As the mist clears and a cool breeze sweeps in, we head out to the North Shore driving from Honolulu and stop at the quaint town of Haleiwa to take in the sights and sounds.  We then follow the scenic route along the endless coastline of Oahu on the Kamehameha highway that hugs the northern and eastern coasts! Majestic mountains filled with ridges formed from volcanic eruptions make up the contiguous Koolua range which are covered in misty clouds that hang on dreamily and time appears to slow down!

We pull over at several points along our circuitous route to take in the beauty of the surrounding environs. Steep cliffs jut out into the blue ocean at hair pin bends as foot long waves lash at the edges over and over again. Overcast skies and periodic drizzles make the journey more immersive. Endowed with such a lush and verdant landscape, surely this must be heaven on earth!

We visit the botanical gardens in Waimea Falls Park which is totally magical with exquisite flora and oversized trees and plants. It is so soothing to listen to the sound of a meandering brook as Scaly breasted Munias flit about chasing each other and Red whiskered bulbuls are singing merrily.  A mile long trek is very rewarding with beautiful sights of a thunderous waterfall.  

I’m lucky to spot a White-rumped Shama, but the highlight of the trip was seeing a peacock strut elegantly, putting on an elegant dance, displaying its beautiful feathers.

Waikiki, which is in the heart of Honolulu on the southern coast is dotted with beaches and a lively promenade.  We marvel as the sun rises at Diamond Head, one of the most iconic landmarks in Oahu, an imposing mountain with a dormant crater that contrasts the blue skies.  

There is so much green cover in the city that it feels like a walk in the park, literally. One such place is the Kapiolini park, named after a Queen, adorned with massive banyan trees that beckon you to come and sit underneath and enjoy the moment. The park is teeming with bird life and filled with the sounds of the ubiquitous Myna, Red vented Bulbul and the raucous cries of the Ring nosed Parakeet. 

Zebra doves, so called due to the stripes on their body are happily walking on the ground looking for food, oblivious to human activity. They are joined by a very colorful bird called Red crested Cardinal.  Java Sparrows with their colorful red beaks are flitting about. I perch myself besides a huge imposing tree, a few feet away from the Pacific Ocean to observe the early morning feeding frenzy on the tree filled with luscious red ripe berries. As mynas and bulbuls jostle with each other, a somewhat diminutive and colorful bird lands on the branches - the yellow fronted Canary! What a delight to watch as the canary maneuvers around upside down to feed on the berries. 

The spirit of Aloha is all pervading in Hawaii.

All images by the author