Diamond Head and beyond

Our early start to hike up Diamond Head ended up being just after 8am, not bad. The weather again was beautiful, warm, little breeze and clear. The hike is not for everyone- no people with heart problems, no strollers and definitely no wheelchairs!  (Yellow Bunny allowed.)

It is worth the effort to climb the mile-long trail, part of it paved, some bare rock, then steps (99 on one staircase near the top) and a narrow tunnel. There's a spectacular view! 

Now one fact that I would highly recommend to anyone going to the top of Diamond Head is to maybe check how busy it is. We arrived just as at least four bus loads of students from Hiroshima Inouchki high school in Japan were taking in the view and shooting pictures in all directions! Check the shot below. That is Norm on the far right side in his classic Hawaiian shirt trying to get near the edge. But still great views.

Here you actually see the real crater, formed during an eruption about half a million years ago. 

Off we headed down the hill and into Honolulu. Our first stop was a coffee for Norm. We sat outside and eaves dropped on a aging poneytailed American telling his friend over cards, that he had been in a Frank Sinatra movie that also starred Tommy Sands, who was then married to Nancy Sinatra. Pony tail said that after a falling out between Sands and Nancy he left his wife and still loves on Maui. The things you pick up at the local coffee shop! 

The plan today was to find second hand, antique or thrift stores on our way to the historical old town. We went to Bailey's where there are 15,000 Hawaiian shirts, many vintage but very few other antiques. Wow, more shirts in one space than anyone could possibly need. (no purchase made). We sat beside the canal and ate our delicious homemade sandwiches, potato chips and carrot sticks. Then we walked and walked and walked. The scenery changed from high rises, classy hotels, to tattoo parlours and strip clubs to the convention centre and business offices. And on we went ended up at the Royal Palace of Queen Kapi'olani.

Awesome Banyan trees along the way. They are so unusual and very majestic. I had to take some pictures.

There wasn't enough time to do a tour of the palace today but we did see the grounds, the coronation pavilion and even Yellow Bunny got to check it out.

Onwards to Chinatown. By now we have walked about 12kms since this morning and we find ourselves in rush hour on a Friday night in Chinatown on the weekend of the new year of the horse, busy? Yes! So we hopped on a very crowded bus heading back to Diamond Head. What fun! And we treated our selves to dinner at the recommended Diamond Head Market and Grill. I had a delicious Portabella Plate. Norm had a Teri Burger. Yummy. And we brought home a decadent blueberry scone stuffed with cream cheese. This too was recommended on things to experience in Honolulu. 

A full day in many ways!