This morning we decided we would explore the island a little more. So we explored the best thing Hawaii has to offer- its beaches. We headed to the eastern side of Oahu, which is referred to as the windward side of the island. And it's named appropriately, because it is just that- windy.
We drove along Kamehameha Highway, armed with Tommy's iPhone to help navigate directions and the Frommer's Oahu book that we found in our apartment from a previous vacationer. Our first stop was Kailua Beach, which Frommer's boasted as possibly the most beautiful beach on Oahu, but it warned that it was windy. We could tell at least the latter part of the statement was correct before we even stepped out of the car because we could see the kites of many kite surfers bouncing along the water. We stepped onto the beach and were practically blown away by wind gusts and not super impressed. For Hawaii, this was definitely NOT the most beautiful beach. So we decided to move on.
The next beach, Lanika'i, was just down the road and more tucked away in a quaint neighborhood named the same as the beach. It was windy here too, but definitely worth it to stay. We laid out for awhile and then grabbed our snorkel and checked out the many coral reefs that lined the water. After our swim, we were a little cold and hungry so we decided to look for a place for lunch.
We headed back towards Kailua and found Buzz's Steakhouse. Tommy got a burger (which was the first time he sunk his teeth into meat all week!) and I got a veggie burger (I figured I'd see how long I could live without meat here, and so far, I was doing great).
After lunch, we headed further down the coast and decided to check out Waimanalo Beach. This beach was pretty cool. The water was perfect for swimming and some good body surfing. Tommy and I played in the waves for awhile, dried off, and then headed on.
This is where the drive along the coast gets really beautiful-- huge rocky cliffs that jut out over the water. Tommy and I stopped at a scenic lookout and snapped some pictures.
Our next stop was Sandy Beach, also known as Break Neck Beach. The waves here break really big and hard right on the shore, making it really hard to get into or out of the water. When I lived in Hawaii 6 years ago, I visited this beach with Lars and out of stupidity (because I really don't think it was bravery) I jumped in the water here. I remember looking back at Lars while he watched me with a terrified look on his face from the shore. This time, I look at the waves with Tommy, and can't imagine how I ever even GOT into that water! But it was fun to watch all the body boarders take their turns at catching the big waves and getting pummeled.
The sun was starting to set and we were getting hungry. So we drove a little further to Waikiki and watched the beautiful sunset from the beach.
Then we headed to the Outrigger Reef Hotel on the beach (where my Mom lived for a summer when she went to school in Hawaii and also where I stayed for 2 nights when I was working on "Pressure Cook") and we had a couple of drinks at the bar. Then we drove the 45 minutes back up to the North Shore and I made tortillas and melted cheese with huge chunks of avocados from Bart's tree for dinner.
I would do anything to have my very own avocado tree.
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