On the morning of October 6th, we joined others from a Facebook group and met up at the Neal S Blaisedell park in Aiea again, this time for a cruise East out to Sandy Beach. As before, we tried to keep close to the shore so we could enjoy the views. We only spent a short time on the H-1 freeway near the Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL). From there it was onto Ala Moana Boulevard, through the Ala Moana Beach Park, and back on to Ala Moana Boulevard to get to Waikiki. Of course, a parade of cars this cool had to roll right down Kalākaua Avenue and past Queen Kapi'olani Park, the Aquarium, and around Diamond Head. We drove past all the super-fancy houses in Kahala, and then had a quick stop at the gas station for some go-juice and snacks. After the gas stop, it was East on Kalanianaʻole Highway until we got to Maunalua Bay Beach Park. We stopped there and lined up for some photos and a quick stretch before we piled back into our vehicles and finished our trek out to Sandy Beach.
Once again, some really cool kei vehicles on display before we headed out on our drive. Check out the orange and white Suzuki van - hadn't seen that one before!
The seating arrangement for this trip were different than usual. My buddy Matt, owner of the black 1994 Subaru Vivio RX-R (KK4, 5MT) (the only car out there!) and I decided that we'd swap vehicles for the drive. OK, to be honest, it was all so I could get some seat time in the RX-R. Ever since I found that I fit in them earlier this year I really, really wanted to drive one. Matt has a Recaro SR-7 in his Vivio. Being a tall guy himself, he's got it mounted way down on the floor. I'm just a couple of inches taller than Matt, but I fit! Ok, so "fit" may be following my own made-up rules, but I was able to get in there and drive. (I've got maybe an inch (25 mm) between my skull and the headliner in there.) If I fits, I sits. ...and drives.
Leaving Neal S. Blaisedell Park
My view in the Vivio. I love how there's one tick mark below 1,000 rpm, and that's what it idles at. A 9,000 rpm redline from the factory, a supercharger, a five-speed manual transmission, and all wheel drive - what more could a driver ask for?
What does one do when given the reins of a friend's steed? Why this, of course - this was very shortly after we exited the park.
At Maunalua Bay Beach Park - Matt's RX-R next to Joshua's very off-road capable KS4 Sambar truck. Check out that beefy front bumper that houses a winch!
A little wider shot showing the lineup and Kaihuokapua'a in the distance.
As we left Maunalua Bay Beach Park...a little closer to the redline this time. Even though it's got a stock airbox and an exhaust that I'm pretty sure meets Japanese noise regulations (Fujitsubo Legalis K, measured at 99db mid-rpm, max acceleration) - even though it meets those regs, I can confirm that shit gets loud when that little 4-banger and supercharger get wound out above 8,000 rpm!
Ok, one more shot of the wee beastie:
As for driving my truck, Matt said he was surprised how it did for only having 38 hp. He liked the gear shifter linkage - it's pretty impressive how well it shifts despite the cables running dang near the length of the truck back to the transmission. After the meet, I just drove East around that side of the island. My (second) favorite view on O'ahu is there - as you round Makapu'u. Just absolutely gorgeous! Lucky we live Hawai'i.
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