Hawaii Day Four

Today was a rather early morning. We had to be out at the bus stop before 8 am to meet up with our tour bus. We went for a tour of the north island. It was fantastic. We first went to the Dole plantation, as in Dole pineapple and other fruits. We ate the most delicious pineapple ice cream. They even put fresh pineapple bits around the ice cream. I can't even begin to describe just how delectable it was!!! Then we went on a train ride around the plantation. It was interesting to see how pineapples are grown, as well as some other fruits and plants. We then went through the Dole botanical gardens, which were wonderful. I have never seen some of the flowers they had there in real life. After our wanderings through the garden we went into the shop where I picked up some vintage postcards and a t-shirt.

We boarded the bus and head up to Banzai Pipeline, which is a beach. This is where the big waves are. There were about 9 foot waves today, but in the winter they can get waves that are up to three stories tall. Amazing! We went down on the beach, at the top of this ridge of sand. The ridge dropped about 20 or so feet to the actual water. We thought we were safe for taking pictures and just observing the general splendor. We thought wrong! We totally got wet, from the waist down. It was rather funny! Then we continued around and saw where they filmed parts of Jurassic Park. We also went through the mountains and some of the towns. It was really interesting and quite enjoyable. Although, the ice cream was the best part!

We came back to the hotel and Mom and Sue left to do laundry. I stayed here and worked on the computer. Then I met up with Andy and Jeff at the beach where we swam in the ocean for a while. It was very relaxing and wonderful. We all got cleaned up and went to dinner at CJ's New York Deli, which is inside the hotel complex. Mom and I shared a BBQ Brisket sandwich. It was very good and very messy. When we were done we headed back to the lobby and found some sofas where we could watch the hotel's night entertainment. It was a lot like the Polynesian Cultural Center's night show – although not quite as good. They ended with fireworks over the water, which really was spectacular. We spent the rest of the evening chatting with Andy and Jeff, while Sue took a shower. Then we worked on getting all packed up so we will be ready to head to the cruise ship in the morning.

In front of the Dole Plantation


Eating our delectable pineapple ice cream!!!


Look at the pretty flower at the Dole botanical gardens.


Isn't that beautiful tree bark? It really is that colorful. No one painted it. It's the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree. (Sorry about the small pic, I don't know what happened)


Where should I go?


Mom by the red pineapples


At the North Beach


Caught by a wave!