“All journeys have secret adventures of which the traveler is unaware.” —Martin Buber
My son Jason, his partner Alix and I took a day trip to Ho’okipa Beach (means welcoming comfort), to see the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Hono) lazing on shore at the far end of the uncrowded long and narrow white sandy beach. We had a great vantage point close to the lookout cliff above, as well as on the beach itself. Most people don’t even realize they’re there because they look just like the scattered black boulders. If you look closely, they can be seen popping up in the shore break to beach themselves and rest (photo).
Little did we know that Ho’okipa Beach is also known as a Mecca for windsurfing aficionados that offers up dramatic surf for us sightseers as well. This magnificent sight provided us a rather stunning backdrop to watch the best of the best, effortlessly toy with the ocean in a way that us mere mortals can only fantasize doing.
We were told that Ho’okipa isn’t complete without a culinary adventure at the upscale Mama’s Fish House.
It had been years since Cecile and I had lunch there. Since then it has become one of the top 10 dining experiences in the U.S. This family owned eatery actually overlooks the beach and sends its fisherman out on small boats daily to provide their patrons wild-caught fish within 24 hours.
The boys choked at seeing the prices, but I assured them it was my treat😎. Jason and I had Mahi-Mahi with Caramelized Maui onions, Hawaiian chili pepper and avocado, and Alix had Macadamia nut Crab Cakes with fire and ice relish.
Freshest fish, gracious service, colorful decor, good company, and the tropical breezes made for an unforgettable experience. Who could ask for anything more?
Well, a visit to the Lahaina Jodo Mission to see the Great Buddha Statue is what I had in mind and Jason and Alix were game. The Mission was founded in 1912. A 12-feet tall Great Buddha statue brought over from Japan to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese people coming to Hawaii, stands in the temple courtyard. The temple is located on Puunoa Point in Lahaina, overlooking the beauty and serenity of three neighboring islands: Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. There is also a towering 90-foot-tall pagoda and an amazing 3000-pound Temple Bell which is rung 11 times each evening at 8PM. A lovely woman from Charleston traveling with her daughter was kind enough to take our photo in front of the Buddha.
Postscript: Buddhists do not worship the Buddha Statue as a god but rather take it as a source of inspiration
to practice meditation and other forms of more active meditation like yoga. It also a reminder of the philosophical teachings of the Buddha which led to his path toward enlightenment.
