Hawai'i Day 5 - 3 July 2012

I can't believe we actually did this, but a few months back, Rob sent us a link for Shark diving in Hawai'i.  It was so far away, Eric and I just sort of laughed it off.  Well, by the time we got here, we realized we needed to make a decision....so, we went for it!   We woke up at 4:30 in the morning, yes, 4:30 and were in the car by 5am to drive about an hour to the north shore to dive with sharks.  Let me tell you, it was so worth it!  

 There were 8 people on the boat including two of the men who instructed us.  We headed 4 miles off shore to meet up with the cage which was left in the middle of the water, ready for us to dive in it!!  By this point, I was severely regretting my decision to do this.  I was really fearing for my life.  We anchored, and then it was time for us to snorkel up and get in the water.  Eric was first, then Rob, then Lauren, then me.  Oh my gosh, I was so freaked out.  I wish I had a pic of the cage but basically it was an 8'x8' cube that had a few areas that were plexy glass for viewing.  The sharks show up as soon as they hear the boat.  It's the age old pavlovian reaction, Boats = Food.   We didn't even have to give them food but many of the crabbing boats give them food every other day.  As soon as we were anchored, they were swimming around our boat, coming up just enough so we could see their fin (think jaws).  So, here we are in the water, that's 800 feet deep in a cage that is attached to the boat!!!

 This was the typical view from the cage of galapagos sharks!!!!

 Eric

 Rob

These pics were not easy to take as we were really getting knocked all over the cage as the water was a bit rough.  By the time a minute had passed, I was (and everyone else was too) hooked! It was so cool!!!

 Can you see the shark in the background?

 Awesome shot

 We were in the water about 20 minutes and were all totally bummed when we had to come out.  We were greeted with a warm, fresh water shower, which wasn't as cool as swimming with sharks, but I guess it was fair to let the other group go :)

It was a real bummer to get off the boat, but I guess it had to be, so it was 8am when we were finished and we had the whole day on the North Shore to hang out.  We headed out to Kono's breakfast joint in this cute little plaza in Hawaiwa where we scarfed down a delicious breakfast.  Literally, scarfed down.  Think we were exerting a lot of energy swimming with sharks?! Clearly we were! 

Some shots from the plaza...Aloha Alarm, awesome!

 What a cute patagonia.  We even bought a Tote, Lauren :) 

We drove a bit, and found a little beach to relax at for a few hours.  Have a I mentioned how much I am loving Hawai'i?!? 

 Perfect water temperature.  

 Neat balancing rocks.  

Since we were taking the scenic route home, all along the coast, we stopped a little places that looked interesting including Ted's Bakery which had fantastic reviews on Trip Advisor.   Most of us would rate it a 2 or 3, not too impressed.  I did enjoy their Chocolate Haupia Pie (Chocolate coconut pie) though, which they are famous for.  

Then on to the Polynesian Cultural Center 

By the time we got back to the condo, we were all so zonked, we literally only had energy to hang in the hot tub/pool and go to bed.  That's the sign of a really great day!!  

Hawai'i Day 4 - 1 July 2012

Happy Canada Day!!  July 1 happens to be Canada day we decided to celebrate by spending a glorious day in Hawai'i, this time, we headed to Hanuama Bay to snorkel which is known for its coral reef.    We were there by 8:30am as it doesn't have a large parking lot and it tends to close down early.  We made it in at a perfect time and had a chance to view these beautiful trees

 Getting ready to snorkel 

 Gorgeous view

 Some snorkeling shots

 Some group shots

 Views from the top

 Rob & Lauren rocking their Canada gear

After we spent many hours snorkeling and sunning, we decided to take a drive north to explore a bit.  After that, we headed to Waikiki to check out the hype.  I'd compare it to South Beach in Miami.  It's got a street that is parallel to the beach which is lined with shops and restaurants.  It's extremely touristy and crowded but of course, very beautiful, especially the beach.  The water was such a perfect color and the surf was a perfect height for Rob and Eric to check out.  They surfed for about 2 hours and learned a thing or two from the other surfers. 

 We were told to try out "Dukes" so we had a delicious late lunch there and I finally got my pina colada :)

 We met some fellow Canadians and they were full of knowledge and also recommended after we ate our meal, to try this delicious Ice Cream pie.  We ordered one with four spoons...oh my gosh!  So good!!!

 I was told I needed to get another view :)

Afterwards, there was a Canada Day parade!!! :)

 Marching Band pics for Lauren who loves marching bands!!!

 We really liked the sailors

After the parade was over, so we thought, there was this wacky guy with a duck on his head, huh? 

 And a bride!  Waiting to cross the street!!

 And the bell hop!

 The sign was only written in Korean, Chinese and Japanese, huh? 

 Making a run across the street in front of a bunch of po-pos!

Headed to an "International Market" which wasn't so international, but had some beautiful, very old trees.  

Testing out the balance bracelets.  We're still trying to figure out the scam.  

We headed home, tired and ready for some sleep before our next day of shark diving!!!

Hawai'i Day 3 - 30 June 2012

Another awesome day down in the books.   We started off by heading to a local farmer's market for some fresh produce and ended up with yummy breakfast of freshly squeezed juices and savory waffles and crepes instead!  Afterwards, we headed to the most beautiful beach which was literally less than a ten minute drive from the condo!  

So beautiful!!!  Looks like a postcard!  

 Group shot while checking out Halona Blow Hole Point

 Closer view..this is where we spent the afternoon at the beach where the waves were pretty intimidating.   Eric and Rob ventured off on boogie boards while Lauren and I spent our time sunning ourselves. Eric and I hit the water a bit later but I was too chicken to try to use the boogie board...we just swam out a bit farther and rode the waves as they rolled past us.  While we were out, we got a glimpse of a very large sea turtle that was doing the same...pretty cool! 

 Eric getting ready to hit up the water. 

 After a long day in the sun, we had a delicious meal of burgers, corn, etc.  

Each day has really been better than the next.  The water was so clear and a perfect temperature.
I am loving Hawai'i!!!