Skydiving!

Skydiving was one of those things I said I would never do. But all it takes is some good friends who want to do it, and all of a sudden it sounds like a good idea. Plus we're in Hawaii where it's relatively cheap and the views are unparalleled. So we headed to the North Shore...

I felt a little nervous when I signed all my rights away in the legal consent forms, but when they showed a video of someone doing the jump it seemed so simple and safe that I felt good. My tandem master set me up in the gear, and before I knew it we were all in a small airplane heading 14000 ft above sea level. The views of the north shore were breathtaking as we ascended. When we reached the maximum altitude I felt pretty pretty good, and since my instructor was doing the physical act of jumping there was not much left for me to think about. We approached the exit and jumped! I experienced the instinctual fear of falling to the death for about 2 seconds before feeling the adrenaline take over. Then it was really like a dream. It was euphoric. I can't really describe the rest of the experience cause I'm not sure what happened. You have to do it. Don't tell my mom.

Kauai Redux

Went back to Kauai. Did the hike to Hanakepai beach the first day. Only guavas and avocados were in season. Remember that cave... it's changed... it's full of sand now. You have to crawl through the opening on the other side. Went hunting for opihi and crab in the rocky zone. There were lots of big pools. Saw an octopus and my friend went for it. When he stuck the knife into the beast, it shot its tentacles up to his arm, he flinched, and it got away. Would have been delicious. It was amazing to see it do a camo-shift when it spotted us. In one of the bigger pools there were lots of fish so we speared a few. We set up camp on the beach, between the rocks and the little stream and had a great meal. Eat local. The next day we checked out the water falls and hiked out. Drove to Waimea Canyon which was pretty amazing. Did a park and camp at a state park, and the next day we hiked for 7 hours on a trail that took us to the edge of a peak between two amazing valleys further south from Kalalau beach... really amazing place. Then we drove on an unpaved road for several miles to this huge beach where we spent our last night. It was cool having a car and seeing the whole island. Here's a few pics

Big Island!

Went to the Big Island for a week. The landscapes make it feel like you're visiting several different planets. You definitely have to get a car, this is the country. I wish I would've gotten a 4x4 cause there were some lava roads I couldn't access with my economy golf-cart. I spent 5 days there and drove 600 miles all around the island. Loved seeing the lava pouring into the ocean. You drive up to the end of a road and walk through some old lava. The access point "closes" at 10pm, but several locals say that after the guards leave you can walk really close to the flow. Next time. Definitely take a flashlight. Southpoint was cool too. Lot of huge cliffs with waves crashing into them. There's a spot where it's safe to cliff jump but I didn't have anybody who would do it with me, so that's my excuse. The beaches on the Kona side are really nice, I saw tons of turtles. Waipio valley reminds me of Kauai, it's really beautiful and well worth the hike. Can't wait to go back!

Went to Kailua for a kayak tour with a group of 6 hostelers. We had a couple days of rain and hurricane winds, but the water was calm. It was a smooth ride to Lanikai beach where we stopped for a short break and some pictures. Then we headed to Molokua Island. Saw a beautiful Hawaiian Sea Turtle on the way there, poking its head out of the water. It was cloudy so we didn't get a great view of the mountains. We spent most of the time snorkeling. Headed back and ate some pizza at Bob's. Best pizza since I left Brooklyn, I recommend Bob's special slice.