R: Rain, Rain

We've had crazy amounts of rain this week on the windward side of Oahu.  Even though it was taken with an iPhone while my husband was speeding down the highway, I couldn't resist posting this drive-by photo of the waterfalls that spontaneously appear on the Ko'Olau Mountain Range for just a short time when there's a downpour. There must have been over a hundred waterfalls yesterday - twelve just in this shot alone . Such a stunning phenomenon!  For more 'R' photos, please visit ABC Wednesday.

KBay Pier

The clouds over the Ko'Olau Mountain Range looked especially mystical on this day.  I stopped at the pier on Kaneohe Marine Corps Base to snap a few photos.  Often you can see amphibious landing craft parked here, but only fishermen dotted the docks this time. 

Collecting Seashells by the Seashore

Two little friends collect sticks and shells on the beach after a sunrise hula service.  I love the morning light here, and the breathtaking backdrop that the Ko'olau mountain range provides when the clouds ascend and hover just above its peaks.  For more sky photos from around the world, please go visit Skywatch Friday.

Ethereal

After a good rain, dozens of tiny waterfalls appear and cascade down the Ko'Olau Mountain Range for only a few hours - to me, it is always a magical sight!  In the bottom left corner of the photo you can see the Tetsuo Harano tunnels which cut through the mountain, carrying traffic on the H-3 from the windward side and leeward side of the island. 

C: Can You See It From Here?

I snapped this bird's eye view of the offshore islands from the top of Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail.  In the foreground is Kaohikaipu Island, and rising up behind it is Manana (Rabbit) Island.  Farther in the distance are the Moku-lua, or twin islands as they are also called.  In the background you can see Ulu-pa'u Head with the islet of Mokolea off of its shore.  If you look to your left from this spot the VIEW of the Ko'Olau Mountain Range is equally stunning.  For more 'C' photos, please visit ABC Wednesday.

Whoa!

After galloping around the field several times, my friend's horse Veteran comes to a screeching halt.  Like the way he stirred up all the red dust.  This was taken at one of the stables in Waimanalo, and I love the views of the Ko'Olau Mountain Range from here.

Great Food, Even Better Views

The atrium at the Ko'Olau Golf Club, where my husband treated me to an early Mother's Day brunch :) Happy Mother's Day to all of the hard-working moms out there!

K: Kalanianaole Highway Drive

When I need to go to Costco, I take the scenic route - Kalanianaole Highway - from Kailua to Hawaii Kai. The views are stunning, so it's worth the extra time it takes to drive to this one. You can see the road snaking around Sea Life Park in the middle of the photo. It's ABC Wednesday, so click HERE to see more 'K' photos.

Bellows with Billowing Clouds

I've posted photos of Bellows Beach before.  Here's another view, with the gorgeous Ko'Olau Mountain Range as a backdrop.  I never get tired of looking at it (I hope you don't either!).

View From My Paddleboard

Kaneohe Bay is one of my favorite places to use my stand-up paddleboard because the water is so calm and clear, and the view of the Ko'olaus is great.

Pali Lookout

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

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 :)

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.