Hawaii Day 4: Shark Dive, pillbox hike, Dole Plantation, Drive to Honolulu

Our last day on the North Shore! We did a 7am Cage Shark Snorkel. Obviously, the decision to do a Cage Shark Snorkel is great parenting during a family vacation. The operator recommended the early morning because the sharks are more curious and the ocean is more calm. The ocean was NOT calm AT ALL and no other operators went out that day. It might have been the right decision. Our operator actually called and cancelled the remaining shark tours for the day. The ocean was swells were very big and there was also high winds. The sharks were really active and Cadie loved it! Colton and JR, not so much. Colton got in and panicked! Cried and cried and would not get back in the water. He said it was cold, the water was salty, the mask pulled his hair, and he just didn't like it. JR got in about 3 mins but he says he saw sharks. Cadie is for almost an hour! She and Grant loved it. For those that aren't aware, a Cage Shark Snorkel is where you are in a cage that is about 10ft.x10ft. that is placed in the water and then the sharks still all around you! They emphasized keeping your feet and hands inside the cage. :)

On the way back from the Shark Dive, we walked around the North Shore surfing competition area and then did the pillbox hike which was much muddier than expected. We were all glad we had on our new Keens. Ranger liked the hike the most and he and Grant went to a further up lookout while Colton, Cadie and I took our time hiking down. We were so thirsty on the way down and were thankful for a sweet family that gave us a bottle of water. Colton felt crummy still and I carried him about half the way up and half the way down.

After the hike, we went back to the hotel to clean up and check out and then on to the Dole Plantation. Kids loved the Maze the most. JR did it in 30 minutes and was so proud! We got Dole whip and did the train ride around the plantation.

Then, we drove to Honolulu and checked into the Embassy Suites Waikiki which is very nice. We have two rooms and plenty of space. We got the kids all set up in one room and Grant and I have the other to ourselves! Colton and JR are on floor pallets, Cadie on the pull-out couch, and that leaves a queen bed each for Grant and I. Perfect! The kids swam in the pool and we enjoyed the snacks and pool party with live music. It was a very full day.