Spitting Caves

Spitting Caves is a beautiful spot to watch the ocean, and watch crazy people try to kill themselves.  The ocean goes in and out of these sea caves at the bottom of a giant cliff, and if the wave is big enough, the water will come spurting out.  People jump from the top of the cliff down to where the waves are going in and out of the cave.  I'm really not sure how they make it out alive, but it is very exciting to watch.  If you're in the Hawaii Kai area, stop by and take a look.

China Walls

China Walls is a fun place to visit anytime of year.  During the summer, there are big waves here that run parallel to the rock wall, which is a unique way to get to watch the surfers that flock here.  During the winter, you're more likely to see canoes and paddleboards going by because the waves are usually very calm.  Either way, this is a great place to watch the sunset.

Moanalua Gardens

Moanalua Gardens is more like a park than a garden.  It might be a good place to stop by if you're in the area and want somewhere nice to eat your lunch or something, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way while on vacation to see it.  There are some cool things here, but you have to look for them, because most of it is just a big grassy park.  The tricky part about getting to Moanalua Gardens is that you have to turn while you're still on the freeway exit.  We missed it first time around and had to circle around back to the freeway and try again.  Keep your eyes peeled for the Moanalua Gardens sign when you get off the exit. 

Pali Lookout

Pali Lookout is a fun place to stop at if you are heading through the island on the Pali Highway.  It is really easy to find, there are signs for the lookout exit on the highway from either direction.  Parking is $3 at the lookout.  You can enjoy a beautiful view from between two mountain peaks down to the valley and ocean below. 

At times it can be very windy there.  Like really really windy.  Here is a video of Blake's cousin and her friend when they were vacationing here.

There are also some hikes/walking trails nearby.  The one I have done so far is actually the old Pali Highway that is now overgrown.  It is pretty awesome.

 The next picture is a view of the lookout from the walking trail.

And now, a picture of us at the lookout.  Cuuuuuute.