Today was our last full day in paradise and we wanted to see some sights and spend some time at the temple while we were here! We decided to rent a car and spend the day checking out the North Shore. We had taken the drive on Tuesday when we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, but wanted to go again just to see the breathtaking mountain ranges. So we left pretty early in the morning and took our time going to the temple just so we could stop along the way and take pictures.
We also made a stop to get pictures of Chinamans Hat. It was one of Mike's favorite things and he wanted to paddleboard out to it one day.
The rest of the drive we enjoyed watching the waves crash along the shoreline and gazing upon the green mountain ranges. They actually filmed Lost in one of these mountain valleys, and since it's Mikes favorite TV series we stopped to grab some pictures of that too.
I think next to our very own Rocky Mountains, this is one of our new favorite mountain ranges. They were seriously so pretty! After a quick breakfast we made it to the temple nice and early. I was glad to be able to attend a session there with my sweetheart. What a beautiful place!
We enjoyed a walk around the grounds after and then headed back to our awesome little rental car for our next adventure. We drove along the North shore scoping out beaches and spent the afternoon in the ocean at Waimea Bay.
Later in the afternoon we rented a stand up paddle board and ventured up a river which lets out into the ocean. The guy at the little shop we rented from told us that if we went up the river we would probably see some turtles. We decided to rent one board because it would be cheaper and more fun to double. I layed on the board and Mr. Stannix stood above me with his feet on either side and off we went. I think the guy was doubtful that we would be able to make it without falling off, but we're awesome like that. Half way up the river Mike spotted a turtle. I couldn't see it right away because of my angle to the water. It was the HUGEST turtle I have ever seen! When it swam beside us under the water it was the size of half our board and definitely the width if not more. We followed it around the river for quite some time. It's no wonder they like it there, the river is warm and more shallow. I couldn't see the bottom however and was a bit scared to fall off. Thankfully we rock at paddle boarding and didn't fall off once. I grabbed some pictures on our waterproof camera but will have to get it developed before I post any here. Our rental came with a free snowcone (or shaved ice) from the shop next door. It was super yummy! We enjoyed it on the sea wall overlooking the sailboats. Just as the sun started going down we rinsed off and changed for dinner. We caught the sunset on a quiet beach near the bay. It was beautiful! I love watching the sun sink into the ocean at days end, especially with my sweetheart!
When the sun had finished sinking into the ocean we made our way to Mililani for a late dinner with Elder Manoa. We ate at Zippy's and got a taste of some local food. I guess it's where all of the locals eat and one of the first places Elder Manoa went when he got off his mission. They are all over Hawaii and the place was busy. We ate and visited until it got super late. I again enjoyed some more mission stories. We said goodbye at the door, and visited some more outside. We then said goodbye and visited at the corner before heading to our cars and going our separate ways. It was a good way to spend our last evening on the Island. I'm pretty sure Mike wants a Honda Fit now to zip around the city. We fly home tomorrow night and I can't wait to hold, hug and smooch our kiddos!
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