DRIVE AROUND OAHU

Thursday we had a "round the island" tour. Our first stop was the Byodo-In Temple, a non-denominational shrine on Oahu's Valley of the Temples on the east shore. It was dedicated in Aug 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants arrival in Hawaii. The temple is a replica of a 900 year old Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, where Fran's parents lived and where Fran and her sister were born.

Next we visited the Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet along the Kamehameha Highway, also on Oahu's east shore. They grow, harvest, crack, dry and prepare the macadamia nuts in endless varieties of flavours, which are all available for tasting. It took us many samples to finally decide which packages to buy :-)). We also discovered many of the staff here were performers and craftsmen who performed at the Marriott Luau we attended on Tuesday.

For lunch we travelled a little further to the Aloha Shrimp Truck. Between the six of us we had Garlic Shrimp, Lemon Shrimp and Ginger Shrimp. What a treat. But we all managed to save room for dessert at the Kahuku Farms Cafe. All food served there is produced from products off their farm property, started by Japanese immigrants and now run by the forth generation of the family. We all chose the grilled banana bread with vanilla bean ice cream and vanilla haupia and vanilla caramel drizzled on top. Wow, what a treat.

Next, our tour continued to the end of the east shore, where the Turtle Bay Resort is located and then along Oahu's North Shore, famous for its big winter waves attracting surfers from around the globe. The large surf is a result of swells produced from winter storms in the North Pacific. Famous surf locations we visited included Sunset Beach, Bonsai Pipeline and Waimae Bay. Earlier this week, there had been an Eddie Watch (Eddie Aikau surf competition requiring consistent waves of 30' or more). The waves did not quite meet the criteria so the event did not occur, but we were still treated to very large, spectacular waves pounding the shoreline.

Finally, on our return trip across the centre of Oahu, we make the obligatory stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation to check out their tourist wares.

What a splendid day we had seeing Oahu's varied landscape from lush to arid, calm waters and splendid sand beaches, the rugged North Shore with its high surf and the endless fields of the pineapple plantations. Mahalo

LEIS, LUAU AND PIG

On Tuesday we attended a Luau at the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club, courtesy of wonderful arrangements made by our landlady Ingrid. It was a perfect day with a moderate temperature under a cloudless sky on the Marriott's magnificently landscaped property with palms, flowering shrubs and waterfalls overlooking a calm lagoon and ocean.

Ingrid arranged for Premium seating, close to the stage. After entering, a lovely Polynesian lady adorned each of us with a freshly made purple and white Leis. Next we were grouped together with the local Chief Sileu Avela and some of his performers/staff for a photo. We quickly realized how very well known Ingrid is as so many staff greeted her warmly as "Miss Ingrid". After being seated we were served our first Mai Tai. Surrounding the perimeter of the tables and chairs were local craftsmen, proudly selling their carvings, jewellery and other products.

Soon afterwards one of the performers blew on a conch shell to announce the uncovering of the Kalua pig (fire made of kaiwe wood, covered with rocks, then the pig placed on top and covered with banana leaves and wet burlap). The ceremonial pig was paraded around before the guests prior to the buffet meal being laid out.

The Luau is a traditional Polynesian feast to celebrate happy and important events. Locally, it is presented as a way for tourists to learn a little about the Polynesian culture and cuisine. After loading up our plates from the buffet with Kalua pig, Mahi Mahi fish, BBQ'd chicken, various salads and Poi (if you dared), we sat down to the feast while enjoying the wonderful music being played / sung by the performers.

As the guests were finishing up their food, the activities on stage began. This included a palm tree climbing demonstration, hula dancing, fire dancing and music from various Polynesian islands (including Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa) perpetuating the stories, traditions and culture of the Polynesians.

The Polynesian men are very fond of their tattoos. Our performers had tattoos covering from their waste to their knees, plus their arms and chest. To create a tattoo, their tradition calls for the use of traditional hand made tools made including whale bone, turtle shell and wood. The tattoo delivers information about the owner, telling a story. Tattoos are used as a sign of character, position and level within a hierarchy. Polynesians believe a person's spiritual power or life force is is displayed through their tattoo.

Late in the show, the Chief called all who were married more than 40 years, to join him on stage. He spoke at length about marriage and love and family values. He devoted special attention to Fran's parents who have been married 67 years. Afterwards, each couple were presented with a lovely flower and they danced to The Hawiian Wedding Song (written by Elvis Presley for Blue Hawaii). It was quite wonderful.

Earlier, when the ceremonial Kalua Pig was being paraded around, Ingrid asked the staff if she could buy the hind quarter of one of the pigs to bring home. After the show wrapped up, we were looking for the staff to bring the pig to Ingrid. Shortly afterwards, the Chief and three of his fire dancers turned up with a large bag with the pig. After paying for it, one of the performers volunteered to bring it to our car. When we got back to Ingrid's house we were shocked to find that the Chief had given Ingrid the whole Kalua Pig. It was enormous and very heavy. We helped Ingrid package it up in about seven separate bags, having quite a few samples as we worked and washing it down with a beer. We brought home a bag Kalua Pig for subsequent consumption.

This was our third Luau in 28 years, but it was far and away the best one we've seen. The food was great and the show was fantastic. It will be long remembered.

SCALLOPS, WINE AND MEXICAN TRAIN

You never know what each day will bring. Just like in the Forrest Gump movie; "Life is like a box of chocolates...".

Late Saturday afternoon, we were having a refreshment and a small appetizer when Ingrid stopped by to drop off a new chair for us to use on the patio or at the beach. We asked her to join us for a glass of wine, when she upped the offer to join her and Wolfgang for fresh pan seared scallops and wine on their lanai. How could we refuse...

So, 20 minutes later we were at Ingrid's unit, seated on her lanai overlooking the ocean. Shortly after, Chef Ingrid and Sou Chef Fran had prepared the scallops, serving them on a bed of lettuce with tartar sauce, strawberries and pineapple on the side. While dining on this magnificent seafood, we were treated to a Humpback Whale who was repeatedly slammed his tail in the ocean creating an enormous spray. After the food and wine was finished, we played a fun game of Mexican Train Dominos.

What a treat!

HIKE TO MAKAPUPU LIGHTHOUSE

With great intentions to depart before dawn and miss the morning rush hour for our drive across the island to the east shore, we managed to drive off at 0650 hours and land smack in the middle of Honolulu's gridlock. A 53 minute drive turned into a 1 hour and 50 minute drive. But it was worth it.

The lighthouse is located at Makapuu Point, the most south easterly location on Oahu and the point of land all ships from the US mainland head for when approaching Oahu. After a few missteps, the lighthouse started operations in 1909 and to this day, it holds the largest lens of any in US service. It is twelve feet tall and has over one thousand prisms. It is a Hyperradiant Fresnel Lens, the largest ever made and is off the chart in terms of quality and performance. The lighthouse is mounted on a 600 foot rock cliff providing excellent visibility.

This popular hike is on a paved path with a significant incline, providing spectacular views. We had a very clear day for our hike and we were blessed with endless humpback whale sightings. How very wonderful.

In addition to, many Kodak Moments, we were rewarded with a relaxing walk back down and an easy, non rush hour drive home.

ANOTHER GREAT DAY ON THE WATER:

Once again we were invited on our landlady's boat "Ocean Queen" for another day on the water along Oahu's west shore. Two of her neighbours also joined us, Bob and Dee. Bob is an avid fisherman and he brought along two very heavy duty fishing rods. He typically catches Mahi Mahi or tuna and sometimes a marlin. Reportedly his biggest catch was a 345 pound marlin! Well that talk sure generated a lot of anticipation.

Our first stop was to fuel up Ocean Queen. Other than the price of $2.95 per gallon, the most interesting part of that operation for me was that it is 100% self serve. You first go to a box and insert your credit card and get pre approval for your desired $ purchase. Then you identify the pump number you will use. Then you go to that pump, pull out the hose and start pumping. Of course this is almost identical to buying fuel for your car. But on the Great Lakes where we boat, the dock staff at the marinas do all the handling to fuel up your boat. Very interesting difference.

Then we headed out on the water to a very pleasant 10 knot breeze and light rollers of maybe 8 to 10 feet. A while later, Bob put enormous lures on the fishing rods and their 50 pound test line and deployed both lines out about 200 feet. We cruised along at 6.5 to 7 knots dragging the lures along the surface. The hope is that the fish will spot the lure splashing along the surface and they'll attack it from underneath, grabbing the lure and tearing off, dragging the line out, alerting you to the "hit" by the sound of the ratchet on the reel. While we waited with great anticipation for action, the fishing rods sat secure in rod holders on the transom of Ocean Queen.

After the excitement waned somewhat, we enjoyed Fran's magnificent Southwest Salad and crusty bread along with some beer/wine. Yours truly held off on the libations as I was busy at the helm keeping track of our whereabouts.

As is often the case when fishing, it is more about enjoying the day on the water, the company and the scenery. If you happen to catch a fish, then it is a bonus. So there was no bonus fish caught today, but the outing on the water was magnificent as was the company, the food, libations and the sunset at the end of the day.

HAPPY HOUR BECOMES DINNER
Fellow renters Gary and Lee from Minnesota joined us for Happy Hour on our patio to watch the sunset and get to know each other a little better. We'd met last winter around the pool and hot tub & we continued this year where we'd left off. The wine and hors d'oeuvres became our dinner, finished off with some Irish Cream aka "desert in a glass". Perfect!

LUNCH AT ROY's KO OLINA
We had another great day at Ko Olina, Hawaii. Our very generous landlady, Ingrid, treated us to lunch at Roy's on the Ko Olina Golf Club. Ingrid ordered a series of appetizers, including ribs, spring rolls, sushi, seared ahi, salad and crab cakes. Dessert included cheesecake, creame brûlée and macaroons. The outdoor patio setting with the golf course, ponds, water falls and black swans was spectacular. Wow, does it get any better?