Our time in Hawaii is quickly coming to an end but we set out for another day of driving with two destinations in mind.  Our first stop is to see the Bayer Estate which is also Steve McGarrett’s home on Hawaii 5-O.

The Bayer Estate is set back from the road and if you didn’t know what to look for, you would miss it.  We didn’t see it initially on the first drive by so we stop a bit down the road at a park and walked back to find it.  As you approach it has this quaint arch with a little wooden gate that draws you into the lush yard perfect for an intimate gathering.  This home caters to weddings, anniversaries and many special events.  It is so much more than part of the Hawaii 5-O set and yet that is what draws people to it.  Once there, you cannot help but wonder of its history.

According to the website, www.bayerestate.com , the Bayer Estate was “built in 1936, it was a collaborative effort between Raymond Morris and Florence Bayer.  The house incorporates the graceful characteristics of the simple Hawaiian style house popularized by Morris during this period with its high-pitched roof, extended eaves and lanai, as well as the design aspects of a French farmhouse.”

This “farmhouse” has the most incredible homey feel to it as you walk in and I appreciate the fact that the family who now owns it has kept it very original and true to the heritage.  The wall of windows that looks out to the backyard and ocean give you breathtaking views that keep you riveted.  As we walk out to the ocean, there is so much to see.  The backyard has many places to gather and relax.  It makes me never want to leave.  We walk out onto the beach and see why so many events have taken place here because you can see for miles down the beach and out to the horizon which rest on the ocean.  It is hard to tear myself away but they are preparing for an event that evening and we do not want to take up any more of their time.  Yet, they insist on giving us a tour of the inside of the home.

While Hawaii 5-O doesn’t film much inside the house anymore due to the fact that all the furniture needed to be moved out so McGarrett’s furniture could be moved in, the bedroom that was used is just as it was in filming.  This home has a lot of history to it and it is even more than being a film set.  It is the “home” to many memories to those who choose this estate for their special moments.

I’ve included a fun video link of the inside of the estate found on You Tube.

The day is turning out to be beautiful and so the top on the Mustang comes down as we head out to the next adventure, Hanauma Bay Snorkeling.  There is nothing better than being in the water here in Hawaii.  It is warm, clear and there is definitely plenty of marine life to view.  I’m going to let the video footage speak for itself.

We get to snorkel for a couple of hours and then it is time to head back to return the car.  Two days of driving and I never get enough of this beautiful island.