North Shore Nastalgia

Our final day of adventures on Oahu we headed back to the North Shore.  Everyday we were on Oahu it rained a little on us at some point, but this day we did get rained on more often.  We also went places Marissa and Alana haven't been yet, so we weren't always as prepared as we could be.  Yet, we managed to really enjoy every place we went.
First we went to an area along the North Shore across from Foodland where there are great big tide pools.  Had we been more knowledgeable and prepared, we would have brought bathing suits and such.  But, that's okay, the girls really didn't mind stripping down!  We saw lots of little bitty fish, a sea urchin, possibly a sea slug (something super squishy looking and moving very slowly), and crabs.  But mainly the girls just liked getting wet.  It was a natural toddler pool, but you do have to be careful because those lava rocks are scratchy.

This place was really cool and I would definitely go back.  But I have to admit, the whole time I was so worried that I would drop my iphone/camera or fall in and drench myself and my iphone!

Next we headed to Waimea Valley (did you know there is a place called Waimea on every Hawaiian island?).  There was a botanical garden and historical site.  But mainly, there was nice paved walk to a waterfall.  And if the conditions are right, you can swim in the waterfall pool.  The conditions were perfect.... but we weren't prepared for that at all.  Plus, Jackie fell asleep on the stroller ride to the waterfall and missed the whole thing!

So those of us who were awake had a picnic at the waterfall and then started back down the path.  Eventually Jackie woke up hungry and grumpy.  We stopped at a beautiful spot and went fairy hunting.  That made her happier and more alert.

Grumpy

Chasing Fairy Dust

Walking through an opening in a curtain of ivy.  It's like the secret garden!

 I think this counts as a rain forest!

Next, we stopped at a beach popular with sea turtles catching a few rays.  Can you see which is a turtle and which is a rock?

Lastly, and let's be honest, most importantly, we stopped in Haleiwa for shaved ice.  Vanilla ice cream on the bottom, loads of syrup, a nice cone cup to catch the drippings..... they know how to do it right on the North Shore.

Last shot:  This rainbow happened while driving home from the North Shore .... and IZ's Somewhere over the Rainbow was on the radio.  This place is magical!

Aloha Oahu!  Aloha Marissa and Alana!  Mahalo for welcoming us into your home and showing us all around.  I wish we had stayed longer!  Can't wait to go back!