Living in Alaska: Hawaii: Day One

Mike and I enjoyed our first day in Hawaii. We decided to start our trip with two fun activities. First, we decided to hike Diamond Head and then we would drive around to Kailua (on the East Coast of the island) to rent a kayak and paddle out to one of the off-shore islands.

Diamond Head was a great hike! After a 760 vertical climb, Mike and I were a bit hot, sweaty and tired. With a nice breeze blowing, we cooled off and enjoyed the view from the top. After a much quicker hike down the volcanic crater, we headed off to Kailua.

The drive to Kailua is beautiful. The curvy road hugs the coast as it gives views of lava rocks, blue water and coral reefs.

We arrived to Kailua in a very happy and relaxed mood. We found the kayak rental shop, signed the form stating that if we died using their kayak we would not sue them (I've always wondered if that would really hold up in a court of law), and merrily put on our life jackets and pushed the tiny unstable boat into the crystal blue water. Little did I know that this would be the easiest part of the whole trip.

Mike and I began paddling and heading out into the open surf while waves crashed onto the beach. Since I was in front, I could see each swell headed our way. Somehow, by the grace of God (I'm sure there was someone praying for us at that very moment), we got past the heavy surf without capsizing and headed toward the Moku Lua islands off the coast of the main island.

The gentleman at the rental shop assured us that the trip to the Moku Lua islands was safe, enjoyable and would only take 45 minutes. He lied. We had to constantly dodge coral reefs jutting up out of the water. The constant motion of the waves and chop made me sea sick. The trip took well over an hour. So, as you can see, he was wrong on two of the three. At least to this point. The safety issue came later.

After well over an hour of paddling, arms aching, and stomach churning, Mike and I arrived at Moku Lua Island. This friendly little island also happens to be a bird sanctuary. Apparently the birds that inhabit this island are very rare and need protecting. The signs on the beach informed us that we were in no way to feed, disturb or harass the birds. I'm not even sure we were allowed to look at them either! That was fine with me. After the ride to their "sacred" island, I was in no mood to mess with them. Instead, I was trying to figure out just how we were going to get off the island.

You see, the island is somehow a meeting ground for waves. Waves come from the right side and waves come from the left side. These angry waves collide right in the middle and create one ginormous wave. This just happens to be the way we came and and the way we would have to go out. I was horrified! I watched as other kayakers tried it. I watched as they would capsize and be thrown against the rocks. I watched as they retreated to the safe haven of the beach. Suddenly I realized why this island was a sacred refuge. After about 10 seconds, I was ready to live with the feathered creatures that called this place home.

Mike assured me that if we waited until JUST after the two waves collided, we could push the kayak in and beat the next wave. Looking skeptically, I agreed to give it a try. Here was our chance! The two waves had just met and for a short moment the water was calm. With all of our might (or at least Mike's), we pushed the kayak into the water. I hopped in and grabbed my paddle and Mike jumped in the back. We were just starting to paddle when the next two waves clashed together at our very spot. That's all it took to capsize us and thrash us about. We gathered our pride and our stupid kayak and headed back to the beach. Apparently, nobody was praying for us at this very moment.

At this point, I was too scared and filled with anxiety to try it again. Oh, I tried to muster courage, but it wasn't there. Mike would say, "Okay, here's our chance. One, two, three. Let's go!" I would start to follow him out into the surf, but then would run back to the beach. I began thinking, "You know. This island really isn't that bad. There's not a Starbucks. But, hey! I need to cut back on coffee."

Finally, to interrupt my self-talk, a young man walked over to us and asked if we needed help. He must have been watching us as we struggled and realized that we were just inexperienced tourist who needed a hand. So, we took him up on his offer. We waited for a break in the waves and pushed the kayak into the watch. I jumped in the front. Then, just as I thought everything was going just fine, it happened. The nasty waves were back. With Mike and the young man holding the back of the boat, it hit. It tossed the kayak into the air about 20 feet (okay, Mike said it was about 8 feet, but to me it was 20)! They somehow managed to keep me from capsizing. Mike jumped in and the young man pushed us out beyond the heavy surf.

Thank the Lord, we were home free, at this point! We paddled back to the main island without incident. Other than some tired arms, we made it just fine. When we returned the kayak, the guy asked if we had fun. I smiled and said we had the time of our lives. Not completely true, but it was better than what I really wanted to tell him.

Sitting in the car, I took in a deep breath and thanked God for keeping us safe and for helping me to eventually laugh about the whole thing.

So, what does tomorrow bring? Who knows, only time will tell!