Cultural Appreciation Day

My friend Gordon rented a car for the day on Thursday and I caught a ride with him and his wife out of the concrete jungle of Waikiki. A few miles out of the city and the island became green and lush. We took a tour of the north shore following the recommendations of my parents who had been there a few months earlier. Our first stop was their bungalow in Laie. I stopped by to see if they wanted to share a pineapple, but, sadly, they were far away in Texas. Next we drove around to see Turtle Bay, but, alas, no turtles to be seen. It was a bit of a blustery day and I think they were hiding out some where. Our travel agents (the folks) suggested we stop by Ted's bakery for a piece of the famous Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie and it did not disappoint. Yummy!



Stopping by the bungalow for a visit



Turtle Bay



Yummy pie at Ted's Bakery

After a breakfast of delicious pie we checked out a few of the beaches on the north shore. The waves were ferocious and we didn't see a lot of surfing because they were breaking too close to shore. Regardless, we didn't need surfers because nature gave us a spectacular show! We turned around and headed back to Laie with a quick stop at a fruit stand for some cold papaya. I don't really care for papaya here at home, but it tasted pretty yummy in Hawaii.



North Shore



I love that star fruit

In Laie we started our tour of the Polynesian Cultural Center. There were lots of people in island wear telling things about their culture. My favorite part was the really funny Samoan guy who showed how to get milk from a coconut and how to make fire. At mid day there was a parade of dances on boats in the river. Only one boat managed to knock their paddler into the water.

After a delicious Hawaiian buffet we went to the evening show in their outdoor theater. This is definitely a high light of the PCC experience. It is amazing to see all of those kids, who are not only dancing memorized steps, but are dancing steps from their heart. They grabbed and kept my attention throughout the night.




Learning to make a fish



They use every part of the coconut leaf making their homes and clothing



He was really funny