GRAND CIRCLE TOUR O'AHU ISLAND

SUNSET BEACH

Wednesday, 10^th April. Circling O’ahu 

O'ahu is the third largest Island in Hawaii and Honolulu, On the south-west coast, is the State Capital. O'ahu Island is 44 miles (71 km) long and 30 miles (48 km) across. The length of the shoreline is 227 miles (365 km). That all means it is not a very big island and can be circumnavigated easily in a day tour but unless you are self drive you are unlikely to explore the north-west because the coastal road does not link up. Interestingly the population of Honolulu is less than a million people leaving about 400,000 spread around the rest of the island there is plenty of empty space once outside the city area. It's no big surprise that tourism is the number one industry and I worked out that about 22,000 tourists arrive daily in Hawaii. Those are mind blowing numbers, especially when you consider this is a continuously growing number. We are aware that Hawaii is becoming a destination for New Zealanders and Australians. There are also increasing numbers coming form the United States mainland. The number of cruise ships is increasing too and I guess this large number reflects that. I cannot imagine living anywhere with so many new arrivals day by day. I do know what it feels like to have a small population expand at holiday time but that is over in a month or two and we are back to our nice relaxed normal numbers.

I wanted to see more of O'ahu than Honolulu and the best way was to book a bus tour. It was another early start but I was beginning to appreciate that as the day progressed Honolulu usually became a little too warm and humid for my comfort. We had coffee, crackers and avocado in our room knowing it could be quite a while before we ate again. We were out of our hotel and across the street waiting at the bus stop by 7.20 am. We were the second party on so got seats one back from the front which is always good as it’s easier to interact with the driver/guide. This was was a hoot and we had a lot of fun which was helped along by some friends from Maryland, who just happened to be African Americans with a great sense of humour. There was a lot of laughter and some really funny jokes.

HANAUMA BAY SOUTHERN SHORE OF O'AHU

Our first stop was at a lookout over a beautiful beach which costs $7.50 per person to enter. We looked down from a cliff. It felt really weird as though we were voyeurs staring at the rich and famous. Had we been self drive we could have gone down to the beach after paying but you had to be there very early. Security was closing the entrance and it was not yet 9 am. It’s famous as a movie location, especially Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley. 

SANDY BEACH WHERE PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS ENJOYED BODY SURFING

Next stop was a blow-hole but nothing to see because there were no waves. This park overlooked a beautiful sandy beach where President Obama has surfed and on the other side the tiny beach from the love scene with Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster in From Here To Eternity. It’s rugged land and great for hiking.

THE BUS DRIVERS NEED TO KEEP THINGS MOVING \
THEY DON'T GET CAUGHT UP WITH THE MULTIPLE BUSES FROM THE CRUISE SHIPS
THERE'S NOT A LOT OF SPACE FOR BIG CROWDS

Third stop was the Coral Factory with lots of lovely jewellery. I had to not look too hard because to be honest I have over spent. We did have a complimentary cup of coffee which was very welcome. I'm going to dream about buying a piece of coral jewellery until we go back.

TRAFFIC JAM CAUSED BY ROADWORKS

Fourth stop was an overlook taking in Rabbit an Turtle Islands. It would have been spectacular but vlog had combined with a damp mistiness and closed in. There was a wind from the south bringing vlog, volcanic smoke/steam, from the Big Island volcanoes. Where ever we went there was a haze and since this lookout was fairly high up the mountain, over 4000 feet, drizzly rain turned to thick mist. A walk in the bush would have been nice but I was cold. Now that was a change and I did not have a jacket of any kind.

AT THE LOOKOUT IN THE MOUNTAINS

Fifth stop was a Japanese Buddist Temple built in the early 1900s as a replica of 900 year old temple in Japan. John rang the bell which is supposed to bring good luck. The stream was full of well fed carp and the grounds were pleasantly peaceful if you could get a moment free from the crowds.

6^th stop Macadamia Farm outlet where we bought some Noni lotion. Some for John’s shoulder and another skin lotion which is supposed to clear up psoriasis. I’ve heard about this product in my various research so will be interesting to see if it makes a difference. Noni has several names, one is beach mulberry and another is cheese fruit. Our bus driver let us know that he does not allow the fruit to be brought onto his bus because it smells like strong blue cheese and lingers. I think I saw it growing wild on the lava rock at Kalapana. 

They had complimentary coffee and macadamia nut tasting. It was very welcome although our driver kept reminding us it was a tasting, not a feast. Many of us needed this caution because it was now after mid-day. Lunch was at our next stop. We were running late, having been held up by roadworks. I really liked the kona flavoured nuts but the smallest bag they sold was 8 oz/230 gm and I didn’t think we would eat that many before arriving in New Zealand and I doubt they would go through customs without being confiscated.

HAND MADE WOODEN SURF BOARD FROM 1920'S

7^th stop Ranch where we had lunch. We had prepaid for a buffet and I was disappointed although we got enough to eat and it was reasonably tasty. We both had our choice of salads and slices of pineapple, back ribs and smokey chicken. This was totally geared up for tourists and they were promoting their different ranch activities. The tram tour with a commentary on the history of the ranch felt like a throw in but it was interesting if too brief.

LUNCH STOP

8^th stop was Sunset Beach. Last week it had unseasonal 20 foot waves. Yesterday nothing because the wind had flattened the sea. Very pretty beach and definitely the best side to be on for swimming snorkelling or surfing. I'm not too sure how safe these beaches are for swimming.I guess it depends largely on the direction of the wind. I can say I've seen the beaches famous for their big surf and pipeline 

READY TO GET BACK ON THE BUS AT SUNSET BEACH HILARIOUS!

9^th and last stop was at the Dole Plantation and now I know why I do not like dole pineapple very much. Australian is far superior. Mr. Dole started the business way, way back and it was a major industry in Hawaii. Unfortunately they went out of business because of the lower cost of production in Phillipines and now I think all Dole pineapple comes from Thailand. Pineapples are still grown here. I must write more about Hawaii’s agriculture when I have time. The place where we stopped was a great example of diversification taking advantage of the tourist industry. I had to try a pineapple whip here and it was delicious. It tasted like pure pineapple juice in a soft serve icecream.

Our tour was completed as we drove by more military bases, Wheeler Airfield, Pearl Harbour,  the pink landmark building of Tripler Medical Centre. The drop offs began at the Ala Moana Mall. We were dropped off exactly opposite our hotel at about 5 pm. 

WE THOUGHT THEY WERE A LITTLE PRICEY

We went to the laundry and washed everything I could think of. I dislike packing dirty clothes plus I made a good job of spilling drinks and food on myself today. Pink coloured juice at the Coral Factory and my pineapple whip dripped all over in the heat. We were done for the day and were glad the hotel restaurant was only an elevator away.

SEMI WILD CHOOKS MANY PLACES

Tomorrow we will take it easy in the morning. Our pick up for the tour to Paradise Cove where there is a Polynesian show and a Lu'au, (dinner), is not until 4 pm. This is the day I will try a Blue Hawaiian cocktail for Sharron, our son’s sister-in-law.

I have to admit that this kind of touristy life is not for me. I can handle it for a few days but I could NEVER handle a full time tour.