Visiting Paradise

Yet another beautiful day in Hawaii! I've window shopped at Gucci, Tiffany and other lovely shops in a mall, eaten delicious Polynesian dishes, snorkeled in the ocean, seen whales breaching from the balcony and enjoyed a luau.

Snorkeling was a lot of fun - the ocean water is so warm and clear! We found a spot and parked right on the side of the road and the beach was 10 feet away. The flippers make walking hard, but my dad pointed out the secret - walk backwards! Then you're not kicking up sand and water and don't lose your footing. It was weird at first, because I almost went into panic mode having to breathe through my mouth only and feeling the water right under my nose (the mask leaked a little at first) but it was worth figuring out and I saw lots of coral, urchins, things I think were big sea cucumbers and fish! Even the famed Humuhumunukunukuapuaa fish! Yes, I can pronounce it even! Robert and Alex got bored fast, and Robert freaked out a little right at first, claiming he saw a huge black fish...but we never ventured very far, as the coral got pretty high and would scrape our bellies if we went far enough. It was shallow for ages, and I enjoyed it a lot - we may go again depending on the weather and collective interest. I used one of those underwater cameras, so hopefully a photo or two will turn out!

Listening to the ocean waves is something that makes me realize how much I take living by the ocean for granted - I don't particularly want to swim in the ocean off of Pismo Beach and even Santa Barbara all that often for fear of hypothermia, but being in the bathwater-temperature sea that is blue as can be is breathtaking.

We went to a luau as well, which was very cool - the dancers showcased different Polynesian cultures - Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, etc - all with different costumes and dance moves and songs. The women were amazingly talented and could move their hips like nobody else I've seen! The food was served in courses according to each location, and was very good. Drinks were endless, and I've discovered I'm not a fan of rum or drinks with rum in them. Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, etc were all out - but I love the creamy froo-froo tropical drinks without said rum in them!

I have so enjoyed myself so far and I know I want to come back to Hawaii again!!