Koko Head

Koko Head is another crater made from volcanic ash. It's 1200 ft above sea level and used to house a military shelter/look out at the top of the hill. You can climb to the top of Koko Head on a trail of 1100 steep, uneven steps that go all the way to the top. The steps used to be part of a railroad track for a supply cart that ran supplies up to the shelter. It was hot and we didn't bring water. I whined pretty much the entire time.


The start of the trail...



Views from the top...









Self portrait at the top. I seriously didn't think I was going to make it. I also was pretty depressed because I knew we still had to go down!



The first step on the way down, I fell on my butt. Then I did it again. Yep, got up, took another step and fell again.



About halfway down, the trail becomes a bridge. The ground drops out from underneath it. One wrong step and I swear I could've died.



So I did what I had to do. I crab-walked down the bridge.



Finally at the bottom!

Diamond Head

When Shawn's parents were here, we took them for a late afternoon climb up Diamond Head. Diamond Head is a volcanic crater and the iconic backdrop of Waikiki Beach (above). I think it was formed during one of the last eruptions on Oahu. I thought his mom was going to kill us all after hiking a good mile then seeing this spiral staircase that led up to the very top.



She was a trooper though and we all made it to the top as the sun was beginning to set. The view is amazing. Shawn got some really great shots of his parents. I just love these!

Friday Fireworks

Every Friday, we get to watch a fireworks display that takes place on the beach in front of the Ilikai. Sometimes we walk down to the beach and grab a nice spot on the sand. Most of the time we watch from the balcony. Perfect seats. I wanted to video the fireworks at least once so that if I ever feel nostalgic for my friday fireworks I can watch them from anywhere! I don't know why, but fireworks always get me a little emotional, especially when everyone cheers after it's over. I guess I'm a huge sap.

Zip day!