Hawaii 2010
Hit McDonalds for the third time on this trip (rushed breakfasts are merely a sign of packed days), but at least I got to try the saimin they serve here in Hawaii. Verdict: meh.
Fortunately, Hanauma Bay, even at low tide, is full of pretty fish to look at. We floated halfway across it, tried not to scrape our bellies on the rocks in pursuit of fish in an array of neon hues, and reluctantly dragged ourselves out of the water to see the rest of the island. Halona Blowhole was only a few minutes away, and watching the waves shoot out of the hole in the rocks merely added to the experience.
Quick lunch of lau lau, kailua pork, and shaved ice at Kenekie's, then the windward side of the island continued to let its rain and wind be felt as we stopped at Nuuanu Pali State Park, home of the famous Pali Lookout. Wind, rain, and clouds didn't interfere too much with the great view of the southern and western ends of Oahu, but they did make sure we didn't linger too long!
We arrived at Diamond Head State Monument about 30 minutes before they stopped letting hikers in. Through the rain and wind, although it wasn't nearly as bad as it was at Pali Lookout. The view from the top is probably better without clouds, wind, and rain, but hey, we took what we could get! You can even see the water changing color from blue to turqoise as you go from the ocean to the beaches of Waikiki. It was definitely worth it-- all the more considering the hike was only 50 minutes up and about 20 or 25 minutes down.
Dinner was at Ward Center, at Kaka'ako Kitchen. Loco moco was soooo good. The chicken marsala wasn't chicken marsala, but it was still good. Even picked up breakfast for the next day....