Summer's last dance
By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer
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August is like one of those highway signs that warns: End of summer approaching.
The proof is everywhere. School is back in session. The days are slightly shorter. Some stores even have Halloween decorations for sale.
Still, the afternoons stretch out at the end of the day, and the north shores remain calm. So we found a few ways to enjoy these waning days of the season.
SUNSET ON THE BEACH
With its long, lazy evenings, summer is the best time of year for a sunset picnic on the beach. Even on a workday, you may have a shot at getting to the beach with enough daylight to watch the sun slide toward the horizon.
At Queen's Beach in Waikiki, you'll find a great view, plenty of picnic space and free parking, said John Clark, Hawai'i's beach expert.
And because it's right next to The Wall, the beach offers what Clark calls the best spot for the kids to go bodyboarding. The waves break on the diamondhead side of the Kapahulu groin, and the area is off limits to surfboards.
"You can go down there with your family, and there are almost always waves there throughout the summer," he said. "It's shallow. It's safe. It's calm. It's protected. It's dynamite for families, and that's why you find them there."
Metered parking next to the Honolulu Zoo is cheap, but it's free next to the Kapi'olani Park bandstand.
HIKE MAKAPU'U
Near O'ahu's southeastern corner, where the trade winds are relentless, the paved service road to the Makapu'u Lighthouse offers a visually rewarding, family-friendly hike.
One of the nice things about this hike is that you very quickly leave the suburban world behind, swallowed whole by quiet.
The mile-long road, which begins at a new parking lot, rises with a gentle incline above the Ka Iwi Scenic Wilderness area before making a hairpin turn above the Kaiwi Channel.
At the end of the hike, there is a viewing platform 647 feet above the pounding surf. There you will find spectacular views of the coastline toward Waimanalo and Lanikai as well as Rabbit Island.
According to "Hawai'i Wildlife Viewing Guide," seabirds, green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals and, in the winter, humpback whales are often seen from the platform and the road.
Be sure to bring water, as the trail can be hot.
SNORKEL SHARK'S COVE
Before the winter brings high, dangerous surf to O'ahu's North Shore, take a field trip to Shark's Cove for some snorkeling. The cove is situated in the rocky northeast section of Pupukea Beach Park.
Many varieties of colorful fish can be found in the cove, said Charles Delbeek, a senior aquarium biologist with the Waikiki Aquarium. Among them:
If you want to know more about the fish before you go, the aquarium recommends "Hawai'i's Fishes" by John P. Hoover and "Shore Fishes of Hawai'i" by John E. Randall.
MAKE MANGO SMOOTHIES
Mangoes are the quintessential fruit of any Hawai'i summer.
If you have a mango tree, you know how friendly your neighbors seem to be during mango season, which generally runs from April to September.
They're a healthful fruit, too. Mangoes are rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. They're even high in fiber.
All of this is nice, of course, but mangoes are popular because they're tasty. Sweet, juicy and messy, a mango is a delicious treat anytime, but during the last blast of summer heat, the golden meat is one of the best ingredients in a smoothie.
Brain freeze never felt so good.
Mango-Yogurt Smoothie
From "Mangos, Mangos, Mangos" by Marilyn R. Harris
Combine ingredients, except ice, in food processor or blender. Process to smooth. Add ice. Process to smooth or slushy.
If you want a twist, use pineapple, orange or guava juice instead of apple juice. This is also delicious with flavored yogurts, especially pina colada.
Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.
