Hawaii Photo Album
Day Seven - Saturday, April 21st - North Shore and Waikiki
Our flight back to the mainland wasn't until about 10pm, so we had a full day to enjoy in Hawaii. After checking out of Turtle Bay, we drove along the north shore again, stopping at Waimea Bay, mostly. We'd spent a few hours swimming at Waimea on Friday, but on Saturday, the beach was definitely only for experienced surfers and body boarders.
Waimea Beach Park was crowded on Saturday! We had to park up the road and walk down. But, that gave us an overview of the beach. This is one of the famous surfing sites -- though when the surfing competitions are held, the surf is many times higher than it was when we visited.
We tried to capture the Dangerous Shorebreak signs and the waves at the same time, which is harder than it sounds. Trust us, the waves were breaking right on the shore. I wouldn't have so much as stepped my big toe into those waves.
24 hours earlier, we'd been playing in the much smaller waves on this beach.
Matt too most of the shore pictures -- here he is, standing far closer to shore than Becky. :)
Lots of people were watching the action. Every once in a while, the lifeguard would call out "Hey, you in the blue shorts, trying to body surf..."
This really is a pretty place!
One last picture of us, before we grab our last shave ice (boo hoo) and head back towards Honolulu.
We drove south thru the center of the island. We saw some pineapple farms, visited the Dole Plantation (which has "tourist trap" written all over it, but at least had an interesting gift shop), had some excellent rotisserie chicken for lunch, and made our way back towards Honolulu. We checked our bags mid-afternoon, to save us some hassle later. Turns out that was the best move we made all day, since we were late getting back to the rental car place later that night.
We got back to the Waikiki area, tried to shop for a Hawaiian shirt for Matt. Turns out there are 2 types of Hawaiian shirts. Ones that are cheap, but ugly, and ones that he might actually wear, but which are ridiculously expensive. So, no Hawaiian shirt for him... Oh well, I think he looks good just with that tan - forget any bold Hawaiian shirt! :)
We got back to the Waikiki area, tried to shop for a Hawaiian shirt for Matt. Turns out there are 2 types of Hawaiian shirts. Ones that are cheap, but ugly, and ones that he might actually wear, but which are ridiculously expensive. So, no Hawaiian shirt for him... We were able to take in one more sunset on the beach.
a few more self-portraits to round out the trip. Most of the time when we take a self-portrait in a busy area, somebody will offer to take it for us. Strangely enough, on busy Waikiki beach, nobody ever volunteered. Oh well, we're getting pretty good at these!
After sunset, we had another lovely meal, and walked back to our car hearing the sounds of a nearby concert. We drove back to the rental car place, getting only slightly lost along the way... Thankfully they were quick with our return, and we made it to the airport a few minutes before our plane took off for LA.
People always ask us about long flights like that. Basically, the answer is that they're uncomfortable, but you tolerate it. The Honolulu to LA flight was overnight, we had the very last row on the plane, and Becky was seated in the middle next to some guy with little idea of personal space (he kept jamming his arm into me). Matt got the same treatment on our flight from LA to Austin. so I guess that's to be expected.
We both really enjoyed the trip. I'm not sure we'll be craving to go back to Oahu (like we do with French Polynesia and Ireland, and like Matt does with Spain), but it was a nice trip. If we return to Hawaii, I think we'll try another island. Oahu has a lot to offer (big city, relaxing country), but we know there's even more to see.
We arrived in Austin Sunday mid-afternoon and did what has become our tradition after a long flight -- we stopped at Chuy's on the way home. Somehow, it serves as a good welcome back to Texas!