Picked By Little Hands

"Mommy I picked you some flowers!" - sweet words to my ears.  When we go to Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, my daughter loves to run around the pond in search of these.  Tossed on a green picnic bench, they look quite pretty.

J: James Dole

As you have probably guessed, he was the founder of Dole plantation, which began in 1900 with the cultivation of a few pineapple plants on a central Oahu plateau that is 1000 feet above sea level. Dole currently plants 11,500 acres of land, which means that they have the capability of having 350 million pineapples out there! It takes each plant 20 months to produce its first mature pineapple (yes, I have been on the Dole tour :) It's ABC Wednesday so to see other 'J' photos click HERE.

Retired for the Day

One of the canoes that sits on the shore of Kailua Beach.  In the background you can see Ulu-pa'u Head, home to Kaneohe Marine Corps Base.  This area is just barely connected to the rest of Oahu by a nearly flooded plain. 

In Honor of the First Day of Spring

Plumeria buds are just beginning to unfurl here in Hawaii.  The plumeria trees are interesting because they shed their leaves in the winter, then they flower before the new leaves appear.  So you have these bare trees with bunches of blossoms on the tips of each branch.  I've never really tried macro photography, but it just happened that a black ladybug was perched on a bud, so I decided to include her.  To see some great macro shots, check out Macro Monday.

Deserted Beaches Still Exist...

if you know where to look for them!  I turned around to snap this photo of my own footprints after walking along an isolated stretch of Mokule'ia Beach.  It is miles away from the bustle of Waikiki, both literally and figuratively.  Our only company was the green sea turtles that were swimming parallel to the shore. 

Ruffled Feathers

This is one of a handful of black swans that can be spotted in the small ponds surrounding the Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe.  For some reason, I am drawn to photograph them every time I go there - I love the ripple of their feathers, the bright red beaks, and the way they glide silently across the water. 

Blue Dusk

View of the Hawaii Yacht Club just after sunset.  It's Skywatch Friday, so click HERE to see other sky images from around the globe.

I: Ice, Hawaiian Style

Shave ice is a local treat, not to be confused with "snow cones" and not to be pronounced "shaved ice".  It has a much more velvety texture than a snow cone, and is doused in a variety of syrup flavors.  Ice cream or azuki beans can be added to the bottom of the cup before the ice is piled on.  The best shave ice spots are on the North Shore - I like Aoki's - where this photo was taken - better than the more famous one a couple of doors down for a number of reasons:  their syrups are made right there in the store, their syrups are chilled (which I think makes them taste even better!) and best of all, the line is always shorter!  It's ABC Wednesday, so click HERE to see more 'I' photos.

Primary Colors

Saw this row of canoes on Sand Island, and I wondered why they were all sitting on the shore on such a beautiful Saturday afternoon :)

Outstretched Arms

One of the many lovely old trees that offer respite from the heat during a stroll through Waimea Valley Audubon Center.

Thankful

Workers at Keehi Small Boat Harbor in Honolulu were hauling out one of the docks that broke free during Friday morning's tsunami. About 200 boats, as well as some of the docks and moorings, were damaged during the storm. Fortunately, the surges were small and there were no reports of injuries. (click HERE to read more). I have thought of Japan so often during the last two days, and of the horrific devastation they are trying to cope with.

Fly-Over

I snapped this from my front yard when the Navy Blue Angels were performing at the nearby Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Airshow.  They fly so close together that it makes me cringe - really unbelievable!  Notice that you can barely see plane 2 peeking out from behind plane 3.  It's Skywatch Friday, so click HERE to see more sky photos from around the world. 

Power of the Sea

Tonight as I post this, I am reminded that here on this island in the middle of the Pacific, we are vulnerable to the ocean's power.  There is a tsunami watch tonight, issued after Japan's enormous earthquake.

H: Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants bloom in many colors all over the island. I never get tired of seeing their large beautiful flowers - to me they are symbolic of the tropical paradise that surrounds all who venture beyond Waikiki's shores to find the real Oahu. To see more ABC Wednesday photos beginning with 'H' click HERE.

What Did You Find?

Two young friends exploring the tide pools at Ft. Hase Beach.

View From My Paddleboard - Number Three

Monday means another photo taken while I was out on my board.  On this day, I enjoyed having the clear, calm waters of the cove near Kaneohe Marine Corps Base's campground all to myself. 

Lone Wave

A single wave curls up to the shore at Yokohama Bay.  I like it here because it's one of the most remote beaches on Oahu.  It's the northernmost beach on the island's west coast, located just before the road ends.  If you want to go any father (to Kaena Point, for instance), you have to park your car and hike.

Slipper Casualties

Lots of rain here lately has made for some very muddy hiking / walking trails.  These were just a few of the many abandoned slippers (flip-flops) that were stuck in the mud on the way to Pele's Chair.  I like the way the pair in the background was placed neatly together, as if the owner was taking them off at someone's front door :)

Shark's Cove Stunner

View from the rocks at Shark's Cove.  This was one of the best sunsets I've seen - the margins of the clouds glowed as they were illuminated by a perfect circle of light.  It's Skywatch Friday, so click HERE to see beautiful skies from around the globe.

Toss Up

Fun times for a dad and his little boy at Pokai Bay.  I read that Pokai is Hawaiiain for "Night of the Supreme One" and this beach is named after the legendary Hawaiian chief, Poka'i, who reportedly brought the first coconut palm tree to Hawaii.

G: Gliders

I saw this hang glider soar past after walking to the top of the Mokapu'u Lighthouse Trail.  Makapu'u is a very popular gliding area, so it's possible to watch take-offs and landings whenever the weather is good.  It's ABC Wednesday, so click HERE to see other 'G' photos. 

Waikiki Aquarium

Part of the "Hunters on the Reef" tank exhibit.

Hanging Lobster Claw

Took this photo of a Heliconia Rostrata - common name Hanging Lobster Claw - at Waimea Valley Audubon Center.  They have all sorts of interesting foliage there  (although I can see the lobster claws growing in several of my neighbors' yards too).  The audubon center is a nice place to walk around if you enjoy nature, just don't forget the bug spray like I did!

View From My Paddleboard - Number Two

I think I might make Mondays a "View From My Paddleboard" day, since I usually try to take it out over the weekend. Unfortunately, I can only have my little waterproof point-and-shoot camera with me on the board, and it doesn't take the greatest pics. At least it gives you views from the water, though, for a different perspective. This one was taken at Waikiki Beach on an overcast day.

Red. Velvet. Pancakes. Mmmm...

I went to breakfast at Cinnamon's in Kailua today, and had the red velvet pancakes that they are so well known for (and ironically, they aren't even on the menu).  They started as a limited-time special but became so wildly popular that they're still serving them all these months later.  I LOVE them - they are the only thing I ever order, and the sauce is heavenly.  Other good eats which are on the menu include guava chiffon pancakes, portuguese sausage, and a Hawaiian omelette filled with kalua pork.

Sunset Mist

A North Shore winter sunset.  It's Skywatch Friday, so click HERE to see other sky images from around the world.

Na Kama Kai

Na Kama Kai is an organization that conducts monthly ocean clinics around the island which are "designed to instill an awareness of the ocean and provide the keiki [kids] with safety tools necessary for ocean activities. Through the expertise of professional water men and women the keiki are given one-on-one ocean instruction in a hands on environment."  Na Kama Kai means "Children of the Sea" in Hawaiian.  Among the activities that the kids participate in are paddle boarding, canoeing, and marine life classes.  Here, one of the double canoes launches, full of smiling faces. 

F: From Here to Eternity

This is Halona Cove, the famed beach that was the filming location for the love scene between actors Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in  the 1953 movie "From Here to Eternity".  I love the contrasting blues of the water inside the cove, outside the cove, and in the sky.  Because it's a little hard to get to - you have to climb down a steep, rocky embankment - many people bypass it.  That means you have a good chance of having it all to yourself, especially during the week!  It's ABC Wednesday, so click HERE to see more 'F' photos.

Waikiki Again, Because I Love It

This is a great vantage point for watching the sunset - near the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel.  I like it because from here you can look back and see Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.  Passed by these canoes on an overcast evening as I made my way to the perfect spot down by the water. 

Looks ARE Deceiving

At first glance, this young man, covered with large Samoan tattoos, looked a bit intimidating.  However, I was captivated by the big, warm smile he gave each child who approached him.  He was at a booth downtown that was doing temporary henna tattoos, and most of those in line were kids who wanted a sea turtle or plumeria flower stamped on their arm.

Running to Catch Her Wave

Another Bellows Beach shot (if you follow my blog, you may have noticed by now that I love it here!).

Pile of Boards

Saw these stacked up at Waikiki last weekend.  If you look closely you can see a surfer's reflection in the yellow board.

Twilight Clearing

We've had a lot of rain lately, but on this evening the clouds parted over Kaneohe Bay just in time to reveal a magnificent sunset over the mountains.  It's Skywatch Friday, and you can see other sky images from around the world by clicking HERE.

Hibiscus Girl

There are a few bronze statues around Kapiolani Park, and they are almost always holding flowers or draped with leis.  I am curious about who does this - it is park staff or just residents and passers-by?  This young girl is usually holding a red or yellow hibiscus.

E: Egret Eating a Lizard

[Image]I actually didn't realize that I captured this egret at the moment it grabbed up a lizard until I got home and saw the photo on my computer.  The lizards are everywhere, and somewhat of a nuisance (although they do eat the bugs), so it's good to have the birds around to take care of at least a few of them!  It's ABC Wednesday, so to see other 'E' photos click HERE.

Looking for a Good Surf Spot

This guy stopped his bike at Publics Beach in Waikiki to watch the waves for a few moments, as if he was trying to decide whether this was the spot he wanted to use his board.  Must not have been, because he rode on towards Queen's Beach.

Me Ke Aloha

Saw this shirt at one of my favorite stores downtown (Honolua Surf Co.) and thought it was fitting for a Valentine's Day photo.  Enjoy the day with the ones you love!

Little Ukus

Saw this little guy walking with his owners near Queen's Beach in Waikiki today and just had to ask for a photo of him! He sat politely while I snapped this one. His name is Ukus and he strolled along wearing his flower lei like he owned the sidewalk :)
p.s. If Ukus owners see this, leave me your email address and I'll send you a couple of other photos!

Pineapple Blossom

This pineapple plant is actually in a large pot in my front yard (I don't know which variety it is).  I am so happy that after months of waiting, it is finally making a pineapple! 

Lanikai Sunrise

Earlier this week I got to watch the sunrise at Lanikai Beach with girlfriends while our kids played in the surf.  We should start more days that way!  It's Skywatch Friday, so click HERE to see other sky images from around the world.

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.

D: Diamond Head

Diamond Head crater looms large at the southeast end of Waikiki.  In this photo, the camera is focused on the flower girl basket, but I like the green and blue hues, and the view of the crater in the distance.  For more photos beginning with 'D' visit ABC Wednesday.

Black Necked Stilt

These birds are endemic to Hawaii - I mostly see them at Nu'upia pond when I am driving on Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base (which is where this one was).  The base is a protected habitat for thousands of birds - for a little more info about the species that nest there, click HERE.

HFD

Honolulu fireman in front of his yellow truck - all the fire equipment in Honolulu County is yellow, including the rescue surfboards that hang on the sides of the engines!

Papailoa

This was taken at Papailoa Beach on the North Shore.  It was one of the main filming locations of the TV series "LOST".   In the summer the sand is wide, the water is calm, and you can almost always find green sea turtles eating and basking in the sun.  In the winter though, tons of sand along North Shore beaches are removed by high surf and many rocks are exposed.  Papailoa becomes turbulent, even dangerous.  Waves smash into the exposed rocks and green algae, creating little waterfalls and tidepools everywhere.  In the summer, the sand will be re-deposited, creating a nice wide sandy beach again. 

Sunny and T.

A young rider admiring her ribbons after a hard day's work at a Hawaii Horse Show Association event.

Stand-Up Paddles

Great weather brought lots of stand up paddle-boarders out to Ewa Beach.  This park has nice views - notice the Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head in the distance.  It's Skywatch Friday, so click HERE to see other sky images from around the world.

Smooth Landing

A paraglider comes in for a landing at Kahana Bay Beach Park, with a cloudless blue sky as his backdrop.

C: Crater Full of Fish

The most popular snorkeling spot on Oahu is Hanauma Bay. The bay formed many thousands of years ago when the crater of an ancient volcano flooded and part of its the exterior wall collapsed, allowing the sea water to rush in. It is a very protected reef so it's easy even for beginner snorkelers, and it's teeming with many varieties of fish. For more photos beginning with 'C' visit ABC Wednesday.

Bamboo Grove

The afternoon light coming through this bamboo grove at Waimea Valley Audubon Center illuminated the trees so nicely.