Thursday, September 24, 2009

Hawaii Trip - Day 4

Geof and I decided to drive to the North Shore to checkout some of the beaches and sightsee. Our first stop was Waimea Bay. This beach is known for it’s beautiful water, big waves and cliff rock that rises up out of the ocean. Before we came on our trip, I watched videos on YouTube of people jumping off the rock and decided that I wanted to at least see it on my trip and possibly jump off myself.


Waimea Bay

We arrived at Waimea Bay on the North Shore around 10:30 am and the beach was rough. The waves were literally knocking us over even when we were just heel deep in the water. I have never experienced anything like it. There were some local girls climbing the rock and jumping off. I watched them do it a few times and decided that I was going to do it too. I asked the girls if I could follow them as they climb up the rock, so that I would know where to step and climb. I would say that the peak is about 40-50 feet up. Once I slowly made it to the top, I was asking the girls for any tips or tricks they had. They told me that I could jump anytime and if I wanted to I could wait for a big wave. They said that no matter what I wasn’t going to hit the bottom and that the water was very deep. I knew that I was already up there and the only way off was to jump. There was no turning back. The next tricky part before the jump is balancing yourself on the rock you jump off of. I don’t know when I have been so scared. I was terrified that I was just going to fall. Thank god I didn’t. I stood up, balanced myself and finally took the plunge. It was over in what felt like a second. Everything was fine until I hit the water and bent my legs forward. They smacked the water and it felt like my thighs ripped open on my right leg. It was a quick, sharp pain and finally subsided. I came out of the water and felt like I had done something really big that I didn’t think I could do. I will always have the video and this nasty bruise (at least for the next week)…haha. After the big jump, we went down the beach where it was a bit calmer and just treaded water and relaxed.


Here is the video of my jump. I still cannot believe that I did this!

After Waimea Bay, we went to the Bonzai Pipeline so that we could see the big waves and watch the surfers. The water there was beautiful and the waves we like nothing I have ever seen before. There were a ton of surfers out in the water and it’s the first time I have seen anyone take on a big wave. There may be a swell that comes in on Friday and if so, I’d love to head back up there to see the surfers take on some even bigger waves. Walking in the sand along the Bonzai Pipeline felt like walking in quicksand. My calves got a killer workout!

Me at the Bonzai Pipeline

Geof and I on the beach at the Bonzai Pipeline

The last beach spot we visited was Shark’s Cove. It was another beautiful place protected by coral and rock from the rest of the ocean. The word cove really suits the area. It looks like a lagoon and it is full of shallow water perfect for snorkeling. We made our way down to the cove, got in and snorkeled. There were some beautiful fish and the water felt fantastic.


Shark's Cove

Our last stop on our trip to the North Shore was the Dole Plantation. The whole area smells like fresh pineapple. We went through the World famous maze and Geof was my hero that followed the map so well and found all of the secret locations inside. It took us about 45 minutes to get through. The world record is 8 minutes. I have no clue how that was accomplished. After the maze, we headed inside the store to browse around. Geof got me the cutest silver pineapple necklace and we bought some fresh roasted pecans to snack on.

Geof getting ready to take us through the maze

One of the "secret" locations



Me outside the plantation

On the drive back to Waikiki, we had a late lunch at Jack in the Box. I’d never been to one before and for fast food, it wasn’t half bad. We made the trip back to the hotel and sat in lots of traffic the closer we got. Once we got back to our room, the hotel surprised us with a bottle of champagne and more banana bread as an early anniversary gift. It was very nice!

View from the highway driving back

Surprise waiting in our room

We cleaned up and took a walk around the main strip and then ended up having dinner at the Top of Waikiki. It is a revolving restaurant that gives a 360 degree view of the Honolulu/Waikiki area. The food was delicious and the view was amazing. It was a fun experience. We had the cheese fondue for two as an appetizer and I had the Kobe bacon cheeseburger Wellington for dinner. I finally tried a Mai Tai cocktail with my meal and it was okay. I think it was a little too fruity for my liking.

Ready to head out to dinner

Mai Tai

Our restaurant

Cheese fondue for two

After dinner, we hit up ABC to grab some things for the morning and then called it a night.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

AAAAAAAHHHHH ... way to go on the jump, girl!! I don't know if I could have been so brave!!

Heather (Live.Love.Laugh.) said...

Gorgeous pics. I am leaving for Maui in 3 weeks...I can't wait!!

Southern Champagne Wishes said...

Oh my gosh, I was so nervous watching you jump! I could not in a million years have done that - I would've been way too scared! I'm so impressed that you did!

I've always wanted to go to the Dole Plantation. How fun! You'll have to show us your pineapple necklace, too!

Top of Waikiki looks and sounds like such an elegant place! I have always wanted to go to one of those revolving restaurants!

That water is soooo gorgeous! Y'all should try surfing next. I bet the snorkeling was amazing.

Anonymous said...

You are so brave jumping like that! What a wonderful time :-)

Melissa said...

OMG I could never do that jump! Good for you for being brave!

I am loving these recaps! I totally want to go to Hawaii now!

Brittany Ann said...

Hawaii suits you! You look gorgeous!

Christina said...

Oh my gosh girl! You are SO brave jumping off of that rock! I am loving your recaps, I feel like I am right there with ya! I wish!! =)

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

You are an amazing blogger from Hawaii!! I am impressed!

The Queen of Clearance said...

I did a jump like that in cancun! It was so scary! Im not sure what got into me and im not sure I would ever do it again! lol. My parents went to the dole plantation! They loved it!

Gwen said...

Girl I am so glad you made it to Wimea Bay!! We loved it there!!! And I'm also so happy you loved the Dole Plantation. I think that was Ellie's favorite day of all. :) XOXO

Unknown said...

I really, really miss Hawaii now!! :-) You guys are having a blast, though...thanks for sharing.

Wow on the jump...you're much braver than I am!!

Lindsey said...

WOW! SOOOO jealous!

Tasha said...

You're SO BRAVE! There is no way I would've jumped! Good job on the big leap!!! I'm glad you liked the Dole Plantation- the hubs and I had fun in the maze too. We felt like kids in there!

Headbands and Hand Bags said...

You are making me crave a trip to the ocean, soon! Just beautiful pictures! And the cheese fondue, it might be the Melting Pot for dinner after seeing that, delish!

prashant said...

I am loving these recaps! I totally want to go to Hawaii now!
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BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Wasn't sure if I mentioned that I'm jealous yet??? Ah ha. And I think we would make most excellent shopping buddies!

The Rantings of a Drama Queen's Mum said...

Hi. Cute blog. Looks like you had fun in Hawaii.

Jill said...

Oh my goodness... I was so nervous watching the video of your jump. You are SO brave.

This just looks like the best vacation. I'm glad y'all are having fun!

CIP said...

Awesome pictures! I am so jealous...looks like a great time!