May 6, 2021
10 Days in Hawaii: Day 6
Our second day on Oahu was filled with a plethora of experiences. We woke up early for an hour's drive to Keana Farms(1) for some ziplining! It was a 2hr adventure with three guides that were friendly, hilarious, and knowledgeable about ziplining as well as the history of the land around them. It was a great example of how you can have fun while learning plus there were many chances for great photo ops! Our group of 9 people had a great time and as we got more into it, we all loosened up and brought out more of our personalities with each line. In two hours, we rode through 8 zip lines each getting longer and taller taking us through beautiful and vast farmland filled with apple banana trees, basil, papayas, to name a few. Included in the tour was an ATV ride through the farm to the top of the zipline course, rappelling, and bridge crossings. Jake and I can’t speak highly enough of the whole team at CLIMBworks, especially our guides Ashley, Sena(Cena?), and Jordan. They took their time and skills to get to know everyone on a personal level. Each line before you jumped, they greeted you by name. Jake and I were so impressed! They learned all of our names in 10 minutes. They were encouraging as you let go and once you finished, they welcomed you to the other side with a, "Nice job!" and a quick question in order to learn more about you. They made each interaction a special one. If you have a chance to take this tour, we highly recommend it, especially with a friend. Each line you go two at a time, but if you're planning to go on your own, you have so many chances to make new friends along the way. It’s completely worth it.
Afterward, we grabbed lunch at the highly revered Seven Brothers(2)known for their burgers. It was a small outdoor location off the side of the road. We had to keep our eyes peeled for it or we could've passed it! I got the Spencer Burger with swiss cheese, bacon, onions, jalapenos, and one handmade onion ring. Jake got the Shem Burger with fresh homemade guac, 2 crispy bacon strips, and melted cheese. We finished off our meal with blue raspberry shaved ice, located right next to Seven Brothers. It was the ICE-ing on the cake... :)Returning to Honolulu, we stopped at the BnB to prepare for our next activity on the itinerary. Since planning this trip, Jake had only a few things that he really wanted to experience and one of them was the incredible Pearl Harbor(3). We had to reserve two tickets online for a $1 fee (link below) and this ticket took us to the USS Arizona Memorial on a ferry. It was a memorable and sentimental experience. From the moment we stepped on the ferry and crossed the harbor, silence took over. We were reminded to “know where you are” by Navy officers, as the memorial is the final resting place of 900 sailors who gave their lives on December 7, 1941. I implore you to visit it if you ever get the chance because my words wouldn't serve as much as an in-person experience would. As I looked below the water and glanced at the sunken ship, my eyes welled up, and as I stood in the shrine room taking in all the names of those we lost, I couldn't help but feel grateful but their sacrifice. We learned that those who survived December 7, 1941, ask to be placed with their brothers in the water once they pass on. As we looked down into the water, blue and yellow fish were swimming underneath the memorial, in and around the fallen ship. It was truly poetic and heartfelt.
(1) Keana Farms CLIMBworks: https://www.climbworks.com/keana_farms/
(2) Seven Brothers: http://www.sevenbrothersburgers.com/
(3) Pearl Harbor: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233338
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