We decided to hire a car for the last two days in O'ahu. This time we opted for the cheap option and selected a ford focus but instead was given a Nissan Ultima Saloon car which we dubbed Gordon after the character in Thomas the tank. Biggest car I have ever driven but managed ok.
So on the Thursday we got the car at midday and drove West on the Kamehamaha Hwy up to Turtle Bay in the north shore.
On the way we started to get a better reflection of O'ahu driving past pineapple plantations, mountainous terrain as seen in Jurassic Park and Lost as well as many, many terrific looking beaches. It was not quite the road to Hana but was still very enjoyable.
We arrived at Turtle Bay at about 2pm. It was another really nice beach which had very good facilities as a result of being next to the Turtle Bay Resort hotel (looks a very nice hotel if anyone is considering a trip after reading this blog).
I had my snorkling gear with me and decided to jump in and see if it lived up to the name. Unfortuantely it did not but it was not assisted by the lack of visibility. There was however a nice reef and saw plenty of colourful fish including the black and white one from Finding Nemo but I confess I was slightly disappointed not to see any turtles.
After grabbing a burger from the beach bar/resteraunt we headed back to Honolulu but stopped at Waimea beach for sunset. We spotted it on the way up and it was a very nice beach. A really deep beach in a cove. The waves were good fun as well
The following day was truely Oahu's redemption day. We drove East this time and the whole way around the island.
First stop was Halona Blow hole on the Eastern corner of the island. Conditions were very good with water consistently being thrown up.
Next we ate our breakfast at Waimanalo Beach Park. Great setting overlooking some terrific scenery. So good that we doubled back to the nearby Waimanalo Lookout. Stunning scenery.
We continuted our drive North at a very lesiury pace stopping occasionaly to admire the scenery. Eventually we got too hot and decided to stop for a break at Kailua Beach Park. The water was turquoise here and was calm enought for even Fiona to take a dip.
After this break we continued our drive north. A funny stop over was a place called Chinamans hat. Questionably racist but I can see where they are coming from
For lunch we stopped at yet another mexican called North Shore Taco's. We had done no research but again it turned out to be pretty good. Fiona once more had shrimp taco which sounds so wrong but apparently it works. Not sure how we can go back to Wahaca after all of this.
At about 3 we arrived at turtle bay intending to only use the bathroom. On the way out we decided to take a short walk around the cove but right at the very start we changed our plan. We spotted Turtles. There must have been at least 5 of them swimming around the same beach we were at yesterday. The beach is split into two with the swim but one side and the rocky bit the other. They were all hanging around the rocky side and we seemed to be the only ones to have spotted them. I dashed back to the car for the camera and snorkel gear and clicked away.
They came right up onto the beach. It was amazing and at this stage there was now a few people round watching. How close did I get when snorkelling? This close:
At around 4 we headed back to Waikiki and had a celebratory cocktail at Moana Surfrider. A brilliant day to end our honeymoon. Or so we thought it was the end....
So on the Thursday we got the car at midday and drove West on the Kamehamaha Hwy up to Turtle Bay in the north shore.
On the way we started to get a better reflection of O'ahu driving past pineapple plantations, mountainous terrain as seen in Jurassic Park and Lost as well as many, many terrific looking beaches. It was not quite the road to Hana but was still very enjoyable.
We arrived at Turtle Bay at about 2pm. It was another really nice beach which had very good facilities as a result of being next to the Turtle Bay Resort hotel (looks a very nice hotel if anyone is considering a trip after reading this blog).
After grabbing a burger from the beach bar/resteraunt we headed back to Honolulu but stopped at Waimea beach for sunset. We spotted it on the way up and it was a very nice beach. A really deep beach in a cove. The waves were good fun as well
First stop was Halona Blow hole on the Eastern corner of the island. Conditions were very good with water consistently being thrown up.
Next we ate our breakfast at Waimanalo Beach Park. Great setting overlooking some terrific scenery. So good that we doubled back to the nearby Waimanalo Lookout. Stunning scenery.
After this break we continued our drive north. A funny stop over was a place called Chinamans hat. Questionably racist but I can see where they are coming from
At about 3 we arrived at turtle bay intending to only use the bathroom. On the way out we decided to take a short walk around the cove but right at the very start we changed our plan. We spotted Turtles. There must have been at least 5 of them swimming around the same beach we were at yesterday. The beach is split into two with the swim but one side and the rocky bit the other. They were all hanging around the rocky side and we seemed to be the only ones to have spotted them. I dashed back to the car for the camera and snorkel gear and clicked away.
They came right up onto the beach. It was amazing and at this stage there was now a few people round watching. How close did I get when snorkelling? This close:
At around 4 we headed back to Waikiki and had a celebratory cocktail at Moana Surfrider. A brilliant day to end our honeymoon. Or so we thought it was the end....
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