Hawaii (Part Nine): Scuba Diving and Surfing

We went to Hanauma Bay to go snorkeling. It is my favorite place in Hawaii. The bay itself is actually the floor of a volcanic crater that opened up to the ocean when its exterior wall collapsed. Declared a marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967, Hanauma Bay is sheltered from strong currents and waves, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

A large sandy beach is flanked by several hiking trails that lead to breathtaking lookouts. On clear days, you can see the islands of Molokai and Lanai across the channel, and during the winter and early spring months, breaching humpback whales can be spotted from shore.

Want to experience it without having to leave home? Click here to see a slide show of fish that live in the bay.

Lisa with Hanauma Bay in the background.

Looking down on the coral reefs.

Lisa in her snorkeling gear.

Nemy and Nae walking up out of Hanauma Bay.

We also went surfing at Waikiki Beach. It was our first experience at a tourist beach and we hated it. Everyone who walked by kicked up sand on you and your towel. It also smelled fishy. We were glad to go back to "local" beaches after this outing.

The throng of tourists on Waikiki Beach.

Nae and Dean scraping and waxing her board.

Dean, Nae and Nemy on their way out to the waves.

Nemy with Dean's surfboard. Smaller boards like this one are more difficult to use.
She was able to paddle out on it, which is a challenge.
If she had rented a longboard, I think she would have been able to catch a wave.

Nae the Hawaiian surfer girl with her board.

Lisa with Dean's board. I wasn't even able to paddle out with this board.
We rented a step down from the longboard for me (only $10!) which made everything much easier. I could paddle out, sit on the board and get up on my knees.
Maybe next time, I'll actually be able to stand!

Well, that's it for my water adventure synopsis. Next up: food, drinks, karoke and tattoos!