Hanauma Bay - 2 photo's
2 views of the windward side of the island, very craggy and each of the ribs are where water has eroded softer material, in a vertical plain.
3 photo's from the lookout at Nuuanu Pali
Byodo-in Temple
Mokolii Island, referred to as Chinaman's hat, by Kualoa Ranch
Final set of pictures are from the Dole Pineapple Plantation
Well not such an early start today, pick up was 08.30. Have been given a map and we are going to drive around the eastern shore line, half of the northern shore then drop back down to Honolulu via the middle of the island, really between the two mountain ranges of Waiane and Koolau. It was through the Koolau mountains that the Japanese fighters flew on their surprise attack of Pearl Harbour, and the notch was duly pointed out!
Anyway first brief stop is just passed Diamond Head to look at the Pacific Ocean and the people surfing. Great stop, couple of photo shoots then onto Hanauma Bay. This is a bay which was formed within a volcanic cone, when part of the side wall was breached and worn away. Wikipedia has a great ariel shot of the bay. Great for snorkeling as there are plenty of fish and turtles, the bay is a marine conservation area. It is so popular, as is a number of beaches along this part of the coast that you have to get there early and have to pay for the privilege.
We only viewed the bay from above for about 20 minutes but one could see it was very busy. Ever onwards, we rounded Makapuu Point and from this point on we are now on the windward side of the island, meant to be cooler and definitely is greener due to increased rain fall. Couple of islands just off shore, rabbit island (manana) and in the distance some of the other larger islands can be seen - Moloka'i, Lana'i and Maui. On the way we passed a small bay with feverish activity - the latest Pirates of the Caribbean was being filmed, this being the latest in a long and varied history of films being shot in Oahu and the Hawaiian islands.
We headed up quite a steep road through a couple of tunnels to emerge at the Nuuani Pali lookout. We were treated to some great views of both the mountains beside us and views out over the Pacific. We were told that before the road and tunnels were built travellers, on foot and horse/mule had to follow a winding road up and through the valley, often assaulted by the strong trade winds.
This lookout was also the site of a bloody battle that decided who would be ruler of not only Oahu by Hawaii as well. In 1795 Kamahameha sailed from Hawaii and conquered the islands of Maui and Moloka'i before landing on Oahu. The final act of the battle was when local soldiers were driven up the valley and to the lookout area, they had two choices surrender or jump. It is said over 400 decided to jump to their death.
Next stop was the Byodo-in Temple, the building (1868) is a replica of a Buddhist Temple in Uji Japan. The building is set back near the mountains with grave areas on the other three sides, for any number of faiths. As you walk in to the temple grounds and after crossing a quaint bridge the visitor is invited to sound the large peace bell, not as easy as it sounds. Plenty of Koi ponds around the temple with beautiful white raked stones along the front of the building - how do they get them so flat, even and uniform? Huge great Buddha inside, 9 feet tall, covered in gold ans lacquer work.
It was after leaving the temple and before we stopped for lunch the driver told the story of George Vancouver's input to the Hawaiian flag. It is interesting as this flag is the only state flag in the USA to include the Union Flag of Great Britain. Apparently when the islands were under British protectorate (1794 to 1843) it was felt that the flag of Hawaii should include the union Jack to ensure continued trade with the British Commonwealth. The rest of the flag is white, red and blue stripes (3 white, 3 red and 2 blue - representing the 8 major islands). However there appears to be discussion as to the true origins, the level of influence from the British East India Company, the USA and even who actually had input to the design i.e. former officers of the British Royal Navy. It was real nice to see it anyhow.
Lunch was at the Kualoa ranch, just a stones throw from the beach. Not being a film buff my eyes glazed over but I understand quite a number of films have been shot at this location including Jurassic Park -yawn. We were treated to a short trip up the mountain side in a jeep train which gave us some spectacular views down on the bay and Chinama's hat island. This used to be a sugar cane ranch but when the industry died they turned to cattle ranching and outdoor sports centre. One can do pony trekking, all terrain vehicle, hiking etc.
Enjoyed lunch and went for a stroll down to the beach to get a better view of the island. The ruins of the sugar mill was also still visible but did not have time to explore. Mill faltered as they only grew and milled 300tons of cane, at least 500 tons required for profit. Apparently mill powered initially by donkey then by steam.
Carried on up the coast and by this point by the driver was rambling quite a bit so lost what he was saying. We stopped at sunset beach for an ice cream and soda, back drop to the town was interesting. Then it was down the valley between the two mountains and a stop at the Dole Plantation. On the way we saw plenty of pineapple fields but were told Dole is the last grower on the Island and it is likely that very soon they will depart where cheaper labour can be found.
Dole's shop area included a rather large maze, we did not lose anybody so assume that no one tried it as it is reputed to be the largest in the world. They also had a rather pretty exotic garden that I enjoyed with many exhibits to look at and photograph, plus a section showing the different species of pineapple. Plenty to see and do and it would have been nice to bring away some of their produce but my case is already bursting again :-)
From the Dole shop it was back to Honolulu and the hotel and packing ready for tomorrows flight.
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