(Written by Alex)
We had decided yesterday that we wanted to drive our rental car early out to Makapu’u Lighthouse and make the hike up the hill to see the views. We mentioned to our Aussie friends from the Diamond Lounge (Tony and Wendy) that we had plenty of room in our rented mini-van if interested in joining us, but we were heading out around 6am. They decided they wanted to join along, so 6am departure it was!
Once we got off the ship and into the car, the first stop was a local breakfast spot – Harry’s Cafe. A very local vibe was going here – breakfast specials that included fried rice were on the board. But our meals were great and gave us the energy would need later….
Before we left I investigated some Apps that would give us a self-drive tour of Oahu by car (including the lighthouse). I found one with really good reviews – GyPsY Guide – and decided to give it a go. I hooked the phone up through the car and we got commentary that was triggered by our location on the island. Our narrator was “Barry” (we made that name up), but he was great. Always telling us where we could go to see certain sites and giving us stories about Hawaii and Oahu, it was pretty cool.
Makapu’u Lighthouse
The hike up to the top of the point at Makapu’u Lighthouse was a challenge. Tony and Wendy are both older than me and Kim – and even though we took multiple rests along the way, we made it all the way to the top. The payoff was well worth it! What a view!!
The Byodo-In Temple
Along the route, “Barry” mentioned a very cool Japanese Temple that was built to commemorate all of the Japanese that migrated to Hawaii in the late 1800s. So we swung in to see it and wow, what a neat looking spot. Built in the shadow of a huge cliff, it included a big bell you could ring (for peace and serenity), massive koi ponds and very well kept grounds.
Lā’ie Point State Wayside
Further up the coast, “Barry” suggested we turn down a local street that will take us to a point out into the ocean. A few minutes after we made a quick stop for some photos, including a very pretty arch on Kukuihoolua Island.
Lunch at Papa Ole’s
Yelp (not Barry) helped us find this local spot in a shopping center. Picnic tables outside were busy with locals. I asked the lady inside what their specialty was and she said the Sautéed Shrimp were one of the most popular. So we split two plates of the shrimp that came with rice and mac salad. The shrimp needed peeling (even with all the sauce on them), but they were very yummy despite making a mess having to peel them all. As is typical for Kim and I, we failed once again on the food photos. But we are trying. Here’s a photo of the outside of the place (mostly so I can look up the name of it in the future!).
After lunch we sort of went on cruise control with Barry – we drove up around the north shore and listened to Barry’s stories of the huge waves up at Sunset Beach that occur in the winter. We then turned and headed down Route 99, which brought us back past the Dole Plantation (where we visited yesterday). We then drove back into Honolulu, dropped off Tony & Wendy, returned the car and headed back to the ship.
A quiet evening at the lounge and dinner at the Windjammer finished up our day.
Sail away tonight was late – at 10pm. A quick shot of the Aloha Tower in downtown Honolulu just before we pulled out.
PS. Poor technique not getting a photo of us with Tony and Wendy, and of our food. Hope we can do better going forward!! Aloha Hawaii!! It’s been great!
Final note. We are definitely feeling the different vibe of this cruise over the last on board. The number of Americans gone and Australians on board now has flipped dramatically. The Aussies are just different. It’s hard or put my finger on all of the differences, but they definitely seem to be more bar-centric. We passed by the Schooner Bar during Elvis Trivia and it was a mob scene in there. Looking forward to our final 18 days on board!!
