A few weeks ago I shared the first few days of our Aloha adventure…and in honor of Earth Day, I want to share a few more photos. Over the past few years of traveling here and there, we’ve learned a lot about our “vacation” preferences…We prefer Mother Nature in her original glory, without the interference of man. Yes, the Eiffel Tower is great, as are infinity pools with gorgeous views-but there is something about an ocean that hasn’t been touched or ruined by mankind. It’s amazing what a difference that makes. For instance, take Oahu…Waikiki Beach is the “developed” tourist destination. There are resorts, restaurants, and shops and anything else you might fancy. The actual beach? Ehh..so so. It’ll do when compared to Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, but when comparing it to a beach just thirty minutes away from Waikiki? It doesn’t hold up. The beaches of Oahu that are not developed by man are breathtakingly beautiful. There is something humbling about facing the ocean without forty floor hotels behind you. You realize how small you are and how vast and powerful Mother Nature is. Maybe this isn’t for everyone-I get it..but this is our happy. Our adventure.

After spending a full day in Kailua without a car, we decided to rent one just so that we could get around easier and explore Oahu. We initially had the intention of getting in the car and driving to Hanauma Bay and do some snorkeling, but on our drive, we got curious and turned into a small little street that was in between Bellows Air Force and a McDonalds in Waimanalo. A waitress at dinner the night before mentioned Bellows as the beach that locals go to when they want to escape tourists. Bellows is a U.S. air force and not open to the public (at least during weekdays) and while I don’t think we were on actual air force property on our part of the beach, it sure felt like it because there was NO one there. We parked the car in a grassy “parking lot” and decided to just take a look, without any intention of staying. We changed our mind very quickly because our minds were blown by the beauty, serenity and privacy of this beach! There was maybe another couple in our immediate area, but other than that it was us, the sky, sand and water. It was amazing! We ran into the water squealing with delight (I can’t confirm that my hubs was squealing…) It was one of those moments when you just stop and stare (I think I’m moving but I go nowhere… :p ) because of the astounding beauty of God’s creation.

p.s. it was Wednesday…see the hump? Get it? hehe. SO lame.

To add a cherry on top of this wonderful delight, our good friend that I grew up with joined us all the way from Alaska/Rochester! I initially sent her a text two weeks before our flight for recommendations because she’s been to Hawaii. Before you know it, she had a ticket and hotel booked with her brother for the same week we were there! As the hubs and I were soaking up the sun at this serene beach in Waimanalo and literally rolling around in the sand, I spied a brunette beauty looking through binoculars. The rest is history…

See? No development. This is the view from the water…beautiful.

Who are we to think that this all belongs to us? Who are we to destroy it and use it out of selfishness? We are just passing through…

 

Who are these beach bums? Oh yeah…

My adventurous bestie…

Before I move on to the next beach….I HAVE to mention this delicious little taco place right by this beautiful beach. It’s next door to McDonalds in Waimanalo. The Sweet Home Waimanalo Cafe and Market has great smoothies, Poke, tacos, souvenirs and whatever else you might fancy.

   

I snorkeled for the first time this past Christmas in Thailand and was looking forward to snorkeling in Hawaii. We saw a lot of pictures and read great reviews about Hanauma Bay in Oahu. When we got there, we were turned away because the lot was full, so we had to find our own parking. WARNING: right across the street from the entrance, there is a lot that looks like a parking lot..do NOT be fooled! It’s actually just a scenic overlook where many people park. You will get a $300 ticket PLUS be towed. We witnessed this ourselves and a few locals warned us. Just drive down a bit further and find street parking. After our hike to the Bay, we got in line, paid the entrance fee ($7.50/each) and watched the mandatory 15 minute video (you HAVE to watch it). My excitement was bubbling over…but went flat pretty quickly when we got down to the bay (we paid the $1 for the tram ride vs. the hike down), we were met with throngs of people…people everywhere. I originally planned on renting a life vest from the park (since I can’t multi task and snorkel while floating) but soon found out that they do not have life vests. Regardless of all this, I still tried to snorkel, but gave up after about 10 minutes because I just could not snorkel without a life vest. Some of you know that I have a growing fear of water (and am also a weakling so can’t swim too long) due to a near drowning last summer and while I am working on not allowing that to rule my life…I just could not swim and snorkel simultaneously. It was also frustrating to watch tourists walk on top of the corral reef, when the 15 minute mandatory video clearly stated that that is exactly what KILLS the reefs! After dodging one too many tourists, we decided to leave. I still recommend it if you are strong and can swim well (or bring your own life vest), but it just didn’t work out for us 😦

The above two photos are from our drive from Kailua to Hanauma Bay. The drive took us forever because we stopped every few minutes to admire the beautiful view. It reminded us a lot of our drive down Highway 1 through Big Sur (post will be posted on that one of these days…)

For a few days we promised ourselves that we’d get up early enough to catch the sunrise over Lanikai Beach. After failing to follow through at first, we finally made it! We were NOT disappointed, as you can see…

After watching the beautiful sunrise, we indulged in a deliciously yummy breakfast at Moke’s Bread & Breakfast. Everything was so fresh, colorful, simple and so good. I highly recommend it if you happen to be near by…or far away.. just go!

The next day after baking away under the sun, we drove to the North Shore to catch yet another breathtaking sunset. The drive took between 1-2 hours, but the scenery along the way was so worth this trip. On the way we stopped by a local fruit stand and bought coconuts, which became perfect sunset props after we quenched our thirst :p

       

Our last day in Hawaii was spent on the serene beach near Bellows in Waimanalo…we kissed our adventure goodbye and Got Salty…

 

I urge you to travel far and travel often…get off the beaten path and take the road less traveled because it makes all of the difference…