Honolulu, Hawaii Day 4 (Secret Island, Byodo-in Temple, Ho'omaluhia Garden, Dole Farm, Hale'iwa)

Hi Everyone!
Welcome back to all those who are returning and welcome to all those who are new~
This is day FOUR in Hawaii (really our third FULL day).
On January 11, 2024, we woke up bright & early to go to Kualoa Ranch for our reservation to go to Secret Island! We selected the half day tour so that we can still have the rest of the day to go elsewhere. For $55/person, this was an absolute steal! We got to Kualoa Ranch around 715am, redeemed our wrist bands 730am, explored the ranch until 755am when we boarded the bus and then arrived at the dock 805am where we took a boat to the secret island. You can only get to secret island via the Kualoa Ranch tour. This place was absolutely gorgeous! I wish that we were able to get to the island by 8am (which I thought was the plan) but unfortunately the entire trip starts at 8am so free time didnt start until 830am. They provide paddle boards, kayaks, hammocks, a canoe activity, sea turtle boat viewing, island boat tour, picnic tables, volleyball nets & balls, outdoor showers & changing rooms. You can also bring your own food & drinks which was a plus! We packed some sandwiches and ate brunch here. Honestly I can spend my entire day here if I could. Unfortunately our reservation was only from 8am-1130am so we were back on the boat 1115 and back on the ranch 1130am.
From there we went to Byodo-In Temple. $5/person (cashLESS). It's near a graveyard which was a little deterring but the temple itself is very pretty. Parking may be hard to get so some people parked on the side of the road. The temple is small so it doesn't take long to walk the entire place. Overall, pretty but not necessary to go to.
Afterwards we went to Ho'omaluhia Garden. STUNNING. So many different vegetations to look at and places to take photos. Love that it's free! Wish we could take photos at the entrance but I can see why they won't allow it anymore. We didn't stay too long here before going to the Dole Plantation. Unfortunately it started to rain so we couldn't venture out and explore the farm, so we stayed indoors and looked at the different items and got some dole whip for dessert. This place is HUGE. They even offer pineapple cutting demonstration and chocolate samples. Shocked we spent an hour here haha.
Last but not least, we visited Hale'iwa (also known as the surfing town). Unfortunately due to the rain we couldn't walk around and explore and see surfers. So we went and visited two different hawaiian shaved ice stores instead: Kaimana & Matsumoto. Both very yummy shaved ices, great for different reasons! Then proceeded to go back home and grab dinner at Ahi & Vegetables. My dad's friend recommended the restaurant but unfortunately, although it was decently priced, the quality wasn't there (not that fresh)-had better sushi in Jersey honestly. Regardless, we ate to our heart's content before coming back to the hotel.
Since we came home early, my mom and I went to the pool & hot tub (still a bit drizzling outside). We were going to go to the Sauna as well but it was locked so we went back upstairs and washed up.
Overall, had a great time. Did a lot but was very chill~ Hope you all enjoyed!
If anyone has any questions or comments, feel free to let me know!~
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STAY TUNED FOR MORE~!
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[@kbusta]

the scenery out there is beautiful af! i gotta make it out to hawaii one day

[@itssueshi]

@@kbusta it reallllyyy is !!! you have to go!!