Oahu, Hawaii

On my first trip to Hawaii I knew that to make it memorable I would have to visit O'ahu. Out of respect for all who serve their country my first site would be a visit to Pearl Harbor. A tour of the area brings emotions you might not have known you had for the lives of people you didn't even know. Respect is the keyword when visiting Pearl Harbor, this visit you will never forget.

On the south shore of O'ahu lies Hanauma Bay. A state underwater park also known as a sea cove located in Koko Head Park. The cove created by volcanic action over 10,000 years ago. The park is open from 6-6 with an entrance fee of .00 and worth every penny! Never before have I snorkeled in such a protected area. The fish were huge and colorful. The bay also offers swimming and picknicking with lifeguards on duty. A trip to Waikiki brought back flashbacks of "Hawaii-Five-0". How I loved that series as a child and vowed that someday I would play at that beach--I had finally made it--took me 30 years.

Quick Tips:

Don't miss Pearl Harbor--this is history. Make time to visit Hanauma Bay - awesome snorkeling. North Shore- Watch the surfers. Take time to drive or bus it around the island.

Best Way To Get Around:

Public transportation is great. You can go anywhere.

While in O'ahu we ate at Wailana Coffe House several times. The food was so good and reasonably priced with the plus of being open 24 hrs. The Muesli is out of this world--topped off with macadamia nuts. Coconut syrup for your pancakes--I had to buy a bottle of this for home!

Koko Head Park is open from 6:00 am - 6:00 pm with a $3.00 entrance fee per person and an additional $1.00 per vehicle. Vendors were selling t-shirts when we visited and they were some of the highest quality we found in all of Hawaii. You have to walk down to the cove or pay to take a shuttle. The park has lifeguards on duty. I jumped right in and immediately met a 12 yr. old from Arkansas. We spent the next few hours snorkeling together and pointing out our finds. It was really a great time. Huge, colorful fish that came so close to you that you almost think you're dreaming. I can't wait for my next trip to O'ahu to snorkel this cove again!