Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Chillin' without the chillen

Our third day was, of course, wonderful! We first drove down around the south side of Oahu towards Hunama Bay. The parking lot was full and so they just waved us by. We drove by 3 times before they answered our questions. And just so you know, you can park down in the residential area and walk up the hill. Just don't forget to take your $5 each. We did. So instead of hiking down and up again (we were anxious to get to the PCC) we left and explored the cliffs and overlooks.

The first place we stopped was so cool. It was the overlook closest to Hunama Bay. There is a short wall and signs that warn that you shouldn't cross it due to life threatening cliffs. Guess what? We crossed it along with about 30 other people at the same time. It was gorgeous! We hiked down some easily sloping cliffs to the water edge. There were big waves, lots of spray and beautiful aqua-marine blue waves.

That rock in the picture below, I climbed it. Oh yeah. I was totally king, or queen, of the hill.


And now the inspiration for the title today. As we drove off, I looked over the edge of the cliffs, I saw a small beach with a dozen people swimming. I told Matt we should stop. And guess what, we jumped out of the car, hiked down the hill, swam for 15 minutes, collected sand, took a picture (or 20) and then left. It maybe took 25 minutes. Could you do that with 4 kids, a mini-van, a diaper bag, 6 towels, suntan lotion, and potty breaks? Neither could I! I LOVED MY VACATION!

These are looking down from above.



And here is Matt, right there people! This was definitely worth the memories. Ask Matt what he thought of my body surfing here. I say it was perfectly safe, he disagrees. The only water access was about 10 feet wide over where the people are.


We spent the rest of the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We had a great time. In fact, we ran out of time. I say get there right when it opens or you'll regret it! We learned the hula, watched the cute polynesian guy climb the tree and start a fire, ate our luau food (including poi which tastes like runny playdough, minus a little salt) and I even tapped my inner warior with a officail warrior tatoo band around my ankle (at a church sponsered institution! Gasp!) Here are a few highlights. Oh how I wish I could post a few videos. Imagine me doing the hula! Stop drooling. Now.




Don't you want to go to Oahu? I sure do. Maybe next year we could share a condo ;-)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to admit, I've never really wanted to go to Hawaii--I've always been more of a cold person. Alaskan cruise anyone?
But after seeing your pictures and the pictures from my brother's honeymoon (he went to Hawaii), I must say it's looking better and better to me.
Beautiful pictures!

Lindsay said...

Is that Matt on the last picture? Now that is just scary!

Seriously, I too have never had any real desire to go to Hawaii. But your pictures!!! Are. You. Kidding. Me!?

Alisa said...

I just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm soaking in every last word. I can't wait for more Hawaii posts!

Brooke said...

Hawaii is gorgeous! Why wouldn't you want to go? I am admittedly quite a beach girl. But even besides that, where else can you see deep jungles, gorgeous waterfall, warm and beautiful beaches and even scale a volcano if you want to and not worry about a different language, different laws, dirty water and food and all sorts of other crazy happenings.

Although, I think I will be willing to brave all those things if I could sail the Mediteranean.

Julie M. said...

Aww I love it! I do totally want to go! I can't believe how busy you guys were! I love all the pics!

And I love your new look! :)