So Many Sites To See!

I spent my Saturday doing some sightseeing for the day.  There is SO much to do and see on this tiny island and I want to do it all before I have to leave.  I knocked out Haleiwa, Waimea Bay Falls, Buddhist Temple, and Pali Lookout.  Amazing.  All while tooling around in a bright yellow jeep, haha.  It was a great day.

Surfing capital of the world!  The Triple Crown tournament was getting ready to start up so it was busy up there.  Such beautiful beaches!!

This 1,800 acre historical nature park is located in the lush green Waimea Valley on O'ahu's famous North Shore.  An entire day could be spent here but a nice stroll to the falls was sufficient!

On the way back to Waikiki we stopped at the Buddhist Temple which is a  replica of the 900-year-old Byodo-In located in Uji, Japan. It is located in one of the most peaceful locations in O'ahu - the Valley of the Temples. The valley is situated against a back-drop of tall cliffs and is landscaped with traditional lush Japanese gardens and koi ponds. Outside is a three-ton, brass Peace Bell.   The deep tone of the bell sounds a message of calm and peace.  I rang it ten times - haha!!  Inside the Byodo-In Temple is a nine-foot Lotus Buddha. It is the largest wooden Buddha carved in over 900 years and is covered in gold and lacquer.

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout ("Cool Height Cliff")overlooking the 985 foot cliffs of the Koolau Mountain Range, is one of the best views on O'ahu. It was here in 1795 that King Kamehameha and his warriors defeated the O'ahu armies by sending them over these steep, forested cliffs and claiming his victory and uniting the Hawaiian Islands. The breathtaking sight and the gruesome history of the battle fought here is enough to cause a chill to run up your spine. Add to that the incredible winds that often pass through the Pali and you may be swept off your feet!