North Shore Oahu

We weren't sure what to do today, that's how it seems to us when we are waiting for others to arrive! We decided to go to Costco and see if we could find the Oahu Revealed book. We have used these on other islands in Hawaii and really liked them. We weren't disappointed in this little book (and it was much cheaper at Costco!) We headed across the island on Hwy 63 and then switched to Hwy 83. We passed the Macadamia nut place Sierra wants to visit and stopped shortly thereafter at a nice park called Kualoa Regional Park on the beach. We walked around and liked the simple place a lot. Great views, picnic tables, restrooms with showers, etc. from there we continued north making several stops along the way to admire the views. One of the best views was La'ie Point where a Tsunami made a big hole in this rock in one single day on April Fools Day 1946. I love the look of volcanic rock all about us. We passed by the Polynesian Cultural Center, one day we would like to visit again but not today.We also stopped at Malaekahana State Recreation Area park. It was even nicer because there was more beach area, fire pits, fish cleaning stations, outdoor showers, along with the bathrooms and indoor showers.I  might add, both parks had campgrounds available! Too bad we can't haul our Casita here...well we could but can you imagine the cost? It is so nice to be away from the crowds of Honolulu and Waikiki, although they are charming as well. 

Kualoa Regional Park

La'ie Point

Malaekahana State Recreation Area

(a fun tree for kids - or John!) 

Onward we went north...and low and behold we found Giovannis Shrimp Truck, we really hadn't even tried to find it yet. We immediately stopped and go in line. I thought it was nice there were only 3-4 groups ahead of us - I was right because before we left there was at least 40 people in line! The shrimp were fabulous and the garlic smothered rice was darn good as well. If I go again, I will as for MORE garlic too!

Just a half Order!

Now we are really in North Shore. It has become pretty crowded and we did stop a few places to watch the waves before turning into the valley and onto Hwy 99, certainly different than the 99 we are used to!  

North Shore is Beautiful

Heading back into Honoluly on H2 and H1 we were back in the traffic. We decided to drive up to the Diamond Head parking lot but we didn't really stay as it is only open 6a-6p and it was almost time for them to lock the gate. We made a quick stop at Safeway to buy some dinner ($8.99 per lb) and headed back to our room at the Airbnb. We still haven't seen our hosts but they freshened things up for us so they were here at some point. Another lovely day in Paradise!

Honolulu is not Kihei in Maui! LOL