Day Four: Shark Swim, The North Shore & Dole Plantation
Thursday, May 12 began at 6:30 am, with us sleepwalking to the van and taking off for the North Shore! Bryan and I knew that we didn't want to miss a day with our family by scheduling a dive trip, so instead, we talked everyone into joining us on another bucket list item: swimming with sharks! We made it to the port around 8 am, where we met our boat captain and headed 3 miles off the coast of the North Shore to swim with Galapagos Sharks!
As the boat's skipper tied our lines, mom was first to ask questions: has anyone ever been bit? (nope- not YET!) How big will these sharks be? (Males 6-8 feet, females 8-10 feet.) Is this safe? (about as safe as possible, knowing you are swimming in 500 ft. deep, open ocean in the home of these wild animals!)
Lucky for us, we didn't have much time to change our minds (or panic) as we were the first group in the cage! The cage was large enough for the 6 of us to swim together, so between 2 go-pros, 20 minutes in the cage, and the extra pumps of adrenaline coursing through our veins, we were beyond stoked to dive right in and enjoy our adventure! We ended up swimming with TWO Galapagos sharks circling the cage! Crazy, right?!
After our swim, we were all shocked by how warm the waters were and by how clear and bright blue it was! These photos aren't edited at all! That was really how clear the waters were and how close the sharks got! What isn't pictured? The rocky waters...did I get seasick after our swim? Yes. In true "me" fashion, I made it through the exciting swim, took off my gear and immediately puked over the side- just like I do every time we go scuba diving. Was it worth it? Heck yeah!
If you still think we used CGI to enhance our pictures, check out this video! (If you believe us, brownie points to you- still watch the video!)
We were back at the dock by 10 am, and ready for an early lunch! We killed some time exploring some North Shore shops before heading to a collection of food trucks for lunch! We started with Giovani's Shrimp Truck for a killer lunch of garlic and butter shrimp and then followed it up with some Hawaiian shaved ice (much, much better than the one we had on our first day), an acai bowl and the Johnsons even got a dessert crepe! Like Bryan said in the last Hawaii post, we know how to EAT!
With full bellies, we were back in the van and headed farther north to explore more of the North Shore! We may not know how to pronounce "Laniakea Beach," but the second my mother heard it's famous for sea turtle sightings, she was ready to Google Translate it!
We were lucky enough to see two turtles wash ashore to snack on the fresh kelp during our visit and several other turtles were spotted as they were tossed around in the rough waves along the coast! Mom could have stayed here all day!
From the 15 minutes of film mom took of the sea turtles, here's a concise video of these amazing creatures! The best part was that there were volunteers walking up and down the beach making sure visitors didn't get too close. We were happy to know that some locals volunteer to protect these creatures from curious tourists!
As we trudged farther north along the winding roads, we reached Waimea Bay, home to the world-famous Eddie Big Wave surf competition! Waimea Beach may look tame now but in winter this beach is notorious for waves up to 25 feet tall! No wonder surfers travel the globe for a chance to surf these waves!
As we made our way back to our hotel, we were down for one final stop of the day: Dole Plantation! Located in the center of the island, Dole Plantation is home to Dole Whip and a 20,000-acre farm. This plantation still operates today growing pineapples, coffee, bananas, limes and many other different types of produce!
We enjoyed the Pineapple Express narrated train ride, pineapple and chocolate demonstrations and of course, fresh dole whip! This place was hopping- many more people visiting than the last time Bryan and I were here back in March of 2020!
Ending another great day, we grabbed dinner at Munch Wagon, a Mexican-inspired food truck that is famous for their Munchie Pie (flaming hot cheetos covered in nacho cheese.) What I thought looked and sounded like absolute garbage, the rest of the group said tasted delicious, so there you have it! I will say, my chicken quesadilla was BOMB, and very filling!!
Before heading to bed, what did we have to do? That's right- see another sunset on Waikiki Beach! Dang, this view doesn't get old!
Day Five: Aulani & the Polynesian Cultural Center
The day Jennifer and Kevin were most excited for: today was the day we visited Aulani for a character breakfast! Aulani is Disney's only resort in Hawaii and it's where Bryan and I stayed in March of 2020 when our spring break trip was canceled at the last minute due to that two-week global shutdown for COVID. (If you didn't chuckle at that last part, then you don't see the irony. Japan is still closed to tourists and that shutdown happened over two years ago.) I mean, look at this photo of Bryan from that first trip:
Anyway, a little over two years after that trip, here we are walking our parents around Aulani's resort!
After our tour, it was time for breakfast! We headed to Makahiki restaurant, where we were immediately greeted by Mickey Mouse! Lunch consisted of french toast, waffles, loco moco and omelets, alongside pictures with Goofy, Max, and Pluto!
As we ate, we were serenaded by a local musician. Play this video in the background as you look at the below pictures, and it will feel like you were there with us!
After our stellar brunch, it was time to leave. Bryan and I were really excited when we noticed all the Japanese Disney Characters' merchandise for sale in the stores! Duffy and ShellieMay are huge characters at Tokyo DisneySea, so it was cool seeing them here in Hawaii! Mom even bought a plush of Olu, the Hawaiian sea turtle character!
As we were taking bathroom breaks, Olu walked by! Bryan and I were quick to snap a picture with him before he headed on his way!
After a filling breakfast, we headed back to the northern part of Oahu to visit the Polynisian Cultural Center, PCC for short. This place was even more amazing than we could have imagined! Throughout our day at PCC, we learned so much about different Polynesian islands and the local cultures!
As we checked in, we were each given a lei, a map, and a friendly smile! We chose to do a self-guided tour since we knew we wanted to see all the shows- and boy, did we!
Now, before we briefly tell you about the 6 cultures we visited in the PCC, I thought you may appreciate knowing where, exactly, these places are located! (Because I was Google Mapping each place as we went!)
Now that you kinda know where these island cultures are located, here we go! First off: Samoa. Samoans are known as "the happy people" and are famous for hot bods and climbing coconut trees. Ok the "hot bod" was added by me, but the coconut tree part is true! The presentation included one of the guys climbing a freaking tree right there! Check it out:
The Samoan people are also famous for their weavings, so we learned how to weave a small tropical fish out of palm tree leaves! Making the fish was fun, but swinging it around and whacking others the rest of the day with it was priceless.
Next island stop: Aotearoa (aka New Zealand) This was my favorite of the island presentations because of the shirtless men. *cough, cough* I mean, the culture. But really, this show presented several dances, traditions and games that were really entertaining to learn about!
As soon as the first performance started, I leaned over to Bryan and asked if this was the culture famous for the Haka? Yep, it is! Watch the video below to see a live performance, including the Haka!
And if you didn't enjoy the above video, then you are sure to enjoy my mother trying the poi dance! I laugh out loud every time! Clearly, it takes some talent to swing the poi, and its a talent that mom doesn't possess!
Stop #3: Tonga, is famous for their drums, the fangufangu (nose flute) and humor! This presentation had us all crying from laughter as one of the audience volunteers showed off his lack of rhythm!
In Tahiti all three couples renewed their wedding vows in a traditional Tahiti marriage ceremony! Just in time, since I wanted a divorce 5 minutes prior after Bryan refused to wait in the spear-throwing line back in Tonga...ahhh, happy life!
Next up: Fiji!
And guess what? They are known for more than just bottled water! (I know, I impress you with my cultural awareness.)
Fiji is famous for the Gadi, a small ornamental club carried by warriors and chiefs, and the Waka or "root clubs" that has a straight handle with a natural knot of roots at the end that was used to crush skulls. Pretty badass, huh!?!
We tried and failed to get seats for this presentation in the shade, so we just sat and enjoyed the show while our skin sizzled in the Hawaiian heat.
Last but not least: Hawaii.
During the Hawaiian presentation, we learned that there are two styles of hula dancing, the hula kahiko " ancient hula," and the Hula ‘auana, a modern style of hula. Check out this video to see demos of both styles:
Mom and I tried poi, a starchy Polynesian food paste made from the taro root, at one of the buildings in the Hawaii complex. It tasted like bland mashed potatoes- and we were told it would be served fresh at the luau that night! (With a pinch of salt and some butter: *chef's kiss!*)
On our walk back towards the entrance, we passed by Rapa Nui, known to us as "Easter Island!" While this area didn't have a show for us to learn more about the local people, we were happy to see this area of Polynesia represented in the center!
"Great photo opportunity!" said Cindy.
At 5:00 it was time for our luau dinner! As we entered, we were each given a flower lei and escorted to our table. Once seated, our server brought us each a giant pineapple drink! What is more Hawaiian than that!?!
As the show began, the kalua Pua'a was unveiled! The Center had roasted a giant pig over volcanic stones for us to eat! As they carried the pig to the cutting area, we were released to the buffet, filled with Polynesian delicacies! As we ate, we enjoyed local hula performances.
We had a brief break after dinner before the Ha: Breath of Life show, so we did some last-minute shopping and photo shoot! Bryan and I are beyond lucky to have parents that are still in love!
At 6:30, it was time to make our way back to the open theater for the Ha: Breath of Life Show! This show was phenomenal. It followed the life of one boy and his travels through each of the 6 Polynesian cultures: Tonga, Hawaii, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tahiti, and Fiji. After visiting all six of these cultures, there was an awesome fire knife show at the end! While we weren't allowed to film or photograph this performance, it is one we will never forget!
Since we can't show you what it was really like, here's the preview released by the PCC from a few years back:
When the show ended, we slowly made our way back to the car and back to the southern part of the island!
Whew! Another long, but amazing day in the Hawaiian Books! Be on the lookout- there's one final Hawaii post coming your way!
Mahalo,
-Katie
What about Elvis?? He taped his movie Blue Hawaii At the Polynesian culture center, the dole plantation, and the Hilton where we stayed! I know that’s the true reason we visited all these places… So that we could be closer to Elvis! Ha ha