We headed south out of Honolulu and made several stops along to way to take some photos of the beautiful scenery on the way. There were not just drivebys--we actually got out and walked around and checked out the area.
Once again, the guide was awesome and full of facts about the area. As he is also a surfer, he knows hidden little beaches not in the guidebooks!
The further we got from the city, the more the country side just opened up with so much gorgeousness, you hardly knew which way to look.
Our first non-beach stop was at a little place called Tropical Farms in Kaneohe. They had free Kona Coffee samples, macadamia nuts in all flavors. Even the cooking oils and homemade peanut were free to taste. But the best part--this was the sort of local place that sold really unique handmade jewelry and crafts. I could have lost my mind there, but restrained myself! I did buy a few things though---Can I just say one thing: Maui Onion and Garlic Macadamia Nuts. OMG
Off we went around the southern point of the Island and into a more jungle-like Hawaii. More beaches and gorgeous green mountain peaks. I took so many pictures.
One of the crazy airline pilots jumping from the rocks
And another one.. .you had to scale the rocks to get back up.
Next stop was a road side stand where we bought some fresh fruit and coconut milk. They cracked open a coconut that had been soaking in ice water open and stuck a straw into it. YUM I also got some local watermelon and papaya that was grown on the little farm behind the fruit stand. Can you say fresh? This place will spoil you for any fruit back home. Oh, and they had those little bananas.
Feeling fortified and ready to go, we hopped in and got to our last beach before the snorkel. We did not go into the water here but were able to see the turtles munching away on the algae covering the rocks! There were 5 plus a baby! The pictures did not turn out great. You could see them a lot better with the naked eye.
Finally, finally--we headed to the snorkel site! There were some rules you had to follow though. By law, you must stay 10 feet away from the turtle. You are not allowed to encircle the turtle. You should never swim behind a turtle. And finally, turtles 'talk' to us and let us know when they are not enjoying the encounter!!! If the turtle makes a yawning face, it is not enjoying being near you! It it brings it's flippers up to either side of it's head, get out of the way, because the turtle wants out NOW.
As soon as we walked up the beach, we could see a turtle in the surf near the rocks---eating algae~! I was hesitant to get into the water because the waves were breaking fairly hard near the shore. They were not huge, like the ones on Maui, just way more choppy than I like. But I did get in and just floated and let the current carry me out a bit and I saw TURTLES!. Yes, I did. Multiple turtles, swimming all around us. The water was a bit murky because of the waves, but that is a turtle about 4 feet away from me. (So I guess I broke the law--but the current carried me right to him)
We were given over an hour in the water! Our group of 4 ended up getting out a bit early. Thankfully, there were great showers to wash off and changing rooms!
After that, off we went to this place for lunch on this little farm with a road side restaurant. I ordered the teriyaki chicken with rice. It came out and it was just a large greasy breast with the soggy skin on it. Bleck. I was thinking skewers of meat. Nope. I made an attempt to eat it but I ended up just eating the rice. But! Shave Ice for sale saved the day. Homemade vanilla ice cream with root beer shave ice on top. YUMMMMMMMMY
And I have to say, this place was beautiful but they had all these geese around and the flies and tiny gnats were insane. After swatting for awhile, I said to the guide "I will give you $20 if you start the van and put the AC and let me eat my shave ice inside." He said, no problem. So off I went! Shave Ice with no bugs---perfect!
On the road again, we had reached the Northern side of the island and were starting down the west side towards Honolulu. We got behind this pick-up truck with a dead boar strapped down and 2 dogs in cages resting below it. I asked how they killed it. He said, they send the dogs to root it out, then they work together to sort of subdue the thing by grabbing it around the neck and tail. And then the guy comes in with a knife and kills it. Dinner!
Finally, we stopped at the Dole Plantation to sample Pineapple Ice Cream and look around the huge retail store they have there. There are tours you can take but we had no time. The ice cream was incredible but I saw nothing in there I wanted.
We finished up by driving back to Honolulu. All in all, an 8-hour tour I got a on Groupon for $61! I handed the driver a huge tip and was back to my temporary home.
After a long shower, I headed back out to walk the streets. LOL The people watching here is amazing. And I just love looking in the high-end stores to see who is keeping these places in business. From what I've seen, it's not Caucasians. I walked past the apple store last night about 10pm. It was still open, and still packed and it looked like people were buying EVERYTHING
Speaking of dinner, I had a delicious one! Ocean House restaurant, on the beach, but my reservation was at 830 so it was dark. Still a throw-back to a different time. The restaurant reeked elegance. The food was pretty amazing too. I had prime rib--something I never order. But I read they were known for it, so I order the 'petite cut'. It was so good. But I was so full after dinner, I did not even try a dessert. I know, right? Atmosphere--A+, Service: over the top. Food--delicious!
After a nice 6 block walk back to the hotel, another wonderful day in paradise was coming to a close. I can kinda see why people come here for vacation and never leave.
I'll leave you with a few random pictures from my day.
China man's Hat:
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