Oahu: Day 2

Thursday we drove along the other side of the island from Waikiki to the North Shore. On our way, we stopped at the Dole Plantation. We learned the history of the pineapple and how James Dole used the unique climate and soil of the Hawaiian islands to build a pineapple empire. Most importantly, we got pineapple ice cream (mine was also topped with fresh pineapple) which was delicious and the perfect treat for a hot day. Tried to figure out how to bring some home with us, but I guess we'll just have to go back... :)

Leaving Dole, we kept heading towards the North Shore. We stopped in Haleiwa for some shopping and to get lunch. Geoff got another plate lunch, this time with pulled pork, and I got a hot ham, pineapple and cheese sandwich. yum. (I managed to have pineapple in some form every day while in Hawaii). From Haleiwa, we drove to Sharks Cove where we went snorkeling

(no Sharks spotted). We weren't in the water 2 minutes before we came face to face with a sea turtle! We saw at least a dozen different types of beautiful, brightly colored fish. This was one of the highlights of our trip for sure! After snorkeling, we left the cove and walked to the nearby beach to do some swimming (the cove was very rocky). The North Shore is where all the surfing competitions happen in the winter, but thankfully the surf is much calmer in the summer so we amateurs could enjoy the water.

For our return trip to Waikiki, we drove down the other side of the coast and enjoyed spectacular views of soaring mountains and jagged cliffs offset by crystal clear waters. Please excuse the pictures since they were taken from the moving car and don't do the views justice at all.