Everyone agreed we had to go to the Macadamia Nut Farm in Kaawa just north of the Marine Base. We pay our money for a tour and wait with the chickens to get on our Army green tour bus (think MASH type jeep/bus). Nate prepared me that it was pretty cheesy, but overall, fun and interesting.
Our guide joins us - and tells us his name it sounded something like Loma Kaiwaieneeeia (Seriously...) He had a great sense of humor and probably knew this tour so well, it was like reciting lines. He showed us Ti leaves and how they would put their meat in it and cook food. His necklace and anklets were mady from Ti leaves. He said grass skirts are also made from them. He drove through a nursery full of Hibiscus, Birds of paradise, palm trees, papaya? trees, banana trees, and lime trees. The bus stops and we unload into a small "ampitheater" area where they would put on a little show. He showed us how they used coconuts - how they crack the outer shell and start fire (you should use the same type of wood to make it easier!), use the coconut inside to get the fire going. Then he lit a stick on both ends and did a fire dance that was impressive. This was after he put out the fire with his feet! He then cracked the actual coconut, poured the water out, then shaved the inside. Amazing how they use every peice of the coconut.
After pictures, we load on to a small barge. He shows us the fish pond. They use water from the ocean in a dam like fashion. Which allows the small fish in to the salt water pond, the fish grow in the pond, then they are too big to fit back through the dam. Then they are able to fish - pretty simple and resourceful use of natural resources.
He turned the boat around and showed us where the opening scenes of Fantasy Island were filmed, Off the Map, and Lost. Beautiful with the mountains in the background.
Was it cheesy? yes - but it was a lot of fun and very informative.
We spend the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening at the beach. We spent over an hour watching one kiteboarder trying to get up. Luckily, the beach is shaped like a horseshoe, so the wind blows you in to the beach and you don't risk blowing out to sea. We saw him get a lesson and we really had high hopes for him - but in one hour, he was never able to get up on the board. I can only imagine how hard it must be. Meanwhile, we watch a pro just hop on like nothing and surf out, he did jumps and turns. He made it look easy.
At one point, a japanese group were playing a ukulele and the women were hula dancing. It was great to hear the simple music!
I could have sat there all evening.
