Halfway through the trip we all agreed it will be a good idea to drive around the island. We want to get it out of the way since we are moving from a hotel to a time share.
We started on driving through Waikiki heading east to the Windward area and end the day on a swim to North Shore beach. We also planned to stop by a well recommended Papa Ole's for lunch and a break for a shave ice from Matsumoto.
Our first stop was the scenic rest stop next to Hanauma Bay. The rest stop has the view of jagged rocks; it is a steep climb down to get a closer view of the waters. I was able to get down about a quarter down but chickened out and was afraid that I might slip the slippery slope thus end my vacation. I stayed behind and watch my sisters including Joe holding Madison go down to get a better view.
As we cruise through Kamehameha Highway, we are admiring those fine houses with beach front views. We were envious for its owners to have the privilege of everyday waking up at year round near perfect weather and a majestic view. Our conversation had suddenly moved on to winning the lottery.
We did not have the luck of having lunch at Papa Ole's, of all the days the joint is closed on Wednesdays, we ended up eating at a nearby establishment.
Our next stop was the Dole Pineapple Plantation. It is one of the popular tourist destination where you can take the train tour around the plantation and learn about pineapple harvesting and various crops in the area. I would recommend to take a visit at the food court to try their Pineapple Sundae. Yum!
We ended our day on a swim to Waimea Beach. There is a cliff area where you could climb for a quick jump. We heard you were not allowed to do cliff jumping but since there were no lifeguards posted, kids head up and jump anyhow.
*photo credit: http://www.virtualtourist.com/
There was a time growing up when me and my cousins head over and jump over on a waterfall. I was confident that I will easily climb up the ledge and head for a jump. Wrong! I am afraid of heights. The climb was easy enough but once you see the view from the top, suddenly my heart started racing and chickened out. I held out while the rest of the kids were waiting for their turn and was not too thrilled that I am holding the line. Some of them gave instructions on how to do a good jump, some told me to get it over with. One boy called me a plug. Hah!
About 15 minutes had passed and all my sisters had jumped and swam their way to shore, here is Justin going on a second jump giving me a good coaching to get it over with. And finally, I did it! My adrenaline was working double time. I felt my heart racing. It wasn't a perfect jump but I got out unscathed but ended up with a large bruise at the back of my flanks.
On the way back to the hotel, we can't talk enough about the jump. Even on the end of the trip, we can't get enough laughs about it.
My earlier journal had mentioned my disappointment with Waikiki Beach about erosion and not having enough space to spread your towel. Waimea Beach is reversed. You have all the sand, parking and facilities. It is less touristy and would happily spend my day here. I also heard that across the street is a waterfall that you are allowed to swim on. Expect me to drop by on my next visit.
We started on driving through Waikiki heading east to the Windward area and end the day on a swim to North Shore beach. We also planned to stop by a well recommended Papa Ole's for lunch and a break for a shave ice from Matsumoto.
 |
| From Corner Turn |
Our first stop was the scenic rest stop next to Hanauma Bay. The rest stop has the view of jagged rocks; it is a steep climb down to get a closer view of the waters. I was able to get down about a quarter down but chickened out and was afraid that I might slip the slippery slope thus end my vacation. I stayed behind and watch my sisters including Joe holding Madison go down to get a better view.
 |
| From Corner Turn |
As we cruise through Kamehameha Highway, we are admiring those fine houses with beach front views. We were envious for its owners to have the privilege of everyday waking up at year round near perfect weather and a majestic view. Our conversation had suddenly moved on to winning the lottery.
We did not have the luck of having lunch at Papa Ole's, of all the days the joint is closed on Wednesdays, we ended up eating at a nearby establishment.
Our next stop was the Dole Pineapple Plantation. It is one of the popular tourist destination where you can take the train tour around the plantation and learn about pineapple harvesting and various crops in the area. I would recommend to take a visit at the food court to try their Pineapple Sundae. Yum!
 |
| From Corner Turn |
We ended our day on a swim to Waimea Beach. There is a cliff area where you could climb for a quick jump. We heard you were not allowed to do cliff jumping but since there were no lifeguards posted, kids head up and jump anyhow.
*photo credit: http://www.virtualtourist.com/There was a time growing up when me and my cousins head over and jump over on a waterfall. I was confident that I will easily climb up the ledge and head for a jump. Wrong! I am afraid of heights. The climb was easy enough but once you see the view from the top, suddenly my heart started racing and chickened out. I held out while the rest of the kids were waiting for their turn and was not too thrilled that I am holding the line. Some of them gave instructions on how to do a good jump, some told me to get it over with. One boy called me a plug. Hah!
About 15 minutes had passed and all my sisters had jumped and swam their way to shore, here is Justin going on a second jump giving me a good coaching to get it over with. And finally, I did it! My adrenaline was working double time. I felt my heart racing. It wasn't a perfect jump but I got out unscathed but ended up with a large bruise at the back of my flanks.
On the way back to the hotel, we can't talk enough about the jump. Even on the end of the trip, we can't get enough laughs about it.
My earlier journal had mentioned my disappointment with Waikiki Beach about erosion and not having enough space to spread your towel. Waimea Beach is reversed. You have all the sand, parking and facilities. It is less touristy and would happily spend my day here. I also heard that across the street is a waterfall that you are allowed to swim on. Expect me to drop by on my next visit.
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