Oahu

A quick stop over in Hawaii – just because the plane lands there.  Might as well have a look see.  We really would have loved to gone to 2 other islands Kauai and the Big Island as better for birds and nature but far too expensive to fly around so just sticking to Oahu. Everything is plus tax plus tips varying from 10-25% (not happening, well taxes are as no choice but not the tips).

Just before getting aboard the plane in Sydney we realised our first mistake.  Forgot about the date line so have only booked accommodation from the day after we leave Adelaide, but as we go over the date line we arrive before we leave.
A bit concerning having read how strict US government is but there is nothing we can do at this point.

Bit of a rough journey coming into Hawaii, but nice clouds.

For once we were on the correct side of the plane and got a great view of Diamond Head crater as we flew in – minus the sun of course.

Finally arriving we ring the hotel we are due to check in with the next day – lucky they have a room, cost plus amenities plus tax.  Would be so much better if they just gave you complete price initially.

Off to the taxi rank after checking shuttle price (2 x shuttle same as taxi…).  First taxi in line is a stretch limo – same price.  Quite fun to ride that way but does seem a little overkill for space.

It is surprisingly cool here – we were not expecting that either,  a strong wind and cloudy skies.

Easy day today, walks along the beach – crowded and chasing birds around a park – quiet.

Finding cheap food is almost impossible, everything is pre-packed sandwiches etc or restaurants.  Little in the way of supermarket type food – except fruit, that we can find so far.  Food trucks are also popular but not cheap.  I can understand though as the islands are pretty remote from mainland supplies.

Fort Derussy is a lovely little park with some interesting birds – great trees too.  While walking back along the coast to Waikiki we saw a Hawaiian Monk Seal snoozing on the beach.

The cheapest transport around is THE BUS, $3 dollars a trip or $9 for a day pass.  Slow though and very crowded going to Pearl Harbour, Steve always wanted to go there, standing room only for some of the way. Quite a few seats labelled for seniors but all the youngsters sitting on them do not relinquish them as per the sign – and many standing passengers were far older and more infirm than us.

We only did the free part of Pearl Harbour – worth a visit but not sure I want to spend the entire day paying and doing the other museums and areas.  Best were some beautiful Saffron Finch on the lawns….

Decided on a hike today – Manoa Cliff Trail, a moderate 3 hours.  Lucky I found out the best way to go as the other way was far too steep to go up (in our minds at least).  Very pretty trail but hard to photograph the scenery well or even get more than a glimpse of the many birds.  

An Uber ride dropped us at one end but when we finished their was no phone signal to book another so had to walk another hour down windy roads till we got to a place we could book and wait.  
Which conveniently was a lookout.

Hawaii is not the best without a car if you want to get to hiking or to wildlife areas.  The bus is great for main city and beaches but nothing much else.

A day trip around the island was not quite what we were lead to believe (now I know why we never do tours), but it was the only affordable option here.  The island has some great scenery – but driver drove past most of it, just pointed out stuff.

Stopping was mainly in car parks with shops. (Above Macadamia Farm shop). All but 2 stops were food or shop related.  Drove past a huge turtle on the beach – I pointed it out but he did not stop there either so most people missed it.
Some scenic photos I did manage out of the window as we sped past.

At another road along the east coast the week before had seen huge waves and our driver’s friend had been driving his bus along when a wave crashed over the road and moved his bus 15 feet to the other side – luckily on other cars around.  Further around on the north shore is Waimea Bay which has a recorded top wave height of 24 metres.  

Another lookout spot we stopped at had a great little cove – but no one from bus was allowed to go down, I know safety is important but this was ridiculous, short path, not that steep in my mind and plenty of others doing it. Think more they wanted you to spend money at stalls in lookout.

 Do not think we will do another bus tour any time soon. One beach was a “world class snorkeling beach” which you had to book in advance, got  confused as it was next to a bay renown for tiger shark attacks. Another place we went pass was a surf beach with a shore break on to rocks, this is known as the most dangerous beach in the whole of the USA.
A quick stop at this beach was nice but 10 mins only really allowed you to go from bus to beach and back.

Apparently when the surf is up ambulances park there waiting for casualties as its really dangerous. They get daily instances of broken bones, displaced shoulders and damaged necks – scary.

Luckily there was a lovely couple on the bus around our age who thought the same thing about the trip so we hung out and chatted a fair bit – helped to pass the time when everyone else was spending money on….

Our last day in Oahu was supposed to be a trip to Lyon Arboretum – although free had to book in advance as they only allow limited numbers.  Just before leaving we get an email saying the road is blocked by a fallen tree and that electricity company may have it closed on and off all day – as we have a flight today, too risky to get stuck there.  Shame as it looked lovely.

One of the things I have loved in Hawaii is the music, taxi’s cafe’s and everywhere play 60 – 70 music all the time.  Wonderful.