Diamond Head - Oahu, HI

May 19, 2019

We *finally* made it up to Diamond Head on our third visit to the island. Originally the plan was to catch the sunrise up there, but we love sleep too much. Instead we woke up at 5:30 am and ran from our hotel by Fort Derussy Beach Park all the way to the trail head which added an extra 2.5 - 3 miles. Good thing we decided to sleep in, though, because Diamond Head gates don't open until 6 am. Also, good thing Andy carries cash because entrance fee is $1 per person if you walk in.



Catching sunrises with this guy for 13.5 years

 Unless you're first in line or don't care about being one of those people (hah!), I'd say it's pretty difficult to actually run to the top because there's a line of people trudging up the switchbacks/stairs, and it gets pretty narrow in some areas.

We passed by people of all ages slowly or quickly making their way to the top. I've never been on such a packed hike. It was weird, like I was in line at the store. Definitely not my favorite, but glad I  made it to the top to take in the views and salty breeze.

Paved trail with rails

Views towards the top

More views

Hike to the top was quick. There was a good amount of switchbacks and stairs, but nothing too grueling!

 

Exploring at the top

 

 

Manoa Falls - Oahu, HI

May 17, 2019

Not only were Andy and I in Oahu to celebrate our wedding anniversary in May (we got married at Wai'alea Beach Park), but we were also celebrating the marriage of our two friends with a week-long trip in Hawaii.

...and what's a wedding with friends and family without pre-wedding festivities???

Woohoo!

Hikes around Oahu are great because there's very little effort for a lot of reward. We started the bachelorette celebration with a hike to Manoa Falls just before noon. The well-maintained trail starts at a paved parking lot ($5) with a parking attendant. I found this hike to easily accommodate a group of 8 gals in that it's straightforward and only 1.6 miles RT. As with hiking anywhere, if it's raining the rocks will be slick. Hiking in the rain is awesome in Hawaii because you stay warm. Is this rain? Is this sweat? Who cares!

Lush

Manoa Falls

We saw a fair amount of friendly hikers on the trail, but we were never stuck behind a group of people. At times we had the trail all to ourselves. At the waterfall there are flat areas on the rocks to hang out. We were there for maybe 10 - 15 minutes, took some pictures, then headed back down.

Don't forget to look up!



 

Took us an hour or less to complete the hike. We were in a hurry, though, since we were looking forward to food afterwards!


Muddy Buddies