Aloha to the North Shore, Turtle Beach, and the Birthing Stones

This week we traveled to Oahu's windward side.  Above is Mokoli'i, also known as Chinaman's Hat.

Driving north along the coast brings us to Laie.  The coastal
lookout reveals a natural arch in the off shore lava overflows.

The ocean is so pure.

We turned the corner of the island to the
North Shore.  These photos were taken from
Turtle Bay - a resort that frequently serves as a film location.

A few surfers ventured out into the rough sea.

We continued along the North Shore - famous for
its winter surfing season - to Turtle Beach.

So named because the turtles come ashore.
A park ranger ensures the endangered the turtles
are roped off from human contact.

Hidden in a pineapple field are the "birthing stones".

 

Oahu's royal mothers would give birth to an audience of many ali'i (chiefs).   Native Hawaiians still consider the area sacred.

Do you have an area that is serene or sacred?

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Native Hawaiians leave gifts to their gods.

Aloha to Ka'ena Point

How do you like my opening photo?  In early December, our Cub Scout Pack visited the Ka'ena Point Satellite Tracking Station.  Ka'ena  is the westernmost point on Oahu where the Wai'anae (West) and Mokulēʻia (east) coastlines come to a point.   

www.gohawaii.com

Ka'ena is "heat" in Hawaiian.  Some consider it the "leaping point" for souls leaving this world.  Thus, it is an excellent location for a tracking station!  Notice the white dots in the above picture - they are the satellite dishes and domes.

"Masters of Space"

Views of the Wai'enae Coast, 

including and Yokohama Bay.

The Scouts line up for a photo after .... 

.... the wild turkey flew away!

David finds a large golf ball!

I am trying to create "euphoric" photos .... 

... with my cheap digital camera.

Still, the clouds were so fluffy!

  

We encountered a wild pig!

  

The weather station provided
a view of the Mokulēʻia coast

  

The point is a reserve for nesting Laysan
Albatrosses and wedge tailed Shearwaters.

I was too nervous to stand on the overlook.

We hiked behind the station for one
of the Webelos Merit Badge.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

I was the only Mom on the hike!

Aloha (Goodbye) to Barbara with a Luau

We say goodbye to my mother with a Luau!   The Hale Koa - House of the Warrior - hosts a luau on Waikiki Beach for military families.     

The Samoans help guests make leis  .... 

  

... and play island games.

The band plays Hawaiian music until ....

... the MC demonstrates Pacific crafts.
He made a basket from a palm frond
and called it his school backpack.

   

He climbs up the tree, 

poses, 

and climbs down with ease.

The sun sets over Waikiki Beach.

David, Cameron, and Barbara at our table.

Group Hula Lessons!

Tahitian style hula.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii 

One last hug from the luau!

Aloha to Historic Hotels in Waikiki

During my mother's visit, she read MONK GOES TO HAWAII.  She enjoyed it for its humor and its references to Hawaii's landmarks.  In the book, Monk and Natalie lunched at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.  So we visited it and other historic hotels in Waikiki.

Everything is pink at the Royal Hawaiian,
including the beach umbrellas ....

.... and the Christmas tree!

My family enjoys the trees outside ... 

... and look up to see the Top of Waikiki -
a rotating restaurant.

We lunched next door at Duke's.
Above, Duke with Babe Ruth.

Duke's overlooks Diamond Head.

Next to Duke's is the Moana Surfrider -
the first hotel in Honolulu.

   

The Surfrider is full of Hawaiian charm.

Barbara admired its beautiful tree!

No trip to Honolulu would be complete without a
stop at Hilo Hattie's!   She is a hula dancer turned
entrepreneur with her "Store of Hawaii."

My family is too small for the 400X shirt ... 

  

... which has its own record!

I am giving away a 2012 Hawaiian calendar (from Hilo Hattie's) to one randomly selected commenter. This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments open through Tuesday, January 10, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Wednesday, January 11, when I'll resume my regular once-a-week posts.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Barbara enjoyed Waikiki Beach at the
Hale Koa - House of the Warrior.