Last week I took summer vacation and went to Hawaii. My elementary-school child's first trip abroad. Friends travel overseas every year; after endless pleading we finally gave in. (◎＾o＾◎)
A world-class resort where Japanese is understood—naturally popular. Four nights, six days, and
with limited time we could only hit the highlights—first, classic Waikiki Beach at dusk ＝photo top left. That day we swam a little, strolled the shore waiting for sunset past 7 p.m. Few clouds; very satisfied. (!)
Next, the sandbar ＝top photo. About an hour northeast over the mountains from central-south Oahu to Kaneohe Bay—fine white coral sand in a shallow shelf, sometimes fully exposed at low tide. Even frequent visitors haven't been there. We made this our must-see. (^_^)
Tours with hotel pickup from Waikiki abound—mostly Japanese. Snorkeling, turtles, sandbar walks in half- or full-day combos around $100 per person.
At the harbor used for "Pirates of the Caribbean," we quickly
boarded a large "mother ship" near the sandbar, then switched to smaller boats for activities.
We chose snorkeling, turtle watching, and sandbar walk (~$230 for three). Snorkeling among coral and fish was perfect ＝photo top right.
Then sea turtles—one, two in the waves, heads lifting, adorable ＝photo left.
Finally walking the sandbar. Slightly cloudy but emerald water and white sand—"heaven's sea." Top photo: waist-deep off a small boat. Wished it were shallower for exposed sand—we'll wait for the next
chance. Still the kids swam and dove, thrilled. Photo left: "Jurassic Park" filmed across the bay ＝photo bottom right. :)
Hawaii colors feel different. UV is said to be six times Japan's. Setting sunburn aside, bathed in such strong light,
scenery may look different too. (.)
Palaceside Building B1 "Mainichi Travel" handles overseas tours and local optionals. Major Japanese agencies have Honolulu desks. We booked three local tours including the sandbar online the morning of departure, confirmed via free Wi-Fi on arrival. Family said plan ahead—but it worked. Whew! (.)