Banzai Pipeline

A trip to the island of Oahu in Hawaii is not complete without a visit to the famous North Shore.  Growing up in San Diego, CA and frequenting the beaches, I once had dreams of being a cool surfer chick...i.e. Malia Jones. But I never graduated from the boogies to get a chance to even once pop up on a wonderfully waxed board...  even though I had it on my "things to do before 30" list.  So here I was on my first trip to this island, staying in Waikiki and determined to drive up about an hour to fulfill my "must see" wish list.  


I was too excited navigating to Banzai Pipeline- this was home to many surfers because of the legendary waves of 20 feet AND most times MORE!!! I was picturing a beach town with trendy and cute shops, pedestrians with their tans and boards in tow and "shaka" attitude just oozing out of every corner.  It was not what I expected... Ehukai Beach was very understated (small) and we were, as one kama'aina said, in the country-side.  AND the biggest disappointment of all is that it is May and the tubular waves happen in the winter months only.  Don't get me wrong it was still very beautiful and picturesque... The water was sparkling, the sky very blue, and the sand so soft that my feet would sink as I walked on the beach.  BUT I wanted to see my waves =(  and maybe some hot surfer boys!!!


What I walked away with was great, too.  I took the moment to wet my feet... take in the saltiness of the water and enjoy the calmness of the flat waves.  Not many people there... only some other tourists with their obviously virgin untanned skin - watching me taking pictures of the elements.  I was in heaven at the beach/park because I love cloud formations, I am always at awe with trees and very at home near the water.  It was an experience. I was very much inspired.  Maybe I can still try to learn how to surf and definitely come back to see the waves.  Aloha!