Unfortunately since we were anticipating a lot of water today, I didn't bring our digicams with us so no pictures for this section currently as we haven't gotten around to developing the pics we took using our disposable underwater cameras yet. Not that we took very many to begin with. Which is why we haven't developed them yet. Cause I hate wasting film. =)

Anyway, our guidebook recommended that we get to Hanauma really early. Like 7 or 8. We figured, eh, it's a weekday during the winter season, how bad could it be? So we got there around 9. Should've listened to the guidebook. Our first drive-by we couldn't make it into the parking lot cause it was already full. And if you can't find parking there, you're pretty much screwed cause there's no other lots in the area. So we drove past to a lookout down the road and decided to take a u-turn and make another drive-by just in case. Luckily, the parking lot was open again so we managed to make it in.

Then we had to wait quite a while in line to get entrance tickets. After that, a short introductory film was in order that taught what you should and shouldn't do while snorkeling. Then a leisurely stroll down a rather steep road to the bay. Already tons of people there but we were able to stake out a decent place and hit the water. Very pretty place. Many people have said it's usually overpopulated with tourists, which it probably is, but it still is quite pretty. Actually at the time we went it didn't feel too crowded.

Not being very aquatic, we didn't venture out all that far but the fish do come in extremely close to shore. But you need to get out a little farther past the natural rock/reef barrier to catch a glimpse of sea turtles. Erin panicked a few times cause her snorkel wasn't positioned properly and started taking in water and she scuffed up her knee on one of the reefs but overall it was very relaxing. I'd forgotten how damn salty seawater is though. That stuff is pretty darn nasty.

Anyway, we called it a day around noon and started the trek back up to the parking lot. Actually morning is probably the best time to go cause there's less people. By the time we were heading up, tons of people were coming in. Although the water is colder in the morning.

We headed off to lunch and finally was able to make it to Gomaichi! Super psyched! =) Place hasn't changed at all; neither has the food. Management changed though. Gorged myself on their tan-tan ramen and char siu which is one of a kind. Great stuff. =) Erin wasn't that impressed since she apparently has something against eating noodle soup on hot days. Although apparently eating hot pot year round is just fine. =p

Having no afternoon plans we just drove around for a little while. Hit the relatively new Waiola Shave Ice store on Kapahulu (a bit further down the street that our hotel was located on) for some yummy ice. Wasn't enough so then I drove around looking for the old one that I used to go to which turned out to be the Waiola Shave Ice on Waiola. Consensus is the ice at the original store on Waiola is better than the Kapahulu location. Much finer shave makes for a better treat. =) The Kapahulu location wasn't bad but Erin felt their mochi wasn't up to snuff. But no place on the mainland that I've visited can compare to what you can get on Oahu which is a pity cause this stuff is awesome. =)

After having our fill of shaved ice, we decided to find a laundromat to get some laundry done. Found the place that happened to be right across the street from where my cousin used to live so spent about 2 hours getting all our stuff washed and dried. I think we skipped dinner this evening cause we were still stuffed with ice and ramen. =)

But I did schedule us to see the Magic of Polynesia Starring John Hirokawa magic show this evening though. Again, buy 1 get 1 free tickets through our Entertainment.com coupon book. =) It was an entertaining enough show. Very similar to the Horizons show that we saw the night before at the Polynesian Cultural Center though, just on a smaller scale. And with magic throughout. And audience participation. Made more humorous cause once again they picked on a Japanese tourist. And an old one at that. But the guy was a good sport and the humor good-natured so it was a fun time. We got seated right against the stage though a bit off-center amongst the Japanese contingent but had a pretty good view of everything going on.

Afterwards I stopped by The Cheesecake Factory to pick up a slice of key lime cheesecake before heading back to our hotel. Mmm, cheesecake... Key lime... =)