Hanauma Bay And Kailua Beach Park.

Today, we finally ventured beyond the neighborhood.  Since we both now have swim fins and Michele has a snorkel and mask, we thought a trip to Hanauma Bay was in order.  For those of you who know of this great place, feel free to skip this brief introduction.  If you've never heard of it, read on.

Michele enjoys the view at one of the scenic turnouts along the east side of O'ahu.  This is some of the time-killing we were forced to endure after finding the parking lot of Hanauma Bay full.  :)

Fishermen taking quite a risk to make a catch.  The waves came very close and it was scary to watch.

My timing was excellent as the famous Halona Blow Hole explodes in mist.  Days like today, the high tide and strong winds propel waves upward through a cave and it acts like a geyser.

More boring scenery, as Michele attempts to capture a memory on her phone.  Only a couple more hours of this torture and we'll be at Hanauma Bay!

Looking down on yet another lovely beach.  Makapu'u Light House is around and up to our right.

Hanauma Bay is a horseshoe-shaped volcanic cone filled with coral and an amazing array of brightly-colored tropical fish.  It's a fantastic place for snorkeling as it's protected from rough seas by its shape and the coral reef.  It's both a Nature Preserve and Marine Life Conservation District and the state goes to great lengths to protect it from us.  All visitors must watch a short video presentation addressing the "do's and don't's" while swimming in the turquoise water.  The park has a website telling all about it, as well as, the excellent facilities.  Just Google it to read more.

A view of Kailua Beach Park, a last stop prior to returning to Hanauma Bay.  It's easy to see why so many people love this area.

Para-surfing at Kailua Beach Park.  Two-person kayaks are for rent, too.  Lots of folks were paddling around today.

Ah-h-h.  Michele enjoys an iced coffee at Kailua Beach Park.  It from this very spot that we called our Portland friends, Julie and Ira, to make sure they knew we visited their favorite beach today.

We got a comfortable start to the day, which, of course, meant the parking lot was full when we arrived.  The website tells you to expect this if you arrive at mid-morning and recommends returning mid-afternoon.  No sweat!  We continued our visit to the windward side of O'ahu, stopping along the way at a couple of the scenic turnouts with breathtaking views of the blue Pacific crashing into the volcanic rock shoreline.

Yeah, it's me...mesmerized by the spectacular view of Hanauma Bay from above.

The coral formations are clearly seen from this vantage point.

The start of the nine-minute large screen video presentation everyone is required to view prior to hitting the water.  Education about the delicate ecosystem is the very best way to preserve it, for the fish, as well as, humans.

It wasn't too long until we drove through Kailua, and its famous namesake beach.  We didn't stop just then, as we wanted to first take a look at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.  In case we ever decide to try living on that part of the island, we wanted to know how the facilities here compare to Pearl Harbor.  After taking a look at the commissary and exchange, we headed back to Kailua and stopped at Kailua Beach Park.

A fishy photo I took during the video.  I think I saw this guy today!

Another shot from the presentation.  Green sea turtles are endangered and are to be left alone.

Time to see some fish!

Here, you can see how protected the bay is.  The wave you see breaking isn't very high.  It just ran into a high area of the coral reef.

I used maximum zoom to catch this dramatic wave break at one of the two rocky entrance points to the bay.

Friends in Portland, Julie and Ira, spend a month in Kailua most winters and dearly love the area.  After seeing the beach park, it's easy to understand why.  The small town of Kailua has most everything you could need, minus the noise and crowds, and it's famous beach.  We called our friends to let them know exactly where we were, but not to, in any way, rub it in! :)

One last photo as we were departing.  What a treat to be able to snorkel here.

A private yacht motors northeast, outside Hanauma Bay.  Lots of zoom of the lens to catch this beauty.  It was rockin' and rollin' pretty good on the fairly rough seas.

This is one of several small Asian mongooses we saw near the beach, as well as, up on the crater rim.  They were introduced to the islands back in 1883 by sugar cane plantation owners in an attempt to reduce losses from rats.  They eat insects, bird eggs and most anything else they can scrounge.  It was obvious as we were leaving the park, just how well they have adapted to life among us.

Next, it was back to Hanauma Bay and an open parking lot!  We watched the video and proceeded to the beach.  The snorkeling was as good as we remembered from a visit years ago and Michele had a particularly great time.  She saw most every species of fish known to inhabit these waters and took two turns at it!  I enjoyed my time, too, but didn't use a snorkel which meant less time looking down and more time breathing.  Funny how that works.  I should have taken Rhonda Carpenter's advice and purchased an underwater camera, cause I have no fish photos to share.  Anyway, we stayed until after five PM, walked up the hill to the parking lot and headed for home.  It was quite a day as I think you'll agree from looking at the photos.  What a truly breathtakingly beautiful place this is and how lucky we are to live here.  I hope you had a good day, too.          

Gyotaku Restaurant and Hawaiian Graphics.

I decided to run earlier today and though a few scattered showers threatened to dampen the jog, I knew any rain that fell on me would be warm and welcome.  Since no tall ships have arrived since the SSV Robert V. Seamans, there was no reason to run to the waterfront.  Instead, my goal was Hawaiian Graphics to pick up some paints.  It's about two miles from our building, also on Beretania, but I decided to take King Street for a change of scenery.

Early into the run, I passed this Hawaii State Government building and was struck by the view directly through it.  Many of the buildings here are designed to take full advantage of the Tradewinds.  The open-air ground floor allowed me to see quite far into the distance.  Early morning light bounced off the sidewalk, illuminating the ceiling, clearly seen in the photo.  Free air conditioning and zero cost illumination...Sweet! 

In this close-up, you can better see the view through the building.  The open-air ground floors of so many Hawaiian office buildings, hotels and restaurants are among the many reasons we so enjoy living here.

On the way, who'da thunk I'd run across the Gyotaku Restaurant.  I mentioned this fine establishment in a previous post aimed at my blogger pal, Jeanette Jobson of Newfoundland, Canada.  She not only loves fish, but actually practices the Gyotaku technique to make her own fish prints.  Her blog can be seen by clicking on "Illustrated Life", found on the blog list on the right margin.

Their sign.  I thought this was as close as I would come today, to seeing inside the place.  Happily, I was wrong!

Say "Aloha" to Tara and Joey.  Their smiles say it all...with such nice people running the place, who wouldn't want to dine here?!  Tara patiently listened to me explain my wish to get some photos of the prints on the walls, as well as, all about this blog, despite the fact that I was soaked with a combination of perspiration and precipitation.  Not to worry!  I apologized and didn't touch any surfaces.:)  Probably to expedite my departure, she kindly allowed me to take photos of the Gyotaku prints adorning the walls.  I guess everyone knows the print behind Tara and Joey is a Tako in Japanese, He'e in Hawaiian and octopus in English.

It was still too early for the restaurant to be open, so I took some photos of their sign.  Then, taking a chance, I tried the front door and was surprised that it opened.  There, at the receptionist's counter was a most pleasant young woman named Tara.  I introduced myself and apologized for walking in, but also mentioned my blog and Jeanette.  Tara was kind enough to allow me to take photos of the wonderful Gyotaku prints decorating the restaurant's walls.  She was a little shy to be featured in a photo alone, so fellow employee, Joey, volunteered to stand by her.  The restaurant looks very nice and Michele and I will be stopping by to try the food in the near future.

Mahi-Mahi.

I goofed-up and didn't find out what these fish are called.  Feel free to let me know and I'll add the name.

No idea.

These are Onaga, or Snapper.

After that very rewarding experience, I continued the jog to what has become my O'ahu art supply favorite, Hawaiian Graphics.  It was still early and since I had the place to myself, I introduced myself to Darold and Denise, and explained all about my blog to them.  I inquired if they might pose for a blog photo and they, too, agreed to my request.  After getting an "employee-approved" photo, I purchased the acrylic paints on my list and began the run for home.

Their colorful sign.  Pat Demartini, our dear friend from Portland, gave me a gift card for this store when we left town.  Her generosity has enabled me to refill the supply locker!  Thanks, Pat!:)

May I introduce Darold (Yes, it's Darold with a "D") and Denise, two of the fantastically nice young folks who take care of customers at Hawaiian Graphics.  I promised they'd be on the blog and Internet stars by this evening, so I hope they visit!

What a wonderful way to begin a day!  Nice people and nice places.  Hope you all had a great day, too.

The SSV Robert C. Seamans Makes A Port Call.

Michele was looking at the "Live Ships Map" on the computer this morning and noticed a sailing ship called, SSV Robert C. Seamans, moored where the A.R.C. Gloria had been.  We Googled the name and found out all about it and soon I was jogging to the waterfront to have a look.

Fist look at the beautiful ship this morning.

You've heard me mention the Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant and here's the outdoor portion.  This shot was taken from the exact spot where I took the photo above, so you can see why we enjoy taking refreshment here, so close to visiting ships.

The ship is a two-masted brigantine launched in 2001.  It's a steel ship and the most sophisticated scientific and oceanographic research vessel ever built in the U.S..  Designed by Laurent Giles of Hampshire, England and built in Tacoma, Washington, U.S., the vessel is 134-feet long and is certified to embark a maximum of forty crew and students.  The ship is operated by the Sea Education Association, dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded learning experience with emphasis on ocean research/science.  The "SSV" in the name stands for "Student Sailing Vessel".  You can read more about the Sea Education Association by visiting their website.

Bow view of the SSV Robert C. Seamans.

Looking across the harbor, it looked like the entire Coast Guard Fleet was in port today.  Click on any of the photos to enlarge.  But, I digress.

My timing was excellent as I was lucky enough to meet Professors Barbara Block and William Gilly, of Stanford University, in-charge of the scientific and other educational training carried-out on the voyage.  I hope the Professors forgive me if I got any of this wrong.  I found out the ship's most recent port call was Christmas Island, so I briefly mentioned the Christmas Island fishermen I'd met a month ago at Fishing Village and did a post on.  Small world!

Forgive me, again, as I've forgotten the name of the gentleman on the left.  The lady in the center is Professor Barbara Block and on the right we have Professor William Gilly.  Professor Gilly does squid research and has a website, www.gilly.stanford.edu, not to mention a heck of a scar on his forearm, courtesy of a Humbolt squid who wasn't in the mood to have an electronic tag (or was it a camera?) attached.  Rumor has it he also lost part of a finger to the touchy critters.  Holy Mackerel!  If it were me, I believe my relationship with squid would be closer to that of Captain Ahab and Moby Dick than mild mannered researcher.  Ouch!  It was very nice of these folks to take the time to chat with me this morning.  Thanks!

Click to enlarge the ship's information plaque.

The photo of the students and professors all together was a farewell/enjoy your liberty/be safe meeting before heading ashore.  They enlisted me to snap a few photos of the entire group, too.  I was happy to do so and greatly appreciated learning more about the ship and it's mission from those who sail in her.

This was taken after the more organized group photo.  You can tell the students and crew are all eager and ready for liberty in Honolulu!

Fellow blogger Linda Roth commented yesterday that it seems like all I have to do is stumble out the door to find interesting things going on here.  This was a perfect example of the truth of her words!  I hope you all had a good day, too.  And to all the students and Professor Gilly who will be leaving the ship today and tomorrow...Have a safe journey home and I wish you all a wonderful future studying the oceans and increasing our knowledge of, and appreciation for, the sea.  

  

The King Kamehameha Parade, Saturday, 8 June 2013.

The King Kamehameha Floral Parade was held Saturday morning and Michele and I had nearly front row seats.  It was only about a five-block walk to the spot where the parade was to start at nine AM and to our complete surprise, we easily found a shady viewing spot beneath one of the huge trees on the Hawaii State Library grounds.  The Tradewinds were at our backs and with that natural air conditioning, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

A striking example of the beauty of the P'au riders, this princess is from O'ahu, indicated by the yellow color of her P'au or skirt.

The Iolani Palace grounds were a staging area for the P'au riders from the eight major islands of the Hawaiian chain.

This rider represents the island of Maui, indicated by the color pink.

Michele on our way to a spot along the beginning of the parade route on King Street.

The Hawaii State Library, located next to the Iolani Palace.  Funded by Andrew Carnegie, today, it's the only state-wide library system in the U.S. and one of the largest.

Wow!  King Kamehameha himself showed up!  He had a "protective detail" that would strike fear into anyone seeking an autograph.

Members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha.  The famous Kawaiaha'o Church can be seen in the background left.  That's where we would enjoy our very first luau later.

Daughters of Hawaii.  They are dedicated to preserving Queen Emma's Summer Palace.

It's called a "Floral" parade and though there was an abundance of flowers and foliage, it in no way resembled the famous New Year's Day Rose Parade.  This parade was all about the people and culture of Hawaii with almost none of the commercial and city-sponsored floats seen at the big mainland parades.  The stars of the event, mainly people and lots of horses, were adorned with gorgeous flowers of the islands.  The photos will illustrate.

The Navy Band. 

A Pa'u princess with the Navy Band rounding the corner in the distance.

This hula dancer seems to be having a great time.

I have no idea what group all of these folks belong to, but they were a highlight of the event.  They would burst into spontaneous, highly-energized dancing, accompanied by equally great music.  You couldn't help but smile and want to be part of the group.

More royalty.

More P'au riders.  These are "ladies-in-waiting" to the princess who leads the group.

The Marine Band.

The only commercial float belonged to "Hilo Hatties", famous for "Fifty Years of Aloha", and the world's largest "Aloha Shirt"!

More beautiful P'au ladies-in-waiting.

The P'au Princess from the Big Island of Hawaii.

Adorned in the colors and flora of the islands, the regal pa‘u riders are the highlight of the parade. Led by a princess outfitted in a long-flowing pa‘u or "skirt," each of the mounted equestrian units represents one of eight Hawaiian islands. A unit representing the Island of Hawai‘i, for example, will be draped in lei made of red lehua blossoms and wearing red attire, the official color of the Big Island. For the Island of Maui, the lokelani (rose) is incorporated, with pink as the chosen color, while Island of O‘ahu features the yellow ilima and yellow attire.

The Honolulu Police Department Motorcycle Precision Drill Team wowed the crowd.

The "Sons of Hawaii" motorcycle club showed-off their customized machines.

Traditionally-dressed islanders salute the people.

Wow!

This P'au rider, representing Maui, bids "Aloha" to the parade viewers.

After the parade passed us, continuing toward Ala Moana Boulevard and on to Waikiki and it's end at Kapi'olani Park, we crossed King Street to check-out the festivities at historic Kawaiaha'o Church.  A bunch of crafters had canopies set-up to sell their art and craft work and there was to be a luau at lunchtime.  We found out about the ticket prices and times, cruised the craft exhibitors, then headed back across King Street to the Iolani Palace.

Iolani Palace, upper right and a view of some of the vendors set-up to sell arts, crafts and food to the crowd.

The stage with the palace behind.
The Palace was offering free tours and on the Palace lawn, a stage was set-up for live entertainment.  More crafter's booths and several food vendors were spread out across the grounds.  We decided to take a break at home and return later to enjoy our first luau.

We returned to the church at about 1:30 PM, purchased our tickets for the luau and had our plates filled by volunteers from the congregation.  All the traditional luau food had been prepared by church members, so we eagerly anticipated trying it.  While we dined, entertainers performed on a makeshift stage set-up on the top step/landing of the church.  Hula dancers and musicians, performing traditional songs and dances made it perfect.

Hula dancers at the Kawaiaha'o Church luau.  This photo was taken as we enjoyed our first luau.  We dined beneath a canopy which provided shade for attendees.

The food, which included poi, (of course) was interesting and somewhat challenging.  I'm a little embarrassed to admit that we did not clean our plates.  Neither of us had ever attended a luau and this was the best way to get a check in that box.  Following the meal, we soon found ourselves reading the menu on a food truck parked just outside the fence of the Iolani Palace.  The name on the truck was, "Sweet Revenge" and we succumbed to a fresh mango pie.  We shared this delightful treat as it was just what we needed after the luau.

Michele prepares to enjoy a bite of a fresh mango pie we shared.  It came from a food truck called, "Sweet Revenge".

On our way home, we swung by the Hawaii State Art Museum.  Michele had not been there yet and it was a nice quiet way to end a busy day.  We each had a nice swim before dinner and slept exceptionally well that night.  Hope you all enjoy a relaxing Sunday.  We'll be busy in Waikiki this afternoon and evening at the final day of the Pan Pacific Festival.  Man!  They really pack-in a lot of stuff to keep you busy here!


Finally, a note about a change to this blog:  I've finally lost all patience with spammers and have changed the settings to only allow, "registered users" to post comments.  Unfortunately, Google doesn't say who, exactly, "registered users" are.  Feel free to send an email if you're not one of those "registered users" and I'll be pleased to answer as I always have.  Sorry for any inconvenience, but I've had enough of "anonymous" and their ads poorly-disguised as comments.