Sunday, July 15, 2012

Halona Blowhole

Halona Blowhole lookout point is a few miles away from the Lanai lookout point. The blowhole is formed by the rock formation that spews water out of the blowhole, looking like a water fountain. Being a marvelous sight, it is a big tourist spot in Hawaii. Never climb down the rocks to go close to the Halona blowhole. It is said that Halona is one of the most dangerous currents in the world and there have been several deaths when people went close to the blowhole.

During winter (Oct to March), this is a good spot to see humpback whales as they leave the North Pacific, but we did not see the whales.

This place is also a look out of the gorgeous Sandy beach.

On the right side of the Halona blowhole lookout point is the Halona Beach Cove. It became popular in the movie "From Here to Eternity," hence it is also called the "Eternity Beach". We hiked down the rocks to get there and saw people swimming, snorkeling and fishing in the Eternity beach.


Halona Beach Cove


Sandy Beach


Lana'i Lookou

A little over a half-mile past Hanauma Bay as you head toward Makapuu Point, you'll see a turnout on the ocean side with some fine views of the coastline. In winter, you'll have an opportunity to see storm-generated waves crashing against lava cliffs. This is also a popular place for winter whale-watching so bring your binoculars, some sunscreen, and a picnic lunch and join the small crowd scanning for telltale white spouts of water only a few hundred yards away. On clear days, you should be able to see the islands of Molokai and Lanai off in the distance, hence the name.

Address: Kalanianaole Hwy., just past Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, HI, 96825










Thursday, July 12, 2012

Kukaniloko Birth Stones

In the middle of a sugar cane field in central Oahu, you’ll find a sacred site – the Kukaniloko birthing stones. The sign at this site says that as many as 800 years ago, chiefs and chiefesses came to this site for the birth of their children. A child born hire was assured high-ranking status.

What to know when you go:
  • These stones are located about a 100 yards from the intersection of Highway 80 and Whitmore Avenue. There’s a very small unofficial paved parking area that’s literally off this intersection, directly across the road from Whitmore Avenue. We accidentally passed by the parking area the first time because it doesn’t look like a parking area. It looks more like a farm road. Be careful that you don’t park in the dirt area if it looks muddy. We almost got stuck when we drove off the pavement to turn around.
  • Please respect these stones and the people who visit them as they are sacred to the Hawaiian people. You might see someone chanting or leaving an offering, so be respectful of their place.
  • There are two distinct sections to this monument.
  • The dirt path to the first section of stones is a flat walk of about 100 yards.
  • Allow about 20 minutes for visiting this site.


 








Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Bellows Air Force Station

Located on Oahu's windward coast, Bellows Beach is noted for its clear, azure blue waters, soft white sand and waves ideal for bodyboarding. Many people would consider it one of the prettiest beaches on the island. The beach is backed by rows of ironwood trees, which provide plenty of shade in the afternoons.

Bellows Beach Park Overview

  • Beach is a favorite among bodyboarders
  • Beach park is located between Inoa'ole and Waimanalo Stream, in front of the Bellows Air Force Station
  • Part of the longest stretch of sandy shoreline on Oahu - to the south is Waimanalo Beach
  • Watch out for jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-wars on the shoreline, they often get washed up on the beach
  • Camping is allowed with a permit, more info here


This was take right outside the cabins.

A view of Waimanalo

A view of Mokulua Islands

Cabins

Hubby and kids attempted to fish but did not catch anything.

Bellows Beach











Sunday, July 8, 2012

Barbers Point

Barber's Point Beach Park is most known for its lighthouse. The small sandy beach is mainly used by fishermen and picnickers because the swimming conditions are poor. There is a low limestone shelf along most of the shoreline which makes entering the ocean difficult. This, as well as strong currents, make this a no-swimming beach. The beach park is located on Oahu's leeward coast (at the southwestern tip) near Campbell Industrial Park. It is not the most scenic area on the island. 
Barber's Point is named after Captain Henry Barber. In 1796, Barber arrived on Oahu in the Arthur. After loading supplies in Honolulu, he wanted to sail to Kauai and then on to China. But he ran aground at Oahu's southwestern tip, known as Kalaeloa, which means “the long point” in the Hawaiian language. After this incident, this area became known as Barber's Point.
  • 7-acre park near an industrial area
  • Not recommended for swimming
  • Barber's Point lighthouse is the main landmark
  • Camping is allowed in nearby Kalaeloa Park (with county permit), but on weekends only (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights).
The view from the parking lot.
The beach is not good for swimming due to the low limestone shelf.


Barbers Point Lighthouse

Catching and releasing small fish and crabs


Germane's Luau is very close to the lighthouse

Coming back from the lighthouse, met this guy walking his pet wild boar.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park is a free public park on the island of Oahu, right across the Ala Moana Mall and Ward Mall. It is a walking distance from Waikiki, Chinatown and Aloha tower. This park has a wide man-made gold-sand beach that is over a half-mile long.
The water is almost always calm because the beach is protected by an outer reef. This makes it a good spot for beginners in SUP and surfing, long-distance swimmers and small children. There is a 25-foot-deep swimming channel and a former boat channel that was dredged out of the reef. Ala Moana's ocean bottom drops quickly, so novice swimmers should use caution.



Magic Island

Puffer Fish kept coming back and eating our bobber. We fed it with a lot of crackers.

Li'l Kai trying to catch a fish

This park is full of runners. It has a 2 mile loop for runners to enjoy.

Sunset at Ala Moana Park

Stand Up Paddler during sunset.

Kai enjoying the water during sunset.

A lot of locals hoping to catch a fish

Ala Wai