What a fantastic trip to Hawaii. Here's a photo post to cover some of the highlights.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. To quote Laura, "this is one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life." Its a marine wildlife sanctuary, where you can snorkel with schools of tropical fish and endangered sea turtles. Last time I was here, they would sell you little bags of fish food and you would literally get attacked by schools of the little bastards. This time, they discourage fish feeding. Also, I noticed that there were not nearly as many fish as there were in the early 90s. However it was still fantastic... we were disapointed to not encounter a sea turtle, but folks nearby us did so we know they were out there!
In this one you can really see how close you are to these giant fish!
Moray Eel!
This pic caught the surface of the water, with the fish below. Gives you a feeling of what it was like snorkeling there!
We were exhausted after snorkeling and slept well that night. The next day we drove up to the North Shore to explore, finding an amazing beach park where I communed with the Island Gods...
then we discovered Kahuku shrimp. Theres an area of the North Shore that is famous for shrimp farms, they had them in ponds on the side of the road.
We bought some shrimp from a shack along the highway, and let me tell you they tasted like little lobsters, it was the most amazing shrimp I have ever had. Between that and the fresh coconut, honey mango, apple bananas, and avocado we bought from some old ladies at the side of the road we had a literal tropical feast. Next time I go I would forgo the touristy luau and its rich food for these more rare, local island treats!
The morning of our last day, we hiked to the summit of Diamond Head, an extinct volcano crater overlooking Honolulu and Waikiki beach. The view from the summit is amazing, but you work for it (over 700 ft elevation gain, pretty much straight up.)
All in all an incredible trip that left me really wanting to travel more!!
