Yes, what a gem! Thoroughly enjoyed our 4 hour hike and explore today - along Kalakaua Ave to take in Waikiki bBeach - never tire of that beautiful scene; then Monsarrat Ave to the Diamond Head State Monument where we detoured into the Diamond Head crater and climbed to the rim overlooking Honolulu - fabulous 360 views; and finally along Diamond Head Road which brought us back to Kalakaua Ave. We circumnavigated Diamond Head! Great scenery and soaked up more about Honolulu's history and geology!
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| Another fabulous day on Waikiki ! |
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| What does Waikiki mean? |
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| Surfing banned? |
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| The top is our goal! |
Le'ahi (Diamond Head) is the most recognised landmark in Hawaii. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968 as an excellent example of a tuff cone.
It is believed Le'ahi was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, brief eruption. The broad crater covers 350 acres in its width being greater than its height.
As well as being geologically significant, a landmark, Le'ahi also takes an important role in defence.
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| Impressive! |
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| Stunning view down to Koko Head from the outside lookout. |
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| Kahala Tunnel takes you through the rim into the crater |
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Birdwatching in the crater!
Wow! |
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The climb is steep but worth the amazing views!
Need your runners on!!! |
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| More birdwatching - pretty little finches. So tiny! |
The Trail
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| Spied this little fellow as we climbed the trail |
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| Tacking our way up the inside rim of the crater to the Observation Station |
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| Artillery batteries |
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| Continuing the climb - stairs and tunnels! |
Views as we climb and from the top..................
Stunning!
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Kahala Tunnel as it bursts through the rim into the crater.
The only way traffic can enter and exit the crater. |
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Honolulu suburbs cling to the sides of the surrounding mountain
Would be interesting travelling up and down that road everyday! |
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| Looking south east over the crater rim towards Koko Head |
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| The reef and the beautiful sea - colours were spectacular - only Mother nature can paint like this! |
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| Southeastern Honolulu vista |
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Diamond Head Lighthouse
Originally built in 1899 sitting 147 feet above sea level.
The Lighthouse can be seen as far away as 18 miles and has an intensity of 60,000 candlepower.
The light shows a red sector to warn vessels away from the reefs of Waikiki Beach. |
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| Wow! |
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| The Waikiki Shell in the foreground is a venue for outdoor concerts and other large gatherings. |
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| The famous Pink Palace nestles on the famous Waikiki |
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The Hilton area, Marina and Harbour to the north of Waikiki Beach
The people surfing look like ants! |
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| More of the suburbs - stunning mountain backdrop! |
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| Shaved Ice - A nice reward and cool down after the strenuous hike |
We continued our walk around Le'ahi along Diamond Head Road and enjoyed the lovely views of the ocean, appreciated the lovely communities and homes, and saw more historic landmarks.
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The Amelia Earhart Monument
Earhart was the first person and woman to fly solo the 2,408-mile distance over the Pacific Ocean in 1935.
She finally landed in Oakland, California after an 18 hour dangerous flight as she fought winter storms
flying a few feet above the white caps in her red and gold Lockheed Vega, a wooden plane she nicknamed
"Old Bessie, the fire horse".
What an achievement! What courage! |
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The Diamond Head surf was pumping today!
A popular spot with the locals because it is exposed both to the east and south swells
making it one of the most consistent breaks on the south shore. |
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Up close to the Lighthouse we saw from the heights above
Interesting how Le'ahi was called Diamond Head. |
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The homes and gardens along the strip sandwiched between Diamond head and the sea
were beautiful! Amazing positions and views! |
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| Love the artistic entrance gates to the homes |
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| The Diamond head watches over it community |
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| Bougainvillaea grows magnificently in this climate |
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| Laden with Breadfruit |
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| How is this for getting around! |
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Queen Kapiolani Park with the landmark backdrop
This park is largest and oldest public park in Hawaii. King Kalakaua named the park
after his beloved wife Queen Kapiolani. |
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| A lovely section of the walk from the lighthouse back to Waikiki |
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Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial
The memorial honours hawaii's more than 10,000 servicemen who served in WW1,
including the 102 who gave their lives. |
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The Honolulu Zoo is the only zoo in the United States to be established by grants made
by a sovereign monarch. The zoo features over 1,230 animals in specifically designed habitats. |
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| The long and the short of sightseeing - which way would you like to travel? |
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