kona Coast. Darrell and I walked to the Waikiki Aquarium to see the fish and exhibits and then took the bus to the Foster Botanical Gardens. What a peaceful place, with gorgeous flowers, trees and other plants. Then we went back to the hotel for the dinner buffet and Hawaiian show later that night.
Diamond Head Lighthouse
The next morning we took a quick drive to the Diamond Head lighthouse for a last minute photo opportunity before boarding the plane that took us to the big island of Hawaii.
On August 6th, we took a short Aloha Airlines flight from Honolulu to Kona on the big island of Hawaii. This island is the largest of the chain, and also the newest. Our home for the next six nights was the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kailua-Kona. We had a free breakfast every morning and I fell in love with the bread pudding with cream sauce topping. That was a treat to wake up to every day.
The view on the left is from my in-law's room, ours was similar but a little more obstructed by the trees. The picture on the right is the hotel, the beach and the Ahu`ena Heiau, the temple of peace and prosperity built by King Kamehameha. The public pier is right next to the hotel and we watched the sportfishers coming in that night with the catch from the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. It was fun to see all those gorgeous boats coming in, one after the other. After the excitement died down we walked thru town to the Kona Inn where we had a great meal, then we came back to the pier to see the last of the billfish being weighed in for that day.
The next day was the final round of the Billfish Tournament and we wandered around the pier at 4:00 PM to see who would bring in the final catch. A boat named Tara had a billfish on and was still fighting it when the call came to bring in the lines. We all waited for Tara to return to the dock and it was worth the wait when she arrived with the winning billfish of the tournament. A young Japanese man had landed the fish so, for the next few hours, he posed with his 697 pound marlin and with Miss Billfish. I'm not sure which one the men found more appealing, that fish or the beauty queen, but my husband, a true fisherman, seemed to drool a little bit more when looking at the fish.
The town of Kailua-Kona is much more laid back than Honolulu, more of a fishing village with lots of great shops and restaurants. But it was the diversity of the island that surprised me, there is so much to do. We enjoyed deep sea fishing, snorkeling and visiting all the fancy resorts above Kailua-Kona. But one of the best days we had was the circular tour of the whole island when we visited the Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Hilo and Rainbow Falls, the Nani Mau Gardens and finally the Kilauea volcano. That day we saw just about everything that the big island has to offer.
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