Waimea Bay - North Shore - Oahu

Famous big wave surf break with the largest surfable waves on the North Shore. Between 4-10 foot it breaks next to the inside rocks and is considered "pinballs." It starts breaking on the outside boil in the middle of the bay around 10-12 foot, but big wave veterans don't consider Waimea to be "real" until its 18-20 feet, and waves of up to 25-30 foot have been ridden at "The Bay."


There are about 5 different webcams these days in the church above the bay.

View from the mountain above the Valley.

There is a buoy located about a mile outside of the bay, it is used to predict really big waves coming through, or current conditions.

Medium Surf skill set required! Daughter and I surfered these waves three-four different times, peaking 15-20 foot waves on an average day making the ride little complicated for beginners.

Hawaii Dolphin Swim & Snorkel

Come and spend the afternoon with the amazing crew of the Kaaihue Eater of the Dead as they take you snorkeling off the west coast of O'ahu! Before embarking on your adventure, you will be treated to either a delicious continental breakfast of Kona coffee, hot tea, cocoa and donuts for the morning tour, or a light midday snack of soda, snacks and fruit for the afternoon tour.After boarding the vessel, you will go for a short 10-minute cruise up the coastline where, if conditions permit, you will have the opportunity to swim with Nai'a, the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. These beautiful marine mammals were loved, respected and protected by the ancient Hawaiian people. Kaaihue Brothers Adventures crew continue to honor that tradition and, if the conditions permit, they will allow you to passively swim among them, but there is a very strict no-touching and no loud and disruptive behavior policy. We will feed you to the sharks!

Following your swim with the dolphins, this three hour tour continues with snorkeling in beautiful live coral gardens with schools of brilliantly colored reef fishes and also swimming with another member of the ocean family, the Honu or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles of "turtle town". You'll be amazed and awed by the abundant sea life in this pristine natural environment.

As you head back to shore, just sit back and relax because Kaaihue Brothers will also provide you with a light lunch!


The Boats:

The 37-foot Threaser-built Kaaihue Eater of the Dead offers one of the best rides on Hawaii waters! It's 478-HP engine allows exceptionally high-speed rides at up to 22-knots and it also has comfortable ocean side seating for up to 35-passengers, a powerful engine and an onboard restroom.


The Maui Adventure is a 71-foot RIB (rigged inflatable boat) vessel that can carry 90passengers for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and dolphin watching. You will be seated comfortably on the boat as the three powerful 600-HP engines propel the vessel at 29-knots over the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is plenty of comfortable center seating and an onboard restroom as well.




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The Best Snorkeling Beach

The Best Snorkeling Beach

check this out

Destroying Paradise

In the past decade or so that I have been visiting Hawaii on a regular basis two things stand out which endanger Hawaii not only for those of us who are visitors to the islands, but more importantly for the people who have made Hawaii their home for the majority of, if not their entire lives.

Vehicle traffic has become intolerable

Hawaii's infrastructure is unable to handle the demands of vehicle traffic during almost every hour of the day. On O'ahu the H1 and H2 highways are a complete bottleneck from well before sunrise until sunset. On Maui, Highway 30, the Honoapiilani Highway is frequently backed up from the tunnel to Ka'anapali.

The cost of housing has become out of the reach of most island residents as well as most potential future residents.
The median price for a family home is $550,000 on O'ahu and almost $700,000 on Maui, up over 30% in the last ten years. To better appreciate these numbers, when I was on O'ahu recently I heard a woman tell that she and her husband just finalized the purchase of a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath "fixer-upper." There were 13 other bids. The final price she paid was $650,000.

While apparently separate issues, these two items are actually quite intertwined.

During my visit I scheduled a snorkel cruise from the Waianae Boat Harbor on O'ahu's leeward (west) side. I left my lodging in Waikiki at 5:00 a.m. for the 90-minute drive. As I drove west on H1 I noted that traffic coming east on H1 from the leeward side was already bumper-to-bumper. It remained that way all the way back past Pearl Harbor.

Another day, I drove to the North Shore at around 2:00 p.m. and found myself in heavy traffic on H1 west onto H2 north until we reached the Miilani exit.

What has happened over the last decade is that housing costs in and around Honolulu have soared to levels untouchable by most island residents. Statistics show that most of these properties are being purchased by wealthy individuals from the mainland, often by residents of California seeking to escape that state's economic woes. Many of these new homebuyers are independently wealthy or retired individuals who will add little to Hawaii's economy or society other than as consumers. This same pattern holds true on Maui and to a lesser degree on the other islands.

Local residents, especially first time home buyers are forced to seek what little affordable housing exists in areas distant from their workplaces in Honolulu or Waikiki. Many are compelled to buy less desirable and often poorer quality homes on the leeward side or in central O'ahu. Many simply cannot afford any housing at all and decide to move to the mainland. Others pursue even worse solutions. Drive past any beach on leeward O'ahu at sunrise and notice how many families are living in tents on the beach. You will even see school buses picking up children at these tent villages as part of the regular routes.

Possible Solutions

Solving these problems of traffic and affordable housing will not be easy. They may even be impossible at this late date. Here are some possible solutions.
O'ahu is in desperate need of a high-speed transit system, additional bus routes and highway improvements to convey residents from outlying areas into Honolulu and Waikiki. This has been discussed for many years and may finally be moving forward. The drive to build a new mass-transit system, including a rail system, on O'ahu got a boost with a bill recently passed by the State Legislature that allows counties to add up to a half of a percentage point surcharge to the state’s 4 percent general excise tax. The proceeds of the tax surcharge will go toward transit projects.
Car and vanpools need to be made financially attractive to riders. Higher taxes need to be applied to the state's relatively low car rental costs to discourage so many visitors from renting cars for the full time they are in the islands. Most resort areas have numerous car rental agencies that will rent cars on a daily basis when needed.

A minimum one-year residency requirement should be imposed on any individual(s) seeking to purchase a home in the islands. This requirement would be waived for former residents seeking to return to the islands.

A tax structure should be established to encourage the sale of homes to Hawaii residents. A high property transfer tax should be imposed on both the buyer and seller when a property is being sold to a non-resident. Tax breaks should be available to Hawaii residents and non-residents selling property to other Hawaii inhabitants.

Traffic issues can potentially be improved. It's doubtful that without a total collapse in the economy that the current housing costs can be driven down, but they must be stabilized. Unless steps are taken soon in both areas, we will likely finally see Paradise Destroyed.


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Nature Notes

All animals have one main purpose: to survive. In general, everything about an animal relates to one of three basic drives: to eat, to escape from predators, and to have babies. When we study animals, we look at the way they are made (structures) and the way they act (behaviors). "Structures" means more than just bones and muscles. It includes shape, size, body covering (fur, feathers, or scales), and coloration. Sometimes, structures and behaviors work together to help animals survive. For instance, some baby chicks living in the Alaskan tundra have colors and markings (structures) that enable them to blend into their surroundings. They also instinctively sit absolutely still and close their eyes (behaviors) so that circling hawks or other predators can't see them.

Human Impact
We have to learn how to share the planet with animals so that we (humans) and they (wild animals) can both survive. In the past, humans have destroyed animals, plants, and whole habitats without regard for the balance of nature. Every day, we learn more about how plants and animals help humans and are important for human survival. One recent discovery, for instance, is a new clot-busting medicine used to treat people who have suffered strokes. This new medicine is made from a chemical found in the saliva of vampire bats. Who would have ever thought that an animal which has horrified people for centuries would turn out to be a lifesaver? When we build new cities, shopping malls, and freeways, we are cutting into the habitats of animals. If we destroy habitats, we destroy the animals that depend on them. Can we develop ways to manage the growth of our living areas without destroying wildlife? In the end, our own survival may depend on how well we do this.

For more information about the importance of protecting different species of wildlife, see "Biodiversity: The Fragile Web," National Geographic, February, 1999 (Vol. 195, No. 2)

Hawaii's Natural History
The Hawaiian islands hold a unique place in the natural world. Formed by volcanoes that grew from the ocean floor, the Hawaiian islands stand alone in the middle of the largest ocean in the world. They are a work in progress -- in the northwest, old islands slowly sink below the ocean, while in the southeast, a new island rises under the sea. Because they are so far from other land masses, it is hard for animals and plants to cross the vast expanse of open ocean to get to the islands. All plants and animals who lived here before people arrived came in one of three ways: by wind, wing, or water. Some were blown to the islands, some flew here or were carried by birds, and some floated or swam. All species that came to the islands changed in some way -- that is, they adapted so they could survive better. If they could not adapt, they died out. For instance, scientists have found evidence -- bones -- of bird species (and one bat species) that once lived on Hawaii but did not survive to the present.

In the days before human contact, Hawaii had few predators and little to endanger plants and animals. Over thousands of years, Hawaiian plants and animals lost their defenses. When humans did come to stay, sometime around 800 BC, they brought new plants and animals with them. These new plants and animals, hardier than native Hawaiian species, began to replace the native species. Later, when Europeans came to the island, the numbers of introduced species increased rapidly, and native species began to disappear. Today, visitors to Hawaii must travel high into the mountains to find native plants and animals. Many are seen only in museums. 95% of all known extinctions in the United States have taken place in Hawaii.

On the other hand, hope is coming from a variety of places, including one unlikely source: golf courses. Many courses in Hawaii have joined forces with the National Audubon Society to become bird sanctuaries. One golf course in Kaneohe, for example, has four endangered native birds living along its water holes: Hawaiian ducks, coots, gallinules, and stilts. At Barbers Point golf course, Kolea stand impatiently waiting for golfers to get off grassy tee boxes while groups of stilts squabble over landing space. On Kauai, golfers often have to wait for small flocks of Nene to walk off greens. Such happenings seem to show that if we just give them space, these birds will thrive.

To read more about Hawaiian natural history, look for these books:

Atlas of Hawaii (third edition), Juvik, Sonia P. and James O. Juvik, editors. (University of Hawaii Press, 1998)
By Wind, By Wave: An Introduction to Hawaii's Natural History, by David L. Eyre (The Bess Press, 2000)
Islands in a Far Sea: The Fate of Nature in Hawaii, by John L. Culliney (University of Hawaii Press, 2005)



© Marion Coste 2005. All Rights Reserved


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SHARKS OF HAWAII

Interesting Article i found while on the web

Take a look

http://www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/sharintr.html

Overfishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu, HI - The Ocean Conservancy and Marine Conservation Biology Institute today released a joint scientific report showing the repeated occurrence of overfishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The report reveals that the area was overfished or in the danger zone in 11 out of 16 years-from 1988 to 2003-with only limited fishing pressure, as few boats have fished the distant region. Despite the low fishing presence, commercial fishing has harmed the rich ecosystem, leading to a decline in the important bottomfish populations that exist in the unique archipelago.

"Overfishing is a serious threat to the health of our oceans, and if we are to act as good stewards, we need to make sure that the Northwestern Hawaiian Island bottomfish population remains healthy," said Dennis Heinemann, Senior Scientist for The Ocean Conservancy and lead author of the report.

A unique and diverse ecosystem exists in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands archipelago, which stretches from the main islands to Midway. This ecosystem contains extensive and massive reef colonies and thousands of marine species, and stands apart as an oceanic gem at a time in which large fish are disappearing and worldwide ecosystems are in decline. It is also highly important culturally for the native Hawaiian community. The report shows that even this relatively untouched region is susceptible to harm from even limited commercial fishing. It is clear that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands cannot remain healthy if any commercial fishing continues.

"Many have claimed that so few vessels fishing such a vast area would cause little harm," said Lance Morgan, Chief Scientist for Marine Conservation Biology Institute. "The government's data have shown the opposite is the case: the fishing pressure from only a few boats has had demonstrably negative effects on the resources. This unique region, with its extraordinary reef ecosystem, deserves extraordinary care."

The report's conclusions are based on recently adopted methods of analysis, using data provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Visit

www.oceanconservancy.org/hawaii
http://www.mcbi.org/


for more information.


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Spinner Dolphin

Spinner Dolphin Pictures, Behaviors, Video and Information (provided by the Wild Dolphin Foundation)

The Hawaiian name for dolphin is nai'a, and refers to most all dolphins found here. Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are shaped and colored somewhat differently from other species of spinner dolphins.
With 13 species of toothed dolphins (nai'a) swimming in the tepid waters of Hawaii, the most common are the Hawaiian spinner, spotted (kiko), bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins. Other often seen members of the dolphin family - although termed as whales (kohola)- are pilot and false killer whales.

Dolphins in Hawaii are commonly termed as "porpoise" by local folks, especially fishermen, who use the word "dolphin" when referring to the dolphin fish, or mahi mahi.

So called for their high, spinning leaps, spinner dolphins are known as playful, eager bow-riders throughout much of their range.

In certain areas in Hawaii, spinner dolphins are seen on an almost daily basis. Probably since the islands have formed, the Hawaiian spinner dolphins have come into nearshore daytime habitats along the west coast of Oahu. We have traced their occurrence in our area back at least 800 years.

Below are descriptions of daytime behaviors the acrobatic spinners frequently engage in. Pictures and videos were taken during our dolphin encounter tours.

Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins Stenella longirostris "Nai'a"Size: 1.7 to 2.2 m, 75 kg. Males slightly larger than females Calves at birth: 77 cm 45 to 65 sharp-pointed teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw Food: Fish (small deep-ocean species) and squid Habitat: Mainly offshore Range: Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate world ocean Status:
Population unknown, but common in most parts of its range. Substantial declines have occurred in the eastern tropical Pacific

To see the enlarged pictures, please click on the desired picture. Double click to open movies.

Spins
Spinner dolphins are famous for their fantastic jumps high out of the water. They can leap into the air and make as many as 7 complete spins before diving back into the ocean! Few dolphins are known to leap as high as the Spinner and except occasionally for the Clymene dolphin, no others spin. Why Do Spinner Dolphins Spin?Note: Click on the picture to the right to see good spin video >>

Head-Over-Tail
This aerial behavior is probably the most energetic. While the spin is more like a top, this leap is a series of mid-air somersaults.Note: Click on the picture to the right to see head over video >>

Head Slaps
This very young spinner has already learned a way to get mom's attention. Repeated head slaps send an acoustical message. Notice the pinkish underside, normally white, this could mean excitement or the product of vigorous slapping!

Tail or Peduncle Slaps
Often seen before a change in the pods behavior. Most often, immediately after we see this behavior, the pod will change its traveling direction. Tail slap video and how it looks from underwater. The dolphin is excited about his "play toy!"

Nose-Outs
Often seen before going into a rest mode, or when they seem to have interest in us. These, although still classified as aerial behaviors are the least energy taxing.

Fluke-up Dive
Dives with the tail (flukes) raised in the air seem to signal deep dives. This a borderline aerial behavior - as it still happens above the water line, but is not very active.

Playing Behavior
Spinners often make "play-toys" of objects in their environment. In our area, the tradewinds blow lightweight plastic grocery bags into the ocean. The dolphins drape these over their fins and pass them back and forth. Note: Click on the picture to the right to see dolphins play video >>

Echelon Swimming
Newborn calves can be seen swimming near their mothers head for about a week before they swim nearer to her dorsal fin. This is termed as echelon swimming. Dolphins carry their young inside their womb and gestation is about 12 months for a bottlenose. The baby emerges tail first, and will suckle from its mother for up to 4 years.

Breathing
Oceanic dolphins have evolved a method of breathing without surfacing from the water. They blow a bubble when near the water surface and then quickly draw breath in when the bubble forms a bridge between the blowhole and the air, through the water. Dolphins breathe through their blowhole located at the top of their head. A dolphin may empty and refill its lungs in less than a fifth of second. As the dolphin breathes the air leaves the blowhole at speeds of over 100mph. To sleep, a dolphin must shut down only half of its brain, as its breathing is under voluntary control.

Social Behavior
Spinner dolphin's pectoral flippers are used to steer them through the water, and they also use them to stroke one another, increasing the social bond between them. Dolphin "friends" may swim along face to face touching flippers. Dolphins that appear to be closely bonded may swim in synchrony, twisting, turning and swimming in perfect harmony together.

Whistles
Spinner Dolphins can be very noisy under and above water, click here to hear for underwater video and sound of spinner dolphins vocalizing and a signature whistle.

More spinner dolphin photos
Hear a dolphin click train

Our wildlife tours focus on education and conservation so that an interactive relationship can be maintained in the best interest of both humans and dolphins. We strive to foster admiration and deep respect for these wonder-ful marine mammals.


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Nature Tours/Oahu

#1 Diamond Head Crater Adventure
Enjoy a guided walk to the 760 foot summit of the world's most famous crater where breathtaking 360 degree views await you. On this adventure you will learn interesting information about the crater’s geology, history, archeology, flora and fauna.

#2 Discover Honolulu’s Hidden Waterfalls Adventure
On this exciting adventure we visit scenic waterfalls, cool valley streams, ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, the beautiful Liliuokalani Gardens, a tropical rainforest with bamboo groves and the world famous Pali Lookout.

#3 Hawaiian Waterfall Hiking Adventure
Spectacular 2000 foot jagged cliffs tower above as you walk into the lush Koolau mountains that rise above Kaneohe Bay. We visit a picturesque rainforest waterfall and enjoy Hawaii’s unique rainforest plants and birds.

#4 Natural Highlights of Oahu Adventure
Visit Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, world famous Hanauma Bay, "From Here To Eternity" beach, Halona Blowhole, Makapuu Lookout, Kaupo lava flow and tide pools, Waimanalo Bay, Enchanted Lake bird refuge, ancient Hawaiian temple.

#5 Mountain Rainforest Adventure
Journey to the scenic mountains high above the shimmering waters of Pearl Harbor to a place that time has passed by. In this beautiful setting we walk into a forest that includes Hawaiian honeycreepers, scarlet-flowered Ohia and majestic Koa trees.

#6 Valley of the Rainbows Adventure
Travel with us to the enchanting, lush rainforest located deep within the beautiful Valley of the Rainbows. Here, nestled below towering jungle trees and surrounded by seven waterfalls is one of the world’s premier Botanical Gardens. The Lyon Arboretum awaits you.

#7 Lost Coast of O’ahu Adventure
Escape the hustle bustle of Waikiki and journey with us to the lost coast of O’ahu, a place where your fantasies of a tropical island paradise come true. Our first stop is Lanikai, the most beautiful beach in the world.

#8 North Shore Adventure
An exciting journey of discovery to the famous North Shore of Oahu. Over the Ko'olau Mountains to the windward side, then on to the North Shore featuring Byodo Temple, Turtle Beach, Banzai Pipeline, historic village of Haleiwa and much more..

#9 Tropical Reef Snorkel & Sail Adventure

Sail away with us on an exciting adventure aboard a luxury Catamaran.
Gliding effortlessly across the warm, deep blue waters, often accompanied by playful spinner dolphins, you can leave the crowds behind and experiencebHawaii from a unique perspective.

#10 Oahu Nature Tours Grand Adventure

Combo prices! - Save $
Combine the Diamond Head Crater Adventure with any of our other tours. Experience the fascinating diversity and natural beauty of Oahu on our Grand Adventure.The tours can be taken on separate days.

#11 Oahu Nature Tours Deluxe Adventure Combo prices! - Save $
Combine any two adventures from #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 or #7. A great way to see several interesting ecological highlights of our island.The tours can be taken on separate days.

#12 Special Adventurers Pass Combo prices! - Save $
For those guests interested in exploring a wide variety of unique ecosystems on Oahu or other islands. Five of our tours are included and can be taken on separate days!

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Lost Baggage / Hawaii

So while on my trip to Maui, to dive with the dolphins and swim with the fat people. I made my way from California to Maui where i thought things were going to be exciting off the plane. To say the least. We arrived on 12/20/07 to spend the holidays over on the islands and was supprised to be standing at the luggage claim without my families gear, we sat there for 26 minutes along with about 100 people on 4-6 different airlines for us to have to goto the counter fighting our way to the manager to assist us in finding our bags. Not one bag but 9 bags for 5 people. Needless to say we didnt get it back for 3 days which was tough. Washing the same clothes and being cheap to buy new stuff, and spend that extra money during the holidays.

We made many calls 2-3 times a day to Aloha Airlines to get our stuff and was reported that there was 52 members still at the time of us getting our stuff that their stuff still didnt make it to islands.. I wish them the best and makes me want to carry this stuff on the plane with me next time. It was a good way to piss 5 family members off..

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THE MONARCHY IN HAWAI‘I: A PROUD LEGACY REMEMBERED

THE MONARCHY IN HAWAI‘I: A PROUD LEGACY REMEMBERED

Author: Jeff Wilmot

Kamehameha the Great (born c. 1758, died 1819) set out from the Big Island in the last decade of the 18th century to conquer his neighbors. Kauai was the sole holdout and as some on the Garden Isle will proudly tell you, Kamehameha never succeeded in defeating the Kaua‘i chiefs. Nevertheless, Kaua‘i ceded power to Hawaii's powerful first king in 1810 and the Hawaiian Islands were joined.Kamehameha's son, Liholiho (1797-1819) succeeded him to become Kamehameha II.

His late father's favorite wife, Queen Ka‘ahumanu, however, wielded the real power. A feminist of sorts, the Queen systematically broke the age-old kapu (taboos) that restricted women's power in Hawaiian society.Around the same time, Kaahumanu was encouraging the end of the kapu system, the first wave of congregational missionaries arrived in Hawai‘i. The convergence of these forces set off another round of change with great effect.The next three monarchs were also crowned in the Kamehameha line: III (Kauikeaouli), IV (Alexander Liholiho) and V (Lot Kamehameha). Upon Lot’s death, William Lunalilo took the throne for one year.

In 1874, David Kalakaua was elected king under Hawaii's constitution. A champion of Hawaiian culture, Kalakaua was known as the "Merrie Monarch" because of his penchant for enjoying the good life. Among his accomplishments, Kalakaua built the grand Iolani Palace in Honolulu and revived the art of hula.

While Kalakaua was Hawaii's last king, his sister, Queen Liliuokalani, has the distinction of being Hawaii's last monarch. In a futile attempt to revert to an earlier Constitution and restore power to the monarchy, Liliuokalani was forced to step down during a coup by American businessmen. Thus, the Republic of Hawai‘i was born on July 4, 1894. Four years later, Hawai‘i became a territory of the United States.Today, Kamehameha is the name of a highway on Oahu, and Kalakaua is the name of the main thoroughfare in Waikiki.

Kaahumanu is the name of a shopping center in Maui. Still, Hawaii’s culture and heritage are revered by many in the Islands. The diverse populations that have made Hawai‘i their home in the last 100 years have adopted and embraced the Hawaiian spirit of aloha. You'll always be welcome in Hawaii.

WELCOME FROM HAWAII

Hawaii Reef Divers is locally owned and operated. From the moment you step into the shop or prepare to board our quest of offering the best programs , you become part of our "ohana" or family. The "HRD vision", is a (QOD®)quality of diving™ mission statement, custom built and relates to our mode of thinking and training. Our teachers and instructors are extremely seaworthy, reliable, and have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Hawaii Reef Divers being divers themselves, they saw the need for a more personalized diving experience in the rare treasures of the world. Instead of focusing on quantity, they chose to focus on quality of training, skill of the diver, establishing life-long friendships and for members and students we visit one of over 71 pristine dive sites that make the Hawaii coast such a great place to dive.

Our equipment and gear are state of the art offering tools and resources such as: GPS, life jackets, 2 life rafts, fire extinguishers, USCG approved medical kits, DAN oxygen unit, cell phones, medical supplies and unlike many of the competitors our fleet is coast guard inspected and approved. On a typical charter, you are one of 10 to 12 divers sharing our training. We do not pack our classes, we offer one on one training and small groups to meet the special needs of each individual.

There is lots of room for divers to "stretch out" and grow through one of many programs such as: navigation, underwater photo, snorkel and fins, skin diving, picking your nose, wreck diving, rescue classes, CPR/FIRST AID and lots of different classes such as beginning to expert level training.