Hike Around Hanauma Bay, Ni'i Nurseries, Waimanalo Beach

There's nothing that starts the day off better than a good hike, and Debbie and I found a real gem early this morning. We began our hike at the road entrance to Hanauma Bay and continued upward at a fairly good clip. As we ascended, the views from either side of the ridge were spectacular. To our left, Hanauma Bay in its entirety, the sun glistening on the rippling waves as the wind skipped across from the open ocean. On our right, the view opened out onto the ocean, all of Hawaii Kai, Diamond Head, and the magnificent skyline of Waikiki. How's that for a great beginning?

After our hike, Debbie and I took a jaunt over to the Ni'i Nurseries. For a gardener, I was just in my glory! Ni'i Nurseries is located in the back valley of Hawaii Kai and is owned by a team of siblings. The nursery itself was, at first glance, in varying states of dilapidation. However a closer glance revealed section upon section of pots, large and small, filled to the brim with luscious, green plants, some bursting with colorful buds and flowers, while others looked to be gargantuan versions of leafy foliage. Debbie and I wandered aimlessly among the hundreds of tropical plants, vines, and trees, mesmerized by this treasure trove of greenery. After inspecting all the nursery had to offer, Debbie selected some hardy plants that would grow in her gardens, while I, unable to haul them onto the plane back to NH with me, was left only to dream of the possibilities.

Sarah and Greg stopped in after lunch to grab Suzanne and I for an afternoon at the beach. Waimanalo Beach is a long, thin stretch of straw-colored sand and turquoise waters, with views of Rabbit Island and Makapu'u Lighthouse in the distance. Many of the trees along the beach had had the dirt washed away by the surf, exposing the gnarled roots to the sun and surf. A walk along the shoreline turned up small Portuguese Man of War stranded on the sands. Although they were only the size of a dime, these venomous little guys would still pack a punch if stepped on. We decided that going into the water was not to be an option, but instead enjoyed the onshore breezes and warm sunshine.