35 - Hawaii

Diamond Head Crater was the destination today.

It was a long, hot walk to the top, but spectacular views!  Doesn't look like much on the outside....

But an hour hike to the top was worth it!




Looking into the Diamond Head Crater itself:

Looking out from the ridge of the crater:

Duane and I at the top of the crater:

Hard to see, but there's a pretty  lighthouse down there.

On the trail back down, I offered to take a photo of a family of 6 - the father was lining all the kids up and he was going to take the shot.  I offered so he could be in the photo.  They were thrilled because "we don't get many photos with the whole family"!


They obliged by taking a photo of Duane and I in the same spot overlooking the crater!

I don't normally fall for the "stuff" on offer at parks....but I'd seen folks with "shaved ice" - so I splurged.....it was oh,so wonderfully cold and sweet!!!

After this hike, we put our beach umbrella up and read our books for the afternoon on Waikiki Beach.  Life's a Beach!

34 - Hawaii

Well rested, we set out for some island exploration!

We drove a crazy-winding road (Tanalus Rd.) to a beautiful overlook of Honolulu.

Then we took a hike through a forest that they used to film some of Jurassic Park.

The hike ended in a lovely waterfall (Manoa Falls).

The adjoining park had trails that were a never-ending tropical garden. 

Amazing flowering plants by the thousands!  Enjoy the walk!

We then drove to the other side of the island (it's a small island!!)

Lanikai Beach view:

Kailua Beach:

Then it was time for some dinner!  We found a marina restaurant near the KoKo crater.

I had some "Poke" - pronounced PO - KAY.  It's a traditional Hawaiian dish with veggies and raw fish cubes.  It was yummy!

33 - Hawaii

Time to move on to Hawaii!!!

This time it's in first class on Hawaiian Airlines.  Very nice flight attendants - they all appeared to be Hawaiian natives.

Getting settled into our seats, they handed out Mai Tai's to get us in the island mood.

View from our room overlooking WaiKiKi Beach.

Long day - all we accomplished was some grocery shopping for the week and a walk on the beach.

View down the beach to Diamond Head.  Hopefully we'll have some adventures tomorrow!