Deep Inside Waimea Valley and a Deadly Game of Checkers
I was deep inside the Waimea Valley, and beads of sweat streamed down my brow as I carefully plotted my next move. If I moved diagonally to my right, I could capture my opponent’s stone while landing on a square beyond the reach of his advancing pieces. My options were rapidly disappearing, so this move had to work. If it did, I would force him into a corner, leaving him to play purely on the defensive. He would be pinned against the ropes, and victory—along with that sweet taste of freedom—would finally be within my grasp.
Big John keeps his poker face as he plays a very deadly game of checkers.
With a trembling hand, I gingerly lifted my white coral stone from the slab. I paused, just long enough to steady my nerves and lock eyes with my captor. I wanted to witness the humiliation on his face as his lowliest prisoner defeated him at his own game. I wanted every member of the tribe to see the mighty warrior humbled by the village waterboy.
Oh, he would be sorry.
Sorry he had taken me prisoner.
Sorry he had forced me to haul water down from Holik Amoli Mountain during the hottest part of every day.
Sorry he had made me dance each evening in that scratchy grass skirt and coconut bra simply to amuse the village grandmothers.
Yes… he would be very, very sorry.
(more…)Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America, Tall Tales and Big Fish Stories and tagged Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu, Waimea Falls, Waimea Valley.
Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
There are many amazing things to be found on the island of Oahu. One activity definitely worth mentioning is snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. The name Hanauma is actually derived from two Hawaiian words, “hana” which means bay, and “uma” meaning curved. The curved bay is actually a natural pool that was formed inside of a volcanic crater many thousands of years ago. Hanauma Bay has long been considered one of Oahu’s most precious jewels in the Pacific.
For a real underwater adventure, go snorkeling in Hanauma Bay.
Historically speaking, Hanauma Bay was well known by the earliest islanders to be an excellent place to fish. Records show that during the 1800s, Hawaiian royalty would visit the bay to fish, relax, or simply go to be entertained. Today, Hanuma Bay is still a place to come and enjoy its cool blue waters. With all the fanfare about this place, Rebecca and I decided to grab our snorkel gear and explore both above and below the waves. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America and tagged Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, Oahu, snorkeling.
The Trail to the Summit of Diamond Head Crater
Aloha from Waikiki!
Rebecca was already five months pregnant when we landed in Oahu on that warm and sunny day in April. That being said, all of our recreational opportunities on the island have been far more tame than what we would typically do when exploring a new place. With things like surfing, parasailing, and getting eaten by sharks out of the question, we have still been able to find some pretty amazing hikes to do as a couple. One such hike, that’s definitely worth mentioning, is no other than the trail leading to the summit of Diamond Head Crater.
An aerial view of Diamond Head Crater (Image courtesy of hawaiiparks.org)
Diamond Head Crater, known as Le’ahi by the Hawaiians, was believed to have formed some 30,000 years ago during a single, brief eruption. The crater covers 350 acres of land and it is easily the most recognized landmark in all of Hawaii. (more…)
Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America and tagged Diamond Head Crater, Hawaii, Oahu.
Never Go Caving with a Bun in the Oven
Never go caving with a bun in the oven,
It’s just not the safe thing to do.
Since you can’t see your feet,
You might slip on some peat,
and at the very least, blow out a shoe.
The view from the upper Makau Cave.
Never go caving with a bun in the oven,
You really shouldn’t even wander that far.
You might get lost along the way,
which would ruin your day,
’cause you left all your snacks in the car.
(more…)Posted in Scattered Thoughts, Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America, Travel Tips and tagged Hawaii, Oahu, upper Makau cave.
Scenes from Haleiwa and the North Shore
Located on Oahu‘s North Shore, in beautiful Waiaula Bay, lies the “malahia” (laid-back) surfing community of Haleiwa. This small town, full of unique shops and eateries, is the first thing visitors will encounter right before reaching the North Shore. Since pregnancy and surfing aren’t recommended by most physicians, Rebecca and I spent the day staying out of the water and exploring the chill scenes on dry land.
The Aloha General Store was voted as having some of Oahu’s best shave ice! (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Hawaii, North America and tagged Haleiwa, Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu.