Ever since we left Hawaii I’ve had this song stuck in my head:
And so I thought I’d share the joy! Now you can spend all day singing “Are you going to the Hukilau, the huki, huki, huki, lau?” Even my cat has gone somewhere to hide.
Hawaii is one of the many places I’ve been to that I really didn’t want to leave. However, at times the angry sea didn’t seem to want us to stay.
Thirty to forty-five foot waves which during high tide on a full moon night literally came knocking at our back door!
We stayed on the North Shore of Oahu, a laid back haven for surfers from all over the planet. Aside from the Turtle Bay resort, this area has strongly resisted over-development and prides itself on retaining some of the old Hawaii feel. 
Sometimes the monster waves would collide far off shore and spout into the air like a geyser. A surge this large hasn’t happened for decades and so you can imagine the excitement it caused, particularly as the timing coincided with one of the North Shore’s most beloved events: The Eddie Aikau Quiksilver Invitational.
From the Eddie Aikau Foundation web site
“Eddie” was one of the first lifeguards at arguably the most beautiful surf spot in Hawaii, Waimea Bay. He gained fame not only for rescuing people from the deadly surf but also for his skill on the long board. However it was his final, selfless act that gained him the most fame.
In 1978 Eddie joined the Polynesian Voyaging Society on a second migration attempt from the Hawaiian to Tahitian Islands in a traditional voyaging canoe. Twelve miles south of the island of Molokai the canoe capsized and it was Eddie with his long board who volunteered to paddle ashore for help. He was never seen again. Today it’s quite common to see people with teeshirts and bumper stickers reading “Eddie would go” on the North Shore – a testament to this amazing and charismatic guy.
Waimea Bay when the waves are gentle (well, relatively).
Waimea Bay during the storm surge – it looked like a washing machine with too many suds!
Debris washed ashore. Who knows what it was!
So many people decided to take the trek out to the North Shore to witness the monster waves that they had to close Kamehameha Highway. If the two lane road wasn’t flooded, it was jammed with slow driving lookie-loos!
Since we couldn’t go out in the waves, we built a sand castle.
Saying nothing in particular 
Aloha, Jan — thanks for this great moment of paradise, really enjoyed the rich voice of Don Ho, and the story of Eddie. Mahalo.
Mahalo Jet! It is paradise.
Wow, I hope my visit (not yet scheduled) will be as somewhat peaceful and exciting as yours. The story about Eddie Aikau is interesting. So nice they haven’t forgotten him. Heh, now that you have forced it into my mind, the huki, huki, huki, lau to you, too.
Sorry about that!
Passing on the song, I don’t want it stuck in my head – sorry. Those waved sound amazing. Being that water does not.
I remember getting to see Don Ho years ago and enjoying the show immensely. He was a great entertainer. As much as enjoy Hawaii—and I love the islands, plus my father in-law did reviews of shows that came out there for the Star Bulletin—I’m not sure I could get used to living there. I think I would crave the idea to wonder back to the mainland a little more often. But I do love Hawaii. Loved this post, Jan.
Thanks! What great memories! I could probably be happy in Hawaii but my hubby is sure that he’ll get island fever!
There are worse things. 😀
Welcome back! I clicked, so thank you very much for this earworm 😉
I so want to visit Hawaii one day. Love the photos.
Sorry about that!
This is, without doubt, one of the best blogs I have read to date. Thankyou.
Thank you Glyn. such a lovely comment!
I know this song – Don Ho was from another generation. The one that gets stuck in my head is Iz’s Hawaiian version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” But most all of his music is great; another one who died young.
That song is another haunting tune! Yes, let’s work on those men!
Thanks for including us into your trip to Hawaii. I ❤ Oahu's north shore. Please stop by Dole for me and have a pineapple swirl. 🙂
I wish I was still there!😎
Yay Eddie. Nice sand castle.
Thanks! The sand is really crushed sea shells so it was hard to form a shape other than a lump!
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii, Jan, and this post just makes me want to go more. So glad you had a great vacation!
I hope you get to go soon! It’s a great place for family vacations.
Great blog Jan. Such a range. Glad you made it to the airport without being swept off the road!
Thanks Colm – I almost wish we’d been trapped there. It was so beautiful.
The picture of the waves is stunning!
Eddie’s story is so very sad. He was a great swimmer and I can only guess what had happened. Thank you for your blogs!
Thank you for stopping by! Yes, Eddie is revered on the North Shore so in a way he lives on.
Wonderful, Jan – loved the story about Eddie. My sisters loved living there.
Also saddened about the story about the seahorses.
Billie Morton who wrote the post about the seahorses is an Australian writer who’s very passionate about animal welfare and very obviously not afraid to state her mind! Hope you are well Sloanie!
I stop by more often but sometimes blogs don’t allow my comments : /