We spent 7 days on Oahu. Just glorious. I took over 500 pictures but will only bore you with a few. Paul and I went to Hawaii in 2007, but I think I had even more fun this time. (Hence the title, my first post on Paradise Found can be found here, but it’s more boring than this post I’m sure.)
What I love about Hawaii is that I can actually swim in the water. Notice how flat and swimmable? This is Waimea Bay on the North Shore (5 miles from our condo, sweet!) which is actually a great surf spot in the winter. I grew up in California and frequented Huntington Beach which in my opinion is hardly swim-able—the water is freezing, the waves knock this fraidy-cat swimmer down, and the water is anything but clear.
%5B4%5D.jpg "waimea beach (42)")
My goal was to hit as many beaches as possible. A lofty goal, but I was up to the task. It’s a small island, so I think we did pretty ok at hitting all the major ones.
This is at Kailua Beach. The softest sand ever. I wanted to kayak out to that island, but again, I’m lazy and cheap so swimming and sunning made me perfectly happy.
%5B4%5D.jpg "kailua beach (8)")
And this is Kokololio Beach in Laie. Poor Ilene, those teeny waves made a mess out of her gorgeous hair and from the looks of this picture, she had to pull her pants up!
%5B7%5D.jpg "kokololio beach in laie (14)")
This is Ali’i Beach (below)—right outside the door of our condo. This pic was taken at 8am when the kids were taking there morning swim/snorkle. Yea, it’s that warm even at 8am. We stayed in Haleiwa on the North Shore. After staying in Waikiki last time I swore I’d never stay there again. Waikiki in Honolulu is just a large city—totally reminded me of Los Angeles. No thanks. But Haleiwa is what I think Hawaii should be—rural, small, and oh so country.
%5B5%5D.jpg "morning swim at ali'i beach at condo (2)")
Pearl Harbor of course is a must. So proud to be an American.
%5B4%5D.jpg "pearl harbor (19)")
The USS Arizona memorial is a work of art. And the feeling there is of reverence and respect.
%5B4%5D.jpg "pearl harbor (26)")
We went to Waimea Valley again because it’s just so, well….you can see for yourself….plain gorgeous. Love water lilies.
%5B5%5D.jpg "waimea valley (8)")
I keep thinking of ways we can live there, but I just don’t think it is in the cards. (*sobs*)
I was never once cold while there. If you know me, you know that I am always cold. (Except for July-September.) I hate winter, I hate snow, and I’m so stinking tired of wearing jackets now that it is April. I was ready to go postal. Hawaii was a respite from all of that.
Don’t I look happy in my skirt and sandals (ok, so you can’t see my sandals, but trust me, I ain’t wearin’ snow boots).
Oh bless you Hawaii, I hope to see you again soon.
%5B4%5D.jpg "last day at condo before leaving (13)")
5 comments:
Oh the beaches look fabulous! I didn't get my winter getaway this year :( And unfortunately snow is in the forecast tonight! Hopefully Summer is coming soon.
I live in beautiful Monterey, CA and North Shore Oahu is my favority vacation spot. I love Matsumoto shaved ice. Eat there every day when we are there.
Oh, your travelogue makes me want to go back. You're right, North Shore is a much better option than Waikiki, even the prices are better, the scenery is better, and when you're in Waikiki, you waste a lot of gas driving up north all the time!
Cyn, you need to digitize that pic of the lillies! It's gorgeous, and only you could do it justice when you digitize it. :)
Loved the blog entry, and wish I could have gone. :) Glad you all had a wonderful time!
Patty
Looks FANTASTIC!! We're going to Hawaii in September for the first time and couldn't be more excited! Your pictures make me even more anxious for September to get here!
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