Day 3 -- Oahu, Hawaii

6/12/2016 Sunday

Today, we decided to start exploring the East side of the island. First, we went to the Halona Blowhole to check it out. On the way there, we passed by Hanauma Bay and saw the beautiful view while driving.

Halona in Hawaiian language means "Lookout" and when the waves were large, we could see the spray of water through the hole. The Halona Blowhole is also a great spot for whale watching during the winter months.

Next, we stopped by the Kailua beach. We had to park our car pretty far as there is a canoe contest being held. I think this beach is one of the most beautiful beach that I have visited in Oahu. Again, the kids had a great time swimming and playing in the ocean with the dads watching after them while the moms take a break :-) 

On the way back to our car, Madison found some pretty flower (Plumeria). It's one of the most common flowers that we see in Hawaii.

We also went to the Byodo-In Temple. When we were waiting for a stop light making a left turn, we saw the cemetery and thought that the GPS has the wrong address since we couldn't see the temple in sight. Luckily, as we drove towards the guard, there was a sign pointing us to go straight and we also asked the guard. He told us to keep going straight and turn as the temple is on the right hand side.

The Byodo-In temple is a replica of the real temple in Japan. It is a smaller version of the real temple and was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. There is a small admission fee to help upkeep the temple.

As you cross the bridge, on the left is the Sacred Bell (Bon-Sho) where one is supposed to ring the bell once before you enter the temple as the sound of the bell is to cleanse the mind of evil spirits and temptation. All of us took turns to ring the bell once.

Then we walked towards the temple and on the way, we passed by the koi ponds and the kids spent some time watching the fishes.

We took off our shoes before entering the temple out of respect/requirement. There is a golden Buddha in the middle where we pay our respect and burned the incense.

Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel to rest before venturing out for dinner to celebrate my sister in law's birthday. I took a 2 hour nap as I wasn't feeling too well at this time. So after dinner, we went back to the hotel.