We walked back along the canal and into Seaside Street then across to the Galleria in order to find the Blue Trolley. Had to line up and the bus ended up being close to full. The blue trolley is a 2.5 hr panoramic coastline tour of south-eastern Oahu.
First stop was Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. It's a marine life conservation district which is bordered by white beaches and coral reefs, home to over 450 species of fish and sea life. A great area to snorkel!
It was also interesting to see chickens roaming in the park area!
Next stop was the Halona Blow Hole - a natural wonder formed thousands of years ago by molten lava tubes running from the ocean. Crashing waves push water through to create a spray as high as 30 feet. On a clear day, you can see the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
Next stop was a place called 'Sandy Beach' - one of the most popular local beaches on Oahu, known for its excellent bodyboarding opportunities due to waves that break very close to the shore!
The Hawaii Kai Lookout gives an astonishing view of Hawaii Kai - largely developed by the famous industrialist Henry J Kaiser on lands that began as ancient Hawaiian fishponds and boasted freshwater springs.
Returned back to Waikiki....
This is the statue of Duke Kahanamoku... Descended from Hawaiian Royalty, Duke was named after his father, who was named after the Duke of Edinburgh. He was the first person to be inducted into both the Swimming and Surfing Halls of Fame. In 1911, Duke set three world records in freestyle swimming.
Kuhio Beach is where the famed Waikiki Beach Boys got their start in the 1930's. Today, they are professionals licensed by the State to teach surfing or canoe paddling and must be regularly qualified in life-saving techniques.
People cover Duke Kahanamoku in leis often...
Lunch - we went to 'Eggs n Things' restaurant - there are few of them in Waikiki. David decided to try a truly local dish - called 'Loco Moko' - rice covered with a meat pattie and gravy, topped with 2 eggs cooked your way. He said it was typical 'man food' - and bloody delicious!
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, you can see free performances by some of Hawaii's finest hula hall at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound across from the Hyatt Regency Waikiki (just across from our hotel)... It opens with torch lighting and traditional conch shell blowing between 6.30-7.30pm.
We enjoyed the sunset at Kuhio Beach whilst waiting for the performance.
The ceremony was opened with traditional conch shell blowing!
The band.
One of the hula dancers.
The evening was excellent!
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