There are few times in life that I have experienced true and perfect happiness. Once was when I held my nephew in my arms for the first time. Another was when I went snorkeling for the first time.
Most tourists go to Hanauma Bay to snorkel. You are nearly guaranteed to swim with sea turtles, that is if you can find a parking spot. Because it’s so well known, it is very difficult to get in. The parking lot fills up quickly and early, so unless you want to walk a few miles uphill, I suggest Shark’s Cove.
(click postcard painting for color)
It’s located on the North Shore, right off the side of the road, as part of the Pupukea Beach Park. There were a lot of people, but it didn’t feel overcrowded. Plus there were food trucks across the road! There are public showers and bathrooms too.
Now, I am not a swimmer. I never had lessons growing up, so my technique is similar to a dog’s, only not as good. The first few times I tried to snorkel were traumatic due mostly to the fact that my mask wasn’t positioned properly. Every time I would pop up for air, my air tube would dump into the water behind me. After that was remedied, I fell in love. I let my body completely relax and floated with the fish.
This is a horrible photo, but it’s the only one taken of me in the water. Being unable to swim has made me fearful of the ocean most of my life, even though I love the water. It’s a complicated relationship. But when everyone was out having lunch, I went back in by myself without flippers (surprisingly I felt more out of control with them on) and stayed for nearly an hour just watching the fish swim right next to me. I can’t describe how amazing it was, I just know that I was happy and content with the world in that moment.
Next stop: Hale’iwa!
A cute little town on the North Shore perfect for shopping for souvenirs, grabbing lunch, and enjoying the sweetness of life in Oahu. I found a lovely clothing shop that I could’ve spent all of my money in. Luckily for my bank account, I was sopping wet from snorkeling and couldn’t try anything on.
A must-go would definitely be Matsumoto Shave Ice, the place to get authentic shave ice. It is delicious and pretty! (click the photo to see it in color) You can add azuki beans(sweet Japanese red bean), condensed milk, and mochi! Prices are very reasonable.
Since we’re already talking about food in Hawaii….
Have you heard of Taro bread?? It is magical and so very tasty. Did I mention it was purple? Take a look by clicking the photo.
Next up are Malasadas. True, these are Portuguese donuts, but they are especially delicious when you get them at Leonard’s in Honolulu. You can fill them with custard, chocolate, or coconut and have them rolled in sugar or li hing (salty dried plum powder).
There were so many wonderful new foods to try, and we had most of them at the Paradise Cove Luau. This event is so much more than a dinner!
Here are just a few things you get to do:
- Learn to braid a headdress (flowers determine your relationship status)
- Imu Ceremony (revealing the roasted pig from the underground oven)
- Hawaiian Revue (traditional dancing)
- Complimentary Mai Tai Punch as you walk in
- $12/Adult, $8/Youth & Child Cove Card (to get drinks!)
- Hawaiian Luau Buffet (out of this world good)
We chose to be cheesy and get our photo taken, purely to say we held parrots.
Definitely a beautiful family night you won’t regret.
So did I get any beach time? A little bit. When you have a gorgeous redhead for a sister, her lovely fair skin isn’t too keen to roast under the hot Hawaiian sun. However, we did get to spend some time on a tiny little beach on the SE corner of Oahu called Makapu’u Beach.
The waves were crazy powerful and they did not recommend swimming. There were a few brave surfers, but as the tide rolled in we had to evacuate. It was beautiful though!
I loved my first trip to Hawaii, and I cannot wait for more visits!
Fighting Fernweh 