Hawaii: Day 7 - A quick tour of Oahu

Travel Date: Friday, Nov 27 2015

After Justin and I came back from the Peal Harbor Memorial, we were greeted by a surprise catch. And then we took care of business.

Justin and I wanted to see the rest of Oahu, or at least bits and piece. Kathy, and Hank decided to join us for a short period. We hit the road.

And headed to the North Shore to see the giant waves.

Along the way we stopped into the tiny town of Hale'iwa.

We walk around.

And find a parking lot with a lot of food trucks and people. Since it is lunch time, we decide to go grab a bite to eat.

Interesting automobiles around.

My first inclination is to try out the Cajun food truck. But wait I am in Oahu, not Louisiana, so I pass. 

We decide to get lunch at the Giovanni's Shrimp Truck which is world-famous and renowned in these parts.

Although everyone talks about the Hot & Spicy Shrimp being the real deal, I get the Shrimp Scampi to be safe. I didn't want to end up paying for it later.

Really good, fun times with Kathy and Hank at Hale'iwa.

After we are done with our garlic shrimp conquest, we decide to get some shaved ice. Another Hawaiian treat.

I decide to pile it up with the Cookies and Cream.

It is delicious. Tastes like flavored ice and snow melting in your mouth.

And now with a full belly, we head out to the North Shore Beaches, more specifically the Banzai Pipeline to see the waves and some surfing.

Unfortunately, the waves weren't that high, and the surfing competition that was scheduled to be held that day was cancelled. We however enjoyed some of the surf action while being there.

No longer after we headed back to the car. And said our goodbyes to Hank and Kathy. They were heading home, and Justin and I were heading to check off items on my list of things to do in Oahu.

We drove to the east side of the island.

To the Nu-uanu Pali State Wayside.

You have to pay $3.00 to park. What a rip off!

We walk to the Nu'uanu Pali lookout point.

And begin appreciating the various views.

Back in the car we head over to Lanikai Beach to touch white sand.

And then the last item on the bucket list... watch the sunset on the very touristy Waikiki Beach. Very touristy! After fast walking through the crowds and various streets we decide to take this alley of surfboards.

And we get there just in time for the sunset.

I love this picture.

Hank told us that we must check out the statue of "Duke Kahanamoku" who is beloved among the native peoples of the islands. He was a Native Hawaiian competition swimmer, who is widely credited with popularizing the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. He was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. Duke was also a law enforcement officer, an actor, a beach volleyball player and businessman.

And so we stop by, pay homage, and take a few pictures.

And then in no time, we have to jet set out on the plane. So we head to the airport.

We get dinner at one of the airport restaurants, and I realize that I haven't yet tried the loco moco. Loco moco is a meal in the contemporary cuisine of Hawaii. There are many variations, but the traditional loco moco consists of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

After dinner, we get on the plane back to Kailua-Kona, Big Island. Goodbye Oahu.

Reflections:
Oahu is definitely the busiest of the islands. Our time there with Hank and Kathy made it very memorable. It was great to take a break and spend time with them, and try out different touristy things like Shave Ice and Giovanni's Garlic Shrimp.

I really wish the waves didn't die down at the Banzai Pipeline and Northshore beaches. I really wanted to see one of the biggest and best surf competitions out there. But appreciating what I have instead of what I want is something I continually work on. Seeing one or two of the surfers take a crack at the waves was enjoyable.

The Nu-uanu Pali State Wayside lookouts was great. The white sands of Lanakai Beach reminded me of the beaches of Dubai. And I swear I saw Henry Ian Cusick who starred as Desmond Hume in the hit show LOST. The sunset at Waikiki Beach was epic, but nothing like the pictures that Kathy posts on her facebook feed from the Ko Olina area. It is the perfect sunset point according to the locals.

Again, Hank and Kathy, we cannot thank you enjoy for such a wonderful visit and great company. I/we hope to be back soon.

Expenses: $142.07
Parking $3.00 (Nu-uanu Pali State Wayside)
Gas: $16.01 (Benton's Ahua St)
Rental Car: $59.66 (Dollar Rental)
Dinner: $63.40 (Stinger Rays)