Waikiki and Diamond Head

We began the day with visiting the International Market Place.  It is 2 blocks from Waikiki Beach.  The International Market Place offers a smorgasbord of shopping.  A giant banyan tree sits in the center of the market place. They have exotic birds, shops and the International Food Court.

The giant Banyan Tree

Hard at work carving statues.  He took time out to smile for the camera.

Waikiki Beach is perhaps the world's most famous beach.  It is a sun tanner's paradise if you can find a place to lay out.  Warm waters are perfect for snorkeling, surfing, or just floating around on an inflatable mattress.  This would not be my beach of choice.  The pictures show you how many people come here.  The beach at our resort is much quieter than this beach.

Waikiki Beach is 2 miles crescent shape of white sand. 

These girls were participating in a scavenger hunt on Waikiki Beach.

Diamond Head is the most photographed volcanic crater in the world.  It was once the site of an ancient Hawaiian temple dedicated to the god of wind in order to receive protection against updrafts that would put out navigational fires.  In 1904 the federal government purchased the site for military use.  Though prepared to defend Oahu from attack, it never once fired artillery during the war.  We saw remains of old bunkers, as we climbed to the top of Diamond Head.  The trail begins as a paved walk, but then quickly turns into an uneven steep switchback trail.  The trail is .8 miles long and you are required to climb through a 225 foot long tunnel in order to climb to the summit.  It was well worth the climb.  The view is magnificent.

View of the trail zig zagging up the mountain.

The first bunker was built in 1910.

Views from the top.

This is the park at the bottom of the trail.  It is nice to have some shade and cool off after the climb.

We finished off the day by doing a little outlet shopping at Waikele Premium Outlets.  It was a great day.