Denise's Hawaii - Day 7 End of Honolulu

Early day today. We wanted to hike Diamond Head before it got hot, so we planned to be there at 6am when the park opens. We were up at 4:50 and got there at about five after six. Already there were busloads of people pouring out into the parking lot.

It was still pitch dark and of course we forgot the flashlights in the suitcase, so we followed one of the groups and away we all went. There had to have been a couple hundred people on the trail, it was crazy.

It’s uphill all the way, no plateaus. As soon as you leave the parking lot, the climb begins. First on a cement path, then it turns into a very rough and rocky, uneven clay path. There’s a fence around a lot of sections to stop you from tumbling down the mountain, but it’s rusty so it gets all over your hands (and arms and clothes if you lean against it – oops! There goes a white shirt.)

One section is pretty rough. There are 74 steps, then a tunnel, then 99 steps and then 54 steps on a spiral staircase to the top of the tower. After the first 74 you could hear everyone puffing and panting in the tunnel, it echoed throughout. Then, when you step out of the tunnel and see there’s another huge set of stairs, you can hear everyone groan! We waited at the bottom landing with a young couple, we just needed to get a break before taking them on. But still, halfway up, I needed another break. I caught my breath for about 30 seconds, but then couldn’t get back in line! There were so many people it was just a steady stream going up the stairs. It was over a minute before there was a break in the crowd so we could keep going up.

Oh, and did I mention it was hot? The sun comes up fast, and by the time we were at the steps it was light enough out for pictures. It also made it hot and sticky. Who knew 6:20am could be over 20 degrees?

But, we made it to the top, and got some great pictures. We even got to see the sunrise, although some clouds got in the way. Now we can say “we did it”. Once is enough.

After that we went back to the hotel to drop off our bags, grab breakfast and head to Pearl Harbor. First we ate at Eggs’N’Things, unfortunately not as good today as yesterday. But still loved those potatoes!

Then we got the car and headed to Pearl Harbor. You can’t take in anything that allows concealment and you shouldn’t leave anything in your car, so that’s why we dropped off everything in our room and just left with the clothes on our backs, two cameras, and Darrin’s wallet.

Unfortunately, by this time it was after 10:30 (we missed a turn on the way and lost some time) and the site had been open for a few hours. There were no parking spots. We drove around and around for over 15 minutes, and even stalked a few people to see if they were going to their cars, but no luck. We finally had to give up. There’s nowhere else around there to legally park, so sadly it was a no-go.

Instead, we decided to take the Tantalus-Round Top Drive. We got a couple of good shots early on of Honolulu and Diamond Head Crater. I bet on a clear day the view is even more amazing. It was a tough drive at times though, the road was so narrow, and the turns so tight, there were places two cars wouldn’t get through. But that didn’t stop people from flying around like it was nothing! Probably locals who live on the mountain and are used to the drive.

In the afternoon we decided to drive to the South Shore. It was rainy, but we managed to get some good shots while protecting the lens. We stopped at the Lana’i Lookout. And then further down we saw the fishing shrine, and some fishers. Then we got to the Kalona Blowhole Lookout. Took a while, but got a couple cool shots. As the waves crash against the edge, water rushes through a tunnel in the rock and shoots up through a hole in the top of the ledge.

At this lookout you can also whale watch, as well as look for monk seals and spinner dolphins. We did see some whales, but they never breached, we just watched the blow spray for a while.

Then we drove on to Koko Crater Botanical Gardens. On the way, you can see people climbing the Koko Crater Trail – not for beginners! The gardens were peaceful and well-maintained, but we didn’t get to see much. They have several trails, but we got there late and they close as sunset so all we were able to enjoy was one short path.

We stopped at the c-store in the hotel and I found Pineapple Crush in the cooler! Pretty decent, might buy a couple for home!

Also in the hotel, they have an area near the check-in desk that displays a 95 year old canoe. It was built in 1915. It’s been restored and is in perfect condition!

Now, for the rest of the evening we just need to pack up and get ready for our flight tomorrow to Kona.