Hangin Loose

Even the primates at the Honolulu Zoo love basking in the warm Hawaiian sun - can't blame them, it's one of my favorite things to do too. 

Turbulent Seas

I took this one near Halona Cove - I love watching the way the waves crash violently onto the rocks. The churned-up surf at the top of the photo reminds me of a big airy cloud.

Kailua Kitesurfing

My idea of a perfect day at the beach does not include wearing long sleeves to guard against the chill of the tradewinds - I prefer to go at a time when I can sit and soak up the warmth of the afternoon sun without worrying about sand blowing in my eyes.  However, the reward for taking a walk on Kailua Beach when the winds are up is that you get to watch many kitesurfers and windsurfers launch right in front of you.  Kailua's tradewinds make it a coveted spot for people who enjoy both of those sports.  This guy looks up at his kite just before jumping on his board and taking off!

Another Waikiki Crowd Pleaser

 Waikiki Sunsets seem to be my Friday Skywatch theme these last few weeks.  They are an easy default though, because you can rely on them to almost always be gorgeous, though varied depending on time of year, weather, and your location on the beach.  For sky images from around the world, click HERE.

Superheroes Take Kailua Beach

Snapped this at a superhero-themed beach park birthday party, where all the kids got to decorate their own cape.  I like the way they are looking out onto the horizon :)

B: Byodo-In Temple

A serene place to spend a little time if you're on the windward side of the island.  The temple is a replica of a 950 year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan.  There are huge Koi fish in the ponds, as well as a few black swans, peacocks, and turtles on the grounds.  For more photos beginning with 'B', visit ABC Wednesday.

Pali Lookout

From here, you get a sweeping view of the Ko'olau Mountain Range, with the town of Kailua below.

Whale of a Tail

Or tail of a whale?  It is not easy to spot - let alone photograph - humpback whales from the shore!  Finding a grey mammal in a vast grey ocean, often at quite a far distance, takes patience.  I was lucky enough to spot a couple of them breaching off the coast from an overlook just north of Hanauma Bay after watching for about 7-8 minutes.  This was the only photo I managed to get.  North Pacific Humpback Whales leave Alaskan waters each fall - a majority of them make the 3500 mile swim to the warm, shallow waters that surround the Hawaiian islands.  Sightings are common between December and April.  I'll be trying again soon!

Another Pipe Pic

I know I just posted a photo of the Banzai Pipeline on Wednesday, but had to share one more from today.  The waves were gorgeous, and while I have "better" photos, I chose this one for two reasons:  1)  I think it shows the how incredibly powerful this wall of water is, and 2) the surfer pictured is amazing.  He stood up from this position, got inside the barrel of the wave, and rode all the way out of it. 

Waikiki Winter

The sun sets on another beautiful Waikiki day.  It's Skywatch Friday, and you can see other sky images from around the world by clicking HERE

Paddleboarding anyone?

Paddles tossed haphazardly on the sand at a rental hut on Waikiki, waiting to be snatched up by the first throngs of early morning vacationers to hit the beach.

Banzai Pipeline

Gorgeous weather on the North Shore today made for some great wave-watching.  Swells are expected to increase through tonight and peak at up to 40 feet tomorrow!  So sorry I won't be there to see them.  I did enjoy sitting in the sand at Banzai Pipeline today and watching the smaller sets though.

Keiki Hula

Snapped this at one of Kailua's free hula performances,  just as she glanced at her mom for a little reassurance on stage!

Moku o Lo‘e Island

I like this photo of Moku o Lo'e Island (also known as Coconut Island) because when I took it this morning I could barely discern where the water ended and the sky began.  The island has an interesting history - immortalized as the filming location for the TV series "Gilligan's Island", it is now home to the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. 

When Paradise Isn't...

Was disappointed when I arrived at my favorite beach today only to find it closed due to bacterial contamination.  The normally popular stretch of sand was devoid of people, making it quite serene and allowing me an unobstructed view of the water.  It's just too bad I couldn't get in it and go for a swim!

Oxidation

Today's photo of a rusty boat mooring at Kaneohe Bay seemed appropriate given all the rain we've had recently.  It is amazing how quickly mother nature wears things down here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!

Simple Sunset

I love that moment when the sun and water meet on the horizon.  Look closely at the waves and you'll see surfers sitting on their boards savoring the last of the day's light.  It's Skywatch Friday and you can see sky shots from all over the world by clicking HERE.

Canoe Club

A little girl watches local the local high school canoe club practice after school at Kailua Beach Park.

Bellows

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, in my opinion.  Twin islands (Mokes) to the north, sweeping Ko'olau views to the south, turquoise water, soft golden sand, ironwood trees - a perfect mix.  And bonus, the park has hot showers :)

Pu Shell Horn

I saw a sunset wedding ceremony taking place on Magic Island, and this Pu Shell Horn was blown in celebration of the union.

Ko'olau Clouds

It's the rainy season on widward Oahu, and even when the sun is out, clouds are usually hovering just above the peaks of the Ko'olau Mountains.  I love their ethereal look.

Ocean Drifters

Sea Nettle Jellyfish at the Waikiki Aquarium.

Tiny Treasures

Hunting for seashells at Fort Hase Beach.

Bird's Eye View

There are plenty of scenic hikes on Oahu, and if you take the Makapu'u Trail to the top you will be rewarded with a sweeping view of the Kaiwi Channel, from Manana Island to Ulu-pa'u Head. It's Skywatch Friday, and you can see other skies from around the world by clicking here.

The first photo...

is from my own backyard.  I love plumeria...the colors, the fragrance, the way my daughter picks the perfect bloom and proudly presents it to me :)