July 7

Hanauma Bay

Today we got up super, super early to leave for Hanauma Bay for a morning of snorkeling!!! This bay is truly one of the most beautiful places (I think) on Oahu and one you cannot miss if you are ever there!!
This is probably what I remember most from when I went to Hawaii as a 10 year old and an experience I couldn't wait to share with Jack, as he had never done something like this before!!

We bought our snorkel "gear" from one of the 100 ABC stores in Hawaii, had our water shoes on to protect our feet from the reef ($10 Target, thank you!!), and we were ready to go!! ...Well, almost. The water was quite COLD, there was a pretty decent breeze and the sun was hiding behind some thick morning clouds at 8am. Jack and my dad got in first...took about 5-10 minutes for them to work their way in to the water. Me, in my typical water fashion, took a good 20-30 minutes to get in to shoulder deep water. During this time Jack and dad were off exploring further out from where I was standing and saw some good fish, Jack thought it was really cool!!


Finally I got a mask and snorkel on and put my head in...and totally freaked out!! Haha...yep, being 10 made this waaayy easier than being 25 and thinking too hard about this (and sharks). I just like the feeling of my feet touching the ground and me not being shoulder deep and more in the ocean. So, with my hand being held by my dad (yep, I'm still 25 haha...) I did a little snorkeling and loved it, just like last time! I saw bright yellow fish, a light blue one, and many others swimming in and around their coral home. It was really fun to see and experience again, but I more enjoyed seeing Jack have fun with it. I had my "fix" after about 10 minutes and then went in to sit with my mom on the beach. The boys stayed out about another 20 minutes and then they were done.


Next we stopped at Lanai Lookout point which was awesome!!! There was a blow hole here as well that was fun to watch it burst once enough water from the big waves filled it.
Jack of course had to go out further than the signs said to and scare me...grr!!



Also saw the Crouching Lion landmark. Do you see it?!
Look closely, maybe even click on picture to see bigger.


BUZZ's STEAKHOUSE!
Onward to lunch!! By this time we were quite hungry after a busy morning and taking in great scenery! I recommend everyone to go to Buzz's when they are on Oahu! I had a steak burger. Oh. My. God. WOW!!! Everyone else loved what they got as well - it was a huge success!!! It is this total beach-y, authentic, fun place right across the street from the ocean.


Right after lunch we went across the street to Kailua Beach.
Quick story - 15 years ago we stumbled upon this beach and it's really the main place my mom was, once again, bit HARD by the Hawaiian "bug". I talked about this "bug" in a previous post of mine. It's the "bug" that makes you completely fall in love with the place, it has such meaning and connection to you, and it is just someplace you always want to be or return to as soon as you get the chance. While throughout the whole trip so far, I had been bitten, I didn't really get that strong of a bite until I was here. I absolutely LOVE that I was bitten the hardest in the same spot my mom was 15 years ago. This beach...the colors, the sereneness of it, the feeling, the warmth it gave me...WOW!



I stood at the top of a sand hill right before we were leaving. Everyone else had gone to the car, but I just stood there. It was as if my feet couldn't move I was struck by the beauty of it. I tried to keep walking but I just kept stopping and looking. My eyes filled up with water and I just smiled, took in a deep breath, let out a long exhale, and said "Don't worry, you'll be back one day!" And with that I took one last look and walked away.




We started our drive home, but made one more stop. A LONG road up to a very high lookout point. COLD & WINDY from being so high up, but worth the views! WOW!!









That night before dinner, Jack and I went to Teddy Bear World. Basically - a bunch of scenes from history and landmarks across the U.S. with teddy bears in it. It was a totally fun/silly thing to see, but I wanted to do it - so we did! hehe


OVERALL - This was one of my favorite days, by far, in Hawaii this time!!!!