We shared last weekend with friends and wonderful weather.
FRIDAY: THE KOKUA FESTIVAL
Every year, Jack Johnson comes to Waikiki for the Kokua Festival. The Kokua Hawaii Foundation supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaii.
The event is held in a large amphitheater at the end of Waikiki - so, even if you don't have tickets, you can still hear the show in surrounding parks. A classmate and her local friend hosted a BBQ at a nearby park for the evening. We were able to hear the music perfectly - while enjoying an amazing meal and exquisite company.
SATURDAY: LANIKAI BEACH PARK
Classmate Jami and her family hosted a Beach Day at the beach down from their house. We set up tents and coolers around 9am and enjoyed the sun until 5pm. It was fantastic!
Tyrell and I joined Jami in our inflatable kayak for a trek out to the Mokuluas (Twin Islands). Tyrell & I had kayaked out to a nearby island (flat island) earlier in our trip - but the surf was really high! The surf was calm, so we figured it would be a really easy kayak out. We put the boat in the water, loaded up and started paddling... but for some reason, the boat kept veering to the left. We paddled and paddled and paddled - but could not get the boat to go straight. Tyrell thought the rudders were off, so he tried to feel for them. When he couldn't feel them, he though it was just because they were out of reach. We were getting so tired and frustrated - and couldn't stay next to Jami who was in a one-man kayak.
We made it out to the island (on the left) hoping our kayaking skills hadn't just deteriorated, only to find that we had put the seats in the opposite direction and we had paddled the entire way with our kayak in backwards! WHAT A PAIN!
Regardless, it was fun to get out to the island, and the view back was phenomenal. The kayak to shore was so much easier. We actually were able to go in a straight line!
After a long day on the beach, we went to our favorite shaved ice spot "Island Snow". Hawaiian snow cones have a scoop of ice cream in the bottom - so that by the end of the cone, you have a creamy slushy. They also have "snow caps" - which is a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk on top. Love the ice cream, not the biggest fan of the snow cap.
SUNDAY: THE NORTH SHORE
On Sunday, Jami and Kamaka took us up to the North Shore.
Our first stop was the Hale'ewa Farmer's Market. They had some gigantic avocados that I couldn't resist.
We traveled to their favorite beaches.
Pipeline - Where many surfing competitions are held. The summer waves were calm, but winter can get crazy!
Shark's Cove - where the snorkeling was fantastic!!!
Turtle Beach - Home to several large sea turtles. We didn't have time to swim with them - but plan to go back!
And finally Waimea Bay.
Parking was limited at this beach, so we decided to park above the bay and walk down.
We took a shortcut - which required some butt sliding
and rock climbing.
It was worth it!
We played in the waves...
Made a sand man...
And played in the waves some more...
After a great morning of sunshine, we were starving. Jami & Kamaka took us to Giovanni's - for some fantastic Garlic Shrimp.
The shrimp were giant and covered in finger-lickin' garlic. We devoured them before we could even pull out the camera!
We finished the afternoon sun back at the pool - refreshing!
Later that night, we met up with Marissa, her boyfriend Aaron and friend Libby for a sunset BBQ. Mahi Mahi taco's with avocado dressing, Balsamic Feta Salad, Lime-Cajun shrimp and Ochango drinks.
The skyline was so beautiful.
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