-by Edyta-

Another day in paradise! This time, we started on a more spiritual note, with a visit to the Japanese Byodo-In temple located on the windward (eastern) part of Oahu, at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains. We followed this with a drive up the east shore to Kualoa Regional Park and topped the day off by lounging at Kailua Beach. Since my words can never describe the true beauty of these places, I will take you straight to photos. :-) 

Byodo-In Japanese Temple in OahuByodo-In Japanese Temple in Oahu Built in 1960, this temple is a replica of the Byodo-In, a 950-year-old Buddhist temple located in Uji, Japan. It was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese settlers who came to Hawaii in search of work (mostly on sugar plantations). By the way, if the temple looks familiar to you, you're probably a Lost fan - this was the location of Sun's father's estate and a spot where Jin and Sun got married.  Byodo-In Temple in OahuByodo-In Temple in Oahu Koolau Mountains provide for a magnificent backdrop to this majestic structure. At the entrance of the temple there is a large bell (Bon Sho) that people are encouraged to ring so that it brings them happiness, blessings and a long life. Inside of the temple, you'll find this 9 foot tall Buddha sculpture, thought to be the largest figure carved outside of Japan. It was carved by the famous Japanese sculptor, Masuzo Inui. A large koi fish pond surrounds the property.  Driving a bit north we stopped by Macadamia Nut Farm. These banana bunches totally stole to show! (Ps. WM, I know you are totally jelly this is not your stash ;-) ).  Kualoa Regional Park is located near Kamehameha Highway and provides for the amazing views of the mountains.  Chinaman Hat island seen from Kualoa Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii Chinaman Hat island seen from Kualoa Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii As well as Mokolii aka Chinaman's Hat island.    Kualoa Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii Kualoa Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii The beach there may not be the most beautiful but the views around sure are. Kualoa Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii Kualoa Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii Gabi happy with her coral reef find. 

Gabi enjoying the view.  Kualoa Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii Kualoa Beach Park in Oahu, Hawaii Little red-crested cardinals seem to frequent this spot.      To wrap the day we stopped by Kailua beach. This beach is just a bit north of Lanikai: the sand is also very soft and light.  While there we did some extreme activities such as laying down in knee deep water. OMG those waves were huge! Haha.

Do you guys also indulge in such dangerous, living-on-the-edge type of activities while on the beach? It sure is fun :P