Hawaii (Part 5): The Moks, Pillbox and a Flight Home

Friday in Hawaii was earmarked for a very special outing, once again with dear friends/hosts/tour guides Lisa and Jaime. Taking advantage of John's extra short last day of class, we rented kayaks and paddled out to one of two islands off Lani Kai beach known as the Moks. Plowing through the tropical blue waves, we were already having a blast without even having arrived yet on the island!


John and Jennifer heading toward the island on the left.

Lisa and Jaime - the local experts!

The island itself was a treasure trove of stunning views  and thrills. We began our visit by walking around to the right side of the island where we found a safe haven to watch powerful ocean waves spray against dark fingers of rock reaching out into the churning sea. Our route to and from this vista also gave us a peek at some of the local inhabitants including a seal and several birds who lay their eggs in nests on the ground.

The rocks, the waves and us!

After a brief picnic lunch break, we headed around to the left side of the island where a unique geographic formation provided a sheltered area in which to do a little rock jumping...cliff diving for sensible/fearful people ;-). This incredible haven was a large pocket eroded into the rocky edge of the island, but uniquely protected by a smaller island nearby. The two formations together leave visitors a very deep pool for rock jumping and snorkeling, while only being impacted by a gentle tide. It took Jennifer about 15 minutes to ponder her participation, but as usual the desire to build her collection of life and travel experiences with no regrets triumphed and she jumped not once, but twice! Despite the battle with a little fear, the four of us most certainly experienced quite a thrill and made memories that will last a lifetime!

The geographic shelter!

John and Jennifer take the leap! (and yes, that rock at the bottom of the photo is much further away than it looks)

Jaime gets style points!

Thanks again to our wonderful hosts!

John headed home on his commercial flight on Saturday, and Jennifer was once again kindly taken in by Lisa and Jaime. Between the back-and-fourth process of trying to catch a Space A flight back to Japan and a flash flood thunderstorm, Lisa and Jennifer managed to hike Pillbox for amazing views of Kailua and Lani Kai. Finally ,after a fortunate visit to the Hickam Pearl Harbor air terminal to snag a "no show" seat and a 24 hour flight delay, Jennifer made it on a flight and safely rejoined John in Japan.

Hello from the top of Pillbox! (Recognize the moks in the background?)

Needless to say, our time in Hawaii far exceeded our expectations. All while John passed his contracting course, we were able to be tourists and adventurers, meet old and new friends, successfully navigate Space A flights and spend an incredible week together on Oahu. We are so grateful!