After the Shark Adventure, we headed to Matsumo's which is the best place in Hawaii to get shaved ice. Often there are lines down the block, especially on hot days. Though it was just past 9 am, there was already a short line.
After exploring more of the North Shore, we headed to the East side of the island. We stopped for a Vietnamese lunch and proceeded to Surprise #2. As we pulled up to Kualoa Ranch, I convinced Brian that I had gotten him a rodeo skills package where he would learn lassoing, hog tying and cattle calls. I could tell he was trying to be positive about it, but what we were really doing is taking a 2 hour drive on ATV (4 wheelers) on the dirt roads around this magnificent ranch.
According to their web site, Kualoa is one of the most historically significant destinations on Oahu, and in ancient times, one of the most sacred places on the island. In 1850, Dr. Gerrit P. Judd purchased the land from King Kamehameha III and the property has remained in the family ever since. The current family owners strive to be role model stewards of the 'aina (land), by preserving and protecting it from development.
Kualoa means 'long back'; the ranch is full of beautiful valleys and mountain peaks.
Some credit this name to a voyaging chief, Lua Nu'u. According to tradition, Kane the 'creator' required an offering. Lua Nu'u looked amongst the mountains of Kahikiku but found no location suitable. Seeking divine guidance, he was told to travel eastward until he found a sharp peak jutting from the ocean. It was at Kualoa, that Lua Nu'u found the sacred offering site.
The sheer beauty makes it easy to understand why Kualoa is seen as sacred. Most pronounced is the majestic mountains rising around the sea. The highest peak atop the Kualoa ridge called Kanehoalani, towers 1900 feet skyward and means "Kane's heavenly companion".
Brian and I managed to get on the ATVs that were at the very end of the group, which turned out to be good because we could leave space and drive the ATVs a bit faster. We saw amazing vistas and rode some rough trails, crossed small streams and passed by many lazy cows that barely paid us any attention. On one hill, I hit a bump and loss control of the wheel giving Brian a great birthday present by heading straight into a tree down the side of a hill. No injuries this time except embarrassment by the fawning of the staff and the offers for me to finish the tour in the tram.
As we continued on we saw the areas were they filmed parts of Godzilla, Lost, Pearl Harbor and Jurassic Park!
It was a great tour, but we needed to clean off since we covered in dust from the head to toe. The third surprise was a very different change in venue.
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