Aloha – Wednesday, March 12/14
AMAZING DAY! (No, I didn’t meet “The Boys”….). We booked the Majestic Circle Island Tour with E Noa Tours for a discounted rate through Fun Hawaii. Pick-up was at 7:15 AM – first time in months that we needed to set an alarm…
We had a great driver/tour guide who humorously and informatively took us through Hawaiian history and explained the geography of the island.
First stop – Hanauma Bay
The bay, just east of Waikiki is a nature preserve home to green sea turtles, coral and over 400 species of fish. It is closed every Tuesday to give the fish a day of uninterrupted feeding.
On average, over 3000 visitors come each day to take pictures, walk on the beach, snorkel, and/or swim.
Second stop – Halona Blow Hole Lookout
As waves roll onto the shore, they hit the rock formation and then a spray shoots high into the air through a cave in the rock, looking much like a geyser.
Third stop – Sandy Beach and famous movie beach locations (From Here to Eternity, Pirates of the Caribbean)
During the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean 4, our guide told us while he was there Johnny Depp got out of his car and greeted people, but Penélope Cruz specifically avoided people and took off.
Fourth stop – Dole Visitor Center
We stopped for a bathroom break, some refreshment, and a look at the gardens. Todd and I enjoyed a glass of fresh pineapple juice and a bowl of pineapple ice cream – yummy.
The gardens showcase various pineapple plants. Hawaii’s agriculture once ruled with pineapple and sugar. Today that “kingdom” has lessened and agriculture includes coffee, cocao beans, tomatoes, and tropical flowers.
Fifth stop – Waimea Valley
The Waimea Valley is 1,875 acres with over 5,000 plants from more than 200 plant families, including rare and endangered species.
Numerous birds and call this peaceful retreat home.
The Noni tree’s pungent fruit has excellent health benefits.
A 2 kilometer walk leads to a 45 foot waterfall.
While enlarging the parking lot a few years ago, excavators came across the remains of a temple dedicated to the god Lono.
Sixth stop – Sunset Beach, North Shore
A year round temperature of 23°C and an expansive wide sandy beach speckled with palms, draw numerous beach goers.
In the summer months the water is crystal-clear, calm, and safe.
In the winter months, it’s an experienced surfer’s paradise with long waves swelling as high as 6m to 9m. Fun factor: high / Danger factor: high
Seventh stop – Fumis Shrimp Shack
Fumis Shrimp Shack is an expansion of their nearby Shrimp Truck. They use their own farm-raised fresh shrimp.
They offer numerous shrimp plates from garlic sauce, to lemon butter, to hot & spicy, to coconut breaded. Todd ordered the hot & spicy – delicious (according to him) with just the right “kick”.
I ordered pork – a lightly breaded cutlet. Both dinners came with 2 scoops of rice, a green salad, and a slice of pineapple.
Eighth stop – Filming location for Jurassic Park
Currently crews are preparing the area for the filming of the 4th Jurassic Park.
Ninth stop – Byodo-in Temple
The temple is a replica of a 900 year old Buddhist temple from Kyoto Japan. It was built in memory of the first Japanese immigrants that came to Oahu to work in the sugar plantations.
It is customary for visitors to ring the 1.5m bronze and tin sacred bell prior to entering the temple. Ringing the bell will purify the mind of evil spirits and temptation. It is said that ringing this bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life.
Inside the temple, a towering Buddha (almost 3m tall) sits. It is thought to be the largest figure carved outside of Japan. Once carved, it was covered with cloth and painted with three applications of gold lacquer. Gold leaf was later applied over the lacquer finish.
Numerous feral cats roam the landscape enjoying the serenity.
Tenth (and final) stop – Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
click picture to view full size panorama
This is the point of the final battle where King Kamehameha finally won the struggle to unite the Hawaiian Islands under one rule in 1795.
Those opposed to the unification were driven over the 915m cliff above the Oahu coastline to their death.
Todd and I can’t believe how fast 3 weeks have gone. We are totally going to miss this weather AND the amazing views. (Already planning for next year….).
