Where to start...

So, because I'm just starting to blog about my bucket list, a lot of the things I've done have already taken place and some I've done multiple times. I don't know how to best disseminate the stories (chronologically?) or if each item on its list needs its own post. Basically, I'm just going to wing it and hope it works out. 

 Let's start with the last item was able to re-cross off the list: The Sandbar (or "Sand Bar")

 The sandbar is located in Kaneohe Bay on the northeast side of Oahu. There are several ways to get there and several points of access. At this point in time, I've been to the sandbar on three occasions and got there using three different methods.

1. Sailboat
While in school, I was lucky enough to meet an awesome, adventurous girl who had an equally awesome and adventurous boyfriend who was in the Navy. He and some friends had pulled their resources together and bought a sailboat. For my friend's birthday, a group of us gathered on the boat to make our way to the sandbar. Unfortunately, there were some battery issues and it was also raining off and on. We tried to move the party to a pool nearby, but after a while, we decided to go out anyway. Her BF got crafty with the battery and we squished back on the boat to set sail from the Makani Kai Marina Aoao (45-995 Wailele Rd).

Birthday Party Crew


A bit cloudy and higher tide, but still a blast!
2. Kayak
I had been talking with someone on a dating app who was coming to Hawaii. He said he was just looking for someone to get out and do things with, so that was right up my alley. He mentioned he had been wanting to go kayaking (and I have never been) so we planned on paddling. We originally planned on going to a small island off the island, but found out we were unable to go on Sunday. So, we decided to go to the sandbar! My new fave. We rented some kayaks from a store in Kailua (http://www.twogoodkayaks.com/). With 2 single-person kayaks and some added extras (back rest, wet bag and dry bag) the total was about $150, if I recall correctly. Both kayaks fit on top of the small rental car and we made our way to Kahaluu Regional Park. From there, we paddled north until we saw people and boats around the sandbar. I was drinking a bit at the sandbar, so coming back was more of a struggle. Be sure to keep that in mind. 




3. Pontoon Boat
My final trip to the sandbar was about 2 weeks ago. I was invited to go with a group of friends who had access to the Marine Corps base near the area. This was probably the simplest way I experienced. We met up, rented a pontoon (someone needs to have a boat license), and got out there right away. The weather shifted a bit, but again, it was still a good time. We were able to see giant sea turtles in the area around us and others reported seeing a stingray nearby (yikes!). There have also been reports of hammerhead sharks recently, so be on the look out. 






The sandbar is definitely a favorite among locals and visitors alike. For added fun, don't forget your water sports equipment, floaties, snacks and beverages. However, be careful about bringing alcohol on major holidays, it usually isn't allowed do to several conflicts that have taken place before. Have fun and be safe!

Location: Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, USA

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