Oahu, Hawaii (d)

So 06.10. Because today was Sunday, we slept a bit longer than usual and treated ourselves to a good coffee with muffins. We set off for Manoa Falls at 12:00. After a short hike through the rainforest, we reached the waterfall and took some photos. Unfortunately, swimming was not allowed here, which would have been a welcome refreshment. So we decided to go to a beach instead. I chose Sunset Beach. I should mention that our current accommodation is in the North Shore. The beaches here are generally known for their good surfing opportunities. So we spread out our beach towels and watched the surfers try to ride the waves. In the end, only our feet touched the water. As the sun slowly began to set, we looked for a restaurant nearby and enjoyed fantastic mussels and ribs while overlooking the sea. For this reason, I would say that overall it was a successful day.

Di 08.10. This morning we drove to Halewia. It is a village by the sea with many colorful local shops. We had a small breakfast there and now we were ready for our surfing lesson.

When we arrived at the beach, we got ready and put on our UV shirts. First, our instructor explained the rules to us on the beach. Then she showed us the procedure for standing up and surfing on the surfboard.

1. Lie on the surfboard with your hands close to your body at the level of the rib cage. Then push yourself up from your arms so that your upper body is raised. Always look in the direction you want to go.

2. Now pull your knees to your chest and place your front foot between your hands.

3. Now place both feet on the board about shoulder-width apart and stand up.

We practiced these steps several times without getting wet until the procedure was somewhat smooth. Then we took the boards into the water and tried to ride the waves. Paddling from the beach to the waves was very exhausting. But surfing was incredibly fun.

Mi 09.10. Today started off very stressful. Early in the morning at 08:00, I received an email from our next accommodation (Airbnb apartment). It stated that we cannot move in due to problems with the water supply. So I had to quickly book a hotel for us at a higher price. At 09:00, we set off for the harbor. We were greeted by the captain and his crew there. Today our group consisted of only 8 people. Before the trip, a safety instruction was conducted, and the group rules were explained. Then we sailed for 15 minutes out into the open sea, and suddenly we saw them! Sharks! 10 to 20 animals, mostly Galapagos sharks. Immediately, our group equipped ourselves with masks and fins and jumped into the water. It was simply incredible to see these animals. How they move in the water and simply be undisturbed beneath us. It's hard to put into words what I felt in the water. During this hour in the water, I felt fear, awe, and happiness. But most of all, I was amazed. That was absolutely one of the best snorkeling tours we have ever done.

Do 10.10. Today was the first day with the four of us. Our colleagues Marie and Claudio are also traveling the island with us. Today, the plan was to hike the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead. The trail consists of old railroad tracks and more than 1000 large stair steps. The hill that you climb was used as an observation point during World War II. They could transport goods using the tracks. When you reach the top, you have a wonderful view of Honolulu and the surrounding beaches. Unfortunately, Claudio and I were unable to hike all the way to the top for medical reasons. Silvan and Marie didn't give up and were rewarded with a wonderful view and punished with sunburn. In the afternoon, we spent time together at Hanuma Bay, swimming and snorkeling.

Fr. 11.10. Already in Switzerland, we had decided to visit the private nature reserve of Kualoa Ranch. That's why we booked a tour in a 4WD buggy for today. In the two-hour tour, you drive through the park and can admire the rainforest and many waterfalls. Our tour guide told us many facts about the valleys of the park and the owners. We also saw some filming locations. For example, Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, and Lost were filmed here over the years.

Sa 12.10. Our helicopter sightseeing tour started at 09:00. We took off from Honolulu Airport and flew west. Past various beaches, through Moana Park to Waikikibeach. Then to Diamond Head, over the skyscrapers of Honolulu. Finally, we saw Pearl Harbor and landed again. The helicopter flight was enjoyed by all four of us, it is very impressive to see the different sights from a bird's eye view.