Sorry for the lack of posts recently. The new website was being completed and Nancy and I were in Hawaii for our anniversary. While in Hawaii I checked out shore fishing at Kaena Point. (most western point of Oahu), the green sea turtles near Haleiwa (North Shore) and the surprise of the trip a monk seal on the beach at the Elks Club in Waikiki. Of course we also checked out the local eateries.

Kaena Point is a popular spot for the locals to shore fish. The usual catch is octopus, Ulua/Pompano, and the occasional Mahamahi. The waters here are deep close in to shore and are rarely interrupted by boaters. The biggest problem for the fishermen are the schools of dolphin that are prevalent in the area. When the dolphins move in the fishing slows dramatically. I met Dave (a local from Millilani) while at Kaena. The attached photos show Dave and his fishing rigs. 

KaEna Point

Dave (Local fisherman)

Fishing rigs

Talk story

Green sea turtles often visit the Kawailoa  Beach just east of Haleiwa on the north shore. There was a male (Brutus) on the beach when we arrived and shortly thereafter a female (Isabella) joined him on the beach. This was the first time we have witnessed one of the large turtles coming ashore.  Brutus was the older of the two but Isabella was by far the biggest. She outweighs him by 70 lbs.

Brutus

Brutus Bio

Isabella

Isabella bio

We had stopped at the Elks Club Waikiki after golf and decided to sit on the outside lanai. No more than 15’ from where we were seated was a large female monk seal. Our waiter said she had been there most of the day. I had never been that close to one and was surprised how big she was. After about a half hour she decided to leave. It was interesting to watch her maneuver the small reefs to get to deep water.

Monk seal

Monk seal

Monk seal

We try to eat local when in Hawaii. Our favorites are Nico’s at Pier 38, Side Street Inn on Kapahulu Street, Mackay’s shrimp truck at Haleiwa on the north shore and the Elks Club Waikiki for PuPu’s (appetizers). The owner of Nico’s goes to the fish auction on Pier 38 every morning and selects his fish for the fish of the day. Not much for atmosphere but the food and prices make up for it. The Side Street Inn is a small restaurant frequented by the chefs from the big hotels. The food is served family style. Five of us had a green salad, plank calamari, shrimp pasta, Kalbi ribs, Ahi, dessert and wine to drink for $165.00 total including tip. Macky’s shrimp truck on the north shore is a great place for a quick lunch. The food is served from a van like truck and eaten under a tent. Nine large garlic shrimp, salad, rice and a slice of pineapple for $12.00.  The Elks Waikiki is very close to the apartment we stay in. The PuPu’s are slanted towards local tastes and are reasonable. The sunset views are some of the best in Waikiki.

Garlic Shrimp

Macky's Shrimp Truck