The Hawaiian Monk Seal

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a critically endangered species of seal native to our Hawaiian Islands. There are said to be as little as 1,100 Monk Seals left and every chance we get to see one is truly a blessing. These seals travelled to the islands millions of years ago and throughout the years their numbers have dramatically declined. For years their skins were sold and traded, overfishing and abandoned nets have made it difficult for these seals to survive. They are now federally protected and  we hope to see a comeback by these beautiful animals.

While visiting Oahu's remote Kaena Point, we were able to swim alongside this magnificent creature. He was about 6 feet long and must have weighed nearly 500 pounds! For hours he would dive down and check the reef edge for an easy meal. After staying down 10-20 minutes he would return to the surface and float while catching his breath. He didn't seem bothered nor interested in us whatsoever, but we definitely kept a safe distance the entire time we were in the water with him.

On an adventure to Oahu's South Shore we encountered a rare sight! A Hawaiian Monk Seal and her pup resting peacefully on a rocky beach. With so few Monk Seals around, Oahu only sees a few pups per year. We were so lucky to experience this special time!

Swimming with Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins

Our camping trip this week was absolutely amazing! We had a small group who wanted to camp for a night and snorkel the next day. Well, after a fun evening of bocce ball, grilling, and star-gazing we all woke up pretty early to see a very large pod of Spinner Dolphins playing super close to shore. We couldn't believe how close they were! Less than 100 meters off shore and swimming closer... We had to go say hello!! We all suited up in snorkel gear and jumped in the crystal clear water. After just a few minutes of kicking out we found ourselves in the middle of some 30+ dolphins! Such an amazing sight. These dolphins are known to hunt in large groups at night and come to these shallow bays to rest and play. They are named Spinner Dolphins for their unique acrobatic maneuvers, leaping out of the water and spinning very rapidly on axis. Scientists still aren't sure exactly why they spin, but I think they just do it for fun!  Here's our video link Swimming with Dolphins

How To Fish On Oahu

If you're planning on visiting the island of Oahu, and plan to get some lines in the water, The Real Oahu can help! Fishing from shore on Oahu is unlike anywhere else. We have an array of different fishing techniques, each specifically designed for the different terrain you will encounter. From rocky cliffs with jagged volcanic rock to long stretches of white sand, your technique must cater to your surroundings. Fishing tends to be good here year around however, there are species to target in certain areas during certain times of the year and even certain times of the moon phase. Ulua or Trevally is definitely the main target species for shore casters on Oahu. It is considered to be one of the toughest fish pound for pound in all the seas. It can weigh up to and over 100 pounds, but even fish in the 10 pound range will give you a fight of a lifetime! Ulua are known to hide in caves and caverns created by wave action or inside coral pockets. Most hook-ups tend to be in early to late evening, which is why we like to leave the lines in the water ALL night! The picture below is a 10 pound Ulua caught in Kailua off of a very rocky shore. This guy was a real menace to bring in!

We usually set up multiple rods in rod holders along the cliffs. We use a method called "slide-baiting" which consists of a large weight attached to the main line. Then, a separate leader and baited hook are ''slid' down the main line and into the water. This is a tried and true method that keeps your line away from the sharp rock and coral which are so willing to break you off when a fish is on. 

This is just one of the many techniques we use to catch fish on Oahu. We also cast big "popper" lures in deep reef pockets and shallow sand bars to attract hungry Ulua.

Another method we use, which is by all means the most physical and dangerous, is spear-fishing. For hundreds if not thousands of years natives to the islands have used spears to catch a fresh meal. Spear-fishing on Oahu involves diving deep down to find target species hiding out in their caves and holes. 

If you're looking for a guide or outfitter on Oahu, we definitely have you covered. 

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Camping with The Real Oahu

At The Real Oahu, we LOVE camping! We can save you so much money by simply cooking our meals and camping on the sand, and WE SUPPLY ALL GEAR! We spent our weekend basking in the warm sun on Oahu's western shore. This remote beach is open for camping and offers excellent snorkeling, fishing and hiking opportunities nearby.

 On Saturday morning, we woke up to see a large pod of spinner dolphins playing very near shore. In an instant we had our snorkel gear on and found ourselves swimming alongside these magnificent animals. There must have been 20 dolphins, ranging from full grown to little baby dolphins only a few feet long! Such an awesome experience, we were so lucky for this to start our day! We grilled and chilled for hours in the shade trees, simply absorbing all of Oahu's beauty. A slight ocean breeze kept us cool when we weren't swimming in the turquoise-blue water. When we camp we literally sleep on the sand and under the stars! At our remote camping locations city lights are far far away, making star gazing a real experience. We make big bonfires and roast s'mores. We even setup fishing poles through the night and wait for our next fresh caught meal!

Kalihi Ice Ponds with The Real Oahu

A quick stroll through the dense Hawaiian jungle brought us to this beautiful series of falls. We had a picnic lunch upon arrival, then wandered the different pools and ponds for hours. Finally, once everyone got hot and sweaty, we all jumped in the refreshing mountain rain water. What a day!

Watch the adventure video on Youtube: http://youtu.be/v6JAZ0X9uPg

Girl's Day Out Adventure - 6-14-13

Our Adventure began with a peaceful drive up to Oahu's North Shore where we ate an amazing breakfast at Cafe Haleiwa. Breakfast burritos and quesadillas were enough to hold us over the entire day! Next, we snorkeled for hours with thousands of beautiful fish! In the first photo is a school of feeding Convict tangs. We were also very lucky to be able to swim alongside 3 different green sea turtles, or Honu in Hawaiian. After snorkeling we all headed back south to one of Oahu's most remote and sacred valleys. While there, we kayaked for 2 miles through dense mangove jungle and ancient Hawaiian ruins. We basked in the warm sun on our own private beach where the stream meets the ocean. What a treat!