Hawaii 1999 Album - The Gathering Place
Trip #3, island #3
For Sonia and I this was the third trip to Oahu, for Catherine, this was her second visit. Our base of operation on Oahu was the Roadway Inn in Laie.
note: Each of the photographs is a thumbnail image of the original. Just click on the thumbnail to view the full size picture.
"...well, you have to eat"
Yes, even in paradise you will find McDonald's. And, we even ate their once or twice on the trip. And don't confuse 'McD' with the local establishment, "Cheeseburgers in Paradise". The picture at the left is the Laie McDonalds. It used to be the restaurant of the motel we stayed at. It even has a waterfall inside!
The main attraction in Laie is the Polynesian Cultural Center. We have videos for when you visit us! One of the activities Catherine wanted to do was a bit a weaving. 
It is one of the things she remembers doing the last time she was here when she was about 8 years old.
North shore and other beaches
"...only small waves this time of year"The atmosphere of the north shore is quite peaceful. You wouldn't believe that Honolulu was merely an hour away. We again concentrated on snorkeling. Waimea Bay didn't have as many fish as last time, but Sharks Cove, just a few miles east, more than made up for it.
We stopped at Hunauma Bay. Being so close to Honolulu, the ecosystem shows the effects of 'over tourism'. The park service has plans to limit use, in the hopes of reviving the balance of the marine environment
And what would a trip to Hawaii be without a little pineapple. Catherine was happy to be our 'pineapple girl'. The Dole plantation was nice, ...but they used to at least give you a free drink of pineapple juice!
Sonia did find some good deals on some local items near the pineapple garden display. The Dole planation also features the world's largest maze (for a fee, of course!).
