Day 9: North Shore

Today Rich took a break from the conference and we all headed to the North Shore in our blue Mustang convertible!

We drove northward along the eastern coast and took some pictures along the way:

If you are in the driver's seat...this is a fun car!  If you are in the back seat....not so comfortable, but great views!

Chinaman's Hat

If it had not been for my trusty guide book, we would not have known to take the narrow road through a residential area to see this arch.  I forget the name of it, but it is in La'ie.

Finally made it around to the North Shore to watch the surfers on the big waves.  This is Sunset Beach.

Here is a shot of Michael snapping LOTS of surfer photos and Rich watching just ahead.  Michael got some great close ups of several surfers.....again, stay tuned for the really good photos!

We headed as far west as Hale'iwa and stopped for shaved ice at Matsumoto's. Here is a link to their webpage that explains the history of this famous stop.  M. Matsumoto Shaved Ice

Making the shaved ice cones

Yum!  If you get one of these, be sure to pay an extra 25 cents for the plastic "holder".  I learned this from experience the last time we were here!

Rich is checking out the waves.

Shady path on the way to the beach access.

We found a spot in the shade to watch the surfers at the Banzai Pipeline.

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This surf break is called "pipeline" because of the tube shape that the waves make and the surfers often surf inside the "pipe".  Again, I think Michael has some good shots of this.  His camera shutter was clicking almost continually here!

After checking out the waves, we headed back to La'ie to the Polynesian Cultural Center.  We watched the Canoe Pageant, rode a large canoe, walked around some of the villages and enjoyed the luau and show and then the evening performance of "Ha....Breath of Life".  The Polynesian Cultural Center is the #1 paid attraction in Hawaii.  I think families with young children, or those who like hands on experience, and who like to play games, learn to hula, etc. would enjoy the village activities most.  The luau is given reviews as being the best on the island.  The food was good, but not Great.  The entertainment during dinner was good.  The most amazing part of the dinner was how well organized they were in seating and moving 1,200 people through the buffet lines so quickly and smoothly.  Also, we got real flower leis there, I liked that!  After the luau, we went to the evening show.  The current show is called "Ha...Breath of Life".  No photography was allowed.  It was top-notch and very professionally done.  We enjoyed it, but were tired after our drive back to Waikiki.

Tahitian dancers in the Canoe Pageant

We rode a "canoe" with about 50 people.

Purple bougainvillea with yellow hibiscus peeking through.  I love the flowers in Hawaii

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Hawaiian dancing during the luau

If you ever come to Honolulu, please rent a car and explore the rest of the island.  And go to another island if you can.  Staying in Honolulu/Waikiki is just a tiny bit of the Hawaiian experience.  We tend to prefer the smaller and more laid-back areas.