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Kualoa Ranch - ATV Tour

Panoramic view of Kualoa Ranch's deep valley - B. O'Rourke 2016

ATV lineup, Kualoa Ranch - B. O'Rourke 2016

The Kualoa Ranch on the North Shore of Oahu, is 4000 acres of history, beautiful landscape and home to many hollywood movie sites. We decided to take a 2 hour ATV tour around the ranch to visit various famous movie site locations including Godzilla and Jurassic park as you can see below. For obvious reasons, anyone that's seen either of these movies would find this to be an exciting part of the tour. 

Godzilla Footprint - B. O'Rourke 2016

Velociraptor Scene - B. O'Rourke 2016

Riding the quad bikes was an adventure in itself. We rode our way through green gullies and dusty and sometimes wet, puddle filled paths from site to site. The valley that surrounded us was breathtaking. Id never experienced such vast landscape and mountains in such close proximity the the foreshore of the ocean. 

Gyro sphere rest spot (Jurassic World), Kualoa Ranch - B. O'Rourke 2016

Following the tour we enjoyed walking around the ranch and getting up close and personal with some of the animals that resided there. Overall it was a great day and an awesome experience.

Ranch horse - B. O'Rourke 2016

Diamond Head Hike

Bike ride along Waikiki Beach Strip  - B. O'Rourke 2016

Looking NW, an Aerial perspective of Diamond Head Crater - Google Maps 2016

Whilst in Waikiki, The Diamond Head Hike was on our to do list. We allocated half a day to hire bikes and ride up to the start of the Diamond Head Hike from where we set off on an adventure to the top. Studying geology, I was particularly interested in the structure that had been left behind. Concrete paths and steep stairways lead to the lookout with great views. To the North West we could overlook Waikiki Beach, looking east in to the belly of the crater, on the horizon we could make out Koko Head crater and South into the pacific ocean as far as the eye could see. Along the ridge-line of the crater were abandoned former war bunkers.

An Easterly perspective looking down into the belly of the crater - B. O'Rourke 2016

Looking down onto Waikiki Beach - B. O'Rourke 2016

Once we'd completed the hike and were at the bottom of the pathway, we decided to treat ourselves with a cool and refreshing shave ice. We then rode our bikes around the other side of the crater where we had magnificent views overlooking surf beaches, beautiful homes and a lighthouse. We then stopped in at quite secluded little beach and enjoyed a swim, hot after our bike ride. 

An awesome memory was made that day. 

Pali Lookout Hike

My Girlfriend Tahlia (Left) Myself (Right) Pali Notches - B. O'Rourke 2016

On Sunday the 24th of April we set off with the intention of hiking the Pali Lookout trail in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Pali lookout itself is an easily accessible lookout of which many tourists visit day in day out. However, we were looking for something a bit more challenging, a bit more adventurous. Myself and a group of friends started on a hike up a steep and slippery mountain with the hope to achieve beautiful sweeping views of Kaneohe Bay area. Dense forest surrounded us as we made our way up the mountain. It was not for the faint hearted. To climb the mountain you needed strength, endurance, flexibility and gripping shoes. It was a lot about team work and encouragement. 

When we arrived at the top, all feeling relieved that we had made it we took a good look around and were in awe of what we could see. Mountain peaks, forestry, development and the ocean. We took a few moments to take it all in right before we were hit with gusty strong winds and intermittent periods of rain. We all stood together, laughed and overall had a really great time.

The trip down the mountain was extremely slippery. We took our time and made it all safely back down the bottom, covered in mud by this stage. It was a great experience and the views I will never forget. 

'Blown away' - B. O'Rourke 2016

Koko Head Crater Trail

Perspective of the scale of Koko Head Crater - Google Maps 2016

After conquering Diamond head earlier in our trip we naively made the decision to attempt the Koko Head Crater Hike. Arriving at the carpark we laid eyes on Koko Crater for the first time. There was a direct path that lead straight up the side of the crater. This can be visualised using the image taken from google maps, on the left hand, a defined track can be identified. This tall and steep climb was very daunting. We prepared ourselves by filling up as much water as we could carry and started walking. 

As we approached the base of the climb, we could hear loud gunshots from a firing range close by. We used this as mock motivation as we began ascending. 

Questioning why we are actually doing this?? - B. O'Rourke 2016

As you can see the track was once an old railway line utilised as a means of transporting supplies for military bunkers in WWII. The steepness of the track required us to essentially squat lunge the entirety of the way. Many times we would stop and have a drink and contemplate if it was worth the enormous effort and physical strength, questioning our fitness to make it to the top, however we persevered and kept going.  I looked back at my girlfriend several time who was struggling hard but in her strong nature, she persisted.  

Relief, almost at the top - B. O'Rourke 2016

We climbed 1048 steep railway stairs to get to the top of Koko Crater. Intense to say the least, but well worth the stunning views. It took some time to recover at the top and take it all in but once rehydrated and rested we had a look around and were in absolute awe of the views and what we'd accomplished. 

Looking East atop Koko Crater - B. O'Rourke 2016

Vast Pacific looking East - B. O'Rourke 2016

We left a picture of us in a wooden box at the top. May it stay there for as long as it can as a memory of us in such an amazing part of the world. 

'Prayer box' - B. O'Rourke 2106

The descent just as steep posed its own challenges. It was slippery and easy to loose footing. We took the opportunity to take some perspective photos and enjoy the scenery from a different angle (and without the thought of impending doom). 

'Holding on' steepness perspective - B. O'Rourke 2016

'Cliffhanger' steepness perspective - B. O'Rourke 2016

Once we completed the hike we took ourselves across to Hanauma Bay to quench our thirst and treat ourselves to a relaxing afternoon of swimming and lazing in the sunshine in another spectacular location. 

Overlooking Hanauma Bay - B. O'Rourke 2016

Cooling off in the bay - B. O'Rourke 2016

What an accomplishment!! - B. O'Rourke 2016

Pearl Harbour

USS Bowfin, Pearl Harbour Memorial - B. O'Rourke 2016

Having been to Pearl Harbour as a child it was a wish of mine to go back again as an adult and experience the historic site with different eyes and attempt to gain a better understanding of what happened in this crucial moment during World War II history. Prior to the USS Arizona Memorial tour we were shown a briefing video that explained the history behind Pearl Harbour and the reasons for the attack. This set a sombre mood. We went on ferry that took us out to the USS Arizona Memorial where a visual perspective could be gained of the sheer size of the sunken vessel. We let our eyes fall upon the thousands of names up on the wall in the memorial.

Name wall, U.S.S. Arizona Memorial - B. O'Rourke 2016

 It was an eery feeling to see that the vessel to this day still leaks fuel which can be seen at the surface. Standing out there that day we contemplated and reflected upon what had happened there many years ago.

Leaking fuel, U.S.S. Arizona Memorial - B. O'Rourke 2016

Gun turrets above surface, U.S.S. Arizona Memorial - B. O'Rourke 2016

Following the ferry out to the USS Arizona Memorial we were able to look one of the anchors of the vessel and again be in awe of the size.

Anchor on display, U.S.S. Arizona Memorial - B. O'Rourke 2016

We continued to walk around Pearl Harbour looking at some of the other monuments which included weaponry and the USS Bowfin submarine all with a hope to gain a better understand of the events of Pearl Harbour.

A gun turret used during WWII, Pearl Harbour Memorial - B. O'Rourke 2016

After visualising what a large impact this had we were reminded of how lucky Australia truly was in the time of the Second World War, not to have such destruction impact upon us as a nation. 

Oahu's North Shore

Walking up to Waimea Falls (bridge lookout) - B. O'Rourke 2016

With heavy tourism present along Honolulu and Waikiki areas, the North Shore of Hawaii isn't as heavily populated with western tourists, however there are plenty of areas to explore. Our first choice was an easy 20 minute walk through spectacularly maintained botanical gardens located at Waimea Valley. The maintained pathway leads through areas of plants of varying origins, with a final destination being Waimea Falls. Of course we took the oppurtunity to have a swim and soak in some of the 'healing properties' of the waters. A lifejacket mandatory we attempted to swim against the falling waters for a photo op, but holding a camera and swimming wasn't easy.

Swimming in Waimea Falls - B. O'Rourke 2016

Seeing as the walk was not too strenuous, visiting Laniakea beach was our second activity for a mandatory North Shore turtle watching visit. This beach was located in Haleiwa, a short drive away.

We were able to take advantage of a big SUV to do so, with a stop off to throw a 'shaka' and obviously snap a photo.

Big rigging and 'shaka' slinging - B. O'Rourke 2016

While the turtles don't do a lot, being up close with these gracious sea creatures is still an awesome experience. Volunteers that protect the turtles when they are on shore provided us with some brief information, the most interesting fact being they were all over about 30 years of age. 

Sea Turtle 'Sapphire' - B. O'Rourke 2016

Sea Turtle 'Loki' - B. O'Rourke 2016

Sea Turtle 'George' - B. O'Rourke 2016

Sea Turtle 'Olivia Dawn' - B. O'Rourke 2016

We needed energy, and what better way than eating out at North Shore's famous food trucks. We shared the evenings experience with a crew of close friends, in which many beach burritos were devoured. With 'Endless Summer' playing on a screen in the background, it was a great finish to any day. Although the sunset on the most northerly point of Oahu's North Shore is something to be admired, with a burning impression forever in our hearts.

North Shore food truck crew - B. O'Rourke 2016

Sunset over the Pacific, A North Shore (Oahu) perspective - B. O'Rourke 2016