Oahu's East Shore- Becoming My favorite Part Of The Island

The same day we did the lighthouse trail (last post) we also stopped at Blowhole Lookout Point. 

There are some amazing views from this stop. 

We also visited there last week, 

so I'll share some of my favorite pictures of sights from the lookout.

Here's the blowhole, the water comes in under the rocks and is released through a hole.

Water starting to come out

Water coming through

The blowhole is actually not that eventful- but the view is worth the stop.

I think what makes the area so beautiful is the dark jagged volcanic rock set against the blue Pacific.

There's an area where people swim called Paradise Beach, lots of swirling water.

I'm going to do this one day :)

A few more pictures from a different camera.

We also stopped at a park area down the road and walked around on the rocks.

 Found some cool coral and sea glass here. 

This is my favorite picture!

Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail ( KA'IWI Scenic Shoreline of Oahu)

This has to be one of my favorite places on Oahu- so far. 

The beauty is beyond explaining and the views encompass all directions.

It's not a difficult path but it does lead around the side of the mountain and up!

The views are of the Scenic KA'IWI Coastline.

Many places you could looks straight down.

 Very Arid

 Looking back at the path 

You couldn't get very close to the lighthouse

Views from the top.

  

 Cactus flower

 Lighthouse view from the other side.

Ken, contemplating a high dive- don't do it!

We did some more viewing of Oahu's east shore that day- blog post to come :)

*I took pictures with my Cool Pix camera & my iphone. The brighter ones are from my iphone-huh?

Did You Ever Park In A Volcano? Diamond Head

A must do for every Oahu tourist is climbing a volcano located right in Honolulu. 

Diamond Head is the most recognized landmark in all of Hawaii. 

You can see it from many areas of southern Oahu.

Called Le'ahi, because the summit resembles the forehead of an 'ahi fish.

When Western explorers and traders visited, 

they mistook the calcite crystals for diamonds- thus Diamond Head

The next two pictures are not mine.

Although I'd love to take a scenic plane ride of the island!

When you visit, you drive through the tunnel into the volcano and park (very cool)

You start the trek up the inside of the volcano on a paved pathway.

Soon it turns into a somewhat rocky dirt path.

The views are breathtaking. 

It was very hot and hazy the day we went so our visibility was somewhat limited.

You can see in this picture the way the path zig zags.

It is .8 mile which doesn't seem much, you climb 560 feet in elevation.

Let me tell you, it's a work out in this heat!

There are a few look out places to view the sights.

There is a long tunnel, 225 ft long, which is not very wide.

It kicked up a little of my claustrophobic feelings.

There's a way around it if you are really averse to tight places.

This is what got me- the stairs!

74 steep ones in the first staircase, second stairway is 99 steps, 

and the last is a 52 step metal spiral staircase.

With the heat that day, I must admit- I was breathing pretty heavy.

The views from the top make the trip worth it!

We climbed Diamond head with some "younger" friends

Dave and Kelly

There were great views of Honolulu.

This trail originated in 1908 as part of the Army Coastal Artillery Defense System. 

Fort Rugar

Bunkers are visible from different spots on the trail.

And heading back down!

So, if you want to visit me, and climb Diamond Head- 

you better be among the first. I'm not sure how many times I can do this. 

But, it was definitely a must-do adventure!