The Surfers at the North Shore
If you happen to visit Oahu during the winter time, consider a trip to the North Shore. In addition to seeing some massive waves, you may even get lucky enough to see some of the professional surf competitions. One of the best places to watch surfers is at the banzai pipeline. This is a world famous barrel shaped wave in Oahu and the site of many competitions, such as Pipe Masters. It is not uncommon for waves at the North Shore to get to 40 feet in the winter. If you hope to learn how to surf yourself, you may want to consider surfing lessons back down around the much calmer Waikiki waters.
Banzai Pipeline
Ehukai Beach
Ke Nui Road
Hawaii, 96712
Byodo-In Temple
Nestled in the Koolau mountains in a 10 acre area known as the Valley of the Temples is the Byodo-In Temple. It is a Buddhist temple, and is a recreation of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan. The temple was built in 1968 to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii. Inside the temple is an 18 foot tall statue of Buddha. The temple is surrounded by lush gardens, old mausoleums and a large koi pond filled with fish and even black swans. Before you leave, be sure to walk up Chapel Road which is the road on the right, for even more views of the valley. Byodo-In Temple is the perfect antidote to the non-stop busyness of Waikiki and a great stop to make whilst on your way up to the North Shore.
Byodo-In Temple
47-200 Kahekili Highway
Kaneohe, HI 96744
(808) 239-8811
The Pacific Ocan From 100 Feet Down
One way to view the Pacific ocean from 100 feet below the surface is to go scuba diving. However, if you aren't an advanced scuba diver, a much easier option is to take a submarine ride. Atlantis Submarines is located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Visitors board a boat which takes them to the submarine offshore. There, visitors transfer to the submarine where they will dive down to 100 feet to view artificial reefs, wrecks, sea turtles and even the occasional scuba diver. If you want to see just how the color spectrum changes when you're underwater, be sure to wear something red, and notice how the color changes the deeper the submarine goes.
Atlantis Submarine
Hilton Hawaiian Village Alii Tower
2005 Kalia Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
(800) 548-6262
