January 6, 2001 - Saturday

Between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach - (Oahu), Hawaii

While I was updating the journal today, I found a flea on me. It was from Maria's cat and there were many more to come. I had to get out of the apartment.

I took a ride up to Hanauma Bay to go snorkeling. Its no wonder the bay is an ecological disaster in the making with so many tourists being dropped off to go snorkeling and swimming around the hour.

"Tourist Trap Alert!" - The beach had hundreds of kids there. Snorkel rental starts at an astounding $30. The water was calm due to the semi-enclosed bay. The green water lapped lazily against the long stretch of sandy beach. The water was green because you get green water when you mix turquoise water with yellow water. The turquoise water was supplied by the Sea God, Neptune. The yellow water was supplied by the screaming kids.

After exploring Hanauma Bay for a while, I went to Sandy Beach - a long stretch of beach with neck-breaking waves. There were swimmers, surfers, boogey boarders in the water and a few people were practicing their hang-gliding skills on land.

I headed north on a hot hike through dry scrublands. I had to do the hike fast so I could catch the bus and meet up with my cousins for dinner at 6:00. I was rewarded with an incredible view of the Waimanalo Bay and Pacific Ocean south of the lookout.

I had a really good vegan dinner at my cousin Patty and Kelii's house. I haven't seen them in more than 15 years and they still looked the same.