Oahu, Hawaii (i)

Dom 06.10. Only because it was Sunday did we indulge ourselves with the luxury of sleeping in a little longer and then let a cup of coffee with muffins energize us for the new adventure to visit Manoa Falls. After a short walk in the rainforest, we reached our intended goal and took some photos. Unfortunately, swimming was not allowed here, which would have been a welcome refreshment. So, without further ado, we decided to head to the beach. We chose Sunset Beach. Our apartment is located in Northshore. Here in the north, the beaches are generally known as the ideal place for surfing. So we let the ocean waves caress our feet as we enjoyed watching the surfers ride the waves from our beach towels. At sunset, we searched for a nearby restaurant and chose to dine by the sea with fresh mussels and succulent ribs. If I had to give a judgment, I'd say it was a beautiful and relaxing day.

Mar 08.10. This morning we drove to Halewia. It is a small seaside village, with many shops and typical eateries. Here we had breakfast and now we are ready for our first surfing lesson. Once we arrived at the beach, we immediately put on UV-protective shirts. The instructor explained the rules we needed to follow and later showed us the proper procedure for getting up on the surfboard on the beach. We practiced this procedure several times until we gained the confidence needed to surf. Then we entered the water with our boards and tried to ride the waves. From the beach to the sea, trying and retrying amidst the waves to paddle was very exhausting but fun and exhilarating.

Mer 09.10. Today, unfortunately, our morning was marked by a notification from an email informing us that our next accommodation reservation (Airb&b) was canceled due to water supply issues. 39 Thus, I had to quickly book a hotel room. At 09:00 we headed to the harbor. We were warmly welcomed by the captain and his crew. Our group consisted of only 8 people. Before setting sail, safety instructions were given, and the rules were explained to the group. Then we sailed for 15 minutes in open water, and then… suddenly!... Sharks! There were at least twenty specimens. The Galapagos shark immediately caught the eye. We quickly put on masks and fins and jumped into the water. There was no way we wanted to miss this adrenaline-fueled marine spectacle. Immediately, they surrounded us. It was simply fantastic to see them up close. What I felt in the water is hard to put into words. A wonderful and intense experience, one of those that make you feel alive from the tips of your hair to your toes! Incredible, majestic, fascinating. I felt scared to have them nearby, but also a reverential fear, happily satisfied. This was absolutely one of the best snorkeling tours we've ever experienced.

Gio 10.10. Today is our first day together as four. Our friends Marie and Claudio have joined us from Switzerland. Today's itinerary includes the hike on the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead. The trail consists of old railway tracks and more than 1000 large steps. The hill was used as a lookout point during World War II. Once at the top, there is a wonderful view of Honolulu and the surrounding beaches. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, Claudio and I were unable to climb to the top. Silvan and Marie persevered and were rewarded with a view of a sublime panorama, although they also ended up with a nice sunburn. We spent the afternoon happily together in Hanauma Bay, swimming and snorkeling.

Ven 11.10. Back in Switzerland, we had decided to visit the Kualoa Ranch private nature reserve. That’s why we had booked a four-person buggy tour for today. For over two hours we drove through the park and admired the rainforest and many waterfalls. The tour guide told us about many events and curiosities that had occurred in the park's valleys and about its owners. We also saw some movie sets. For example, Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, and Lost were filmed here over the years.

Sab 12.10. The early bird catches the worm! Waking up at 7:30, pleasantly surprised by the deep blue sky. Today there is no aquatic activity on our agenda, but a great experience in the element of air awaits. At 09:00 we embark on our helicopter sightseeing flight. Departing from Honolulu airport, we fly westward. We fly over various beaches, from Moana Park to Waikiki beach, continuing towards Diamond Head, and then beyond the skyscrapers of Honolulu. Finally, we reach Pearl Harbor. Here, history breathes from the famous battle that saw Japanese naval forces face off against the United States. The sightseeing flight delighted all four of us, and it’s truly impressive to see the various attractions from a bird's-eye view.