Hawaii Hiking & History

I’ve been having a very relaxed first couple days here on Oahu, Hawaii.

My first day I spent wandering around Waikiki (the neighbourhood in Honolulu that’s by the beach. It’s very touristy but also has lots of good food, shops, and of course, beach).

Inside a very fancy shopping centre. It was open air, with beautiful seating areas, fountains, and trees growing throughout. The red lanterns are special decorations for the upcoming Chinese New Year:

I also went to Honolulu and wandered around the old historical buildings, such as Iolani Palace, once home to Hawaii’s Royal Family (and later, after Hawaii became a part of the U.S., where one Royal was imprisoned for a number of years).

Iolani Palace:

I also saw the Hawaiian State Art Gallery, full of really cool, Hawaii and Pacific inspired works of art.

My second day I went to Diamond Head State Park! Diamond Head is a giant crater that was formed by a volcano eruption 300 000 years ago. For the bargain price of $1, you gain admission to the park and can climb up the side of the crater for views at the top.

I am not an avid hiker, but my guidebook told me this hike was “regularly done by people of all ages!” which gave me hope. False hope. The hike was, to be fair, not a hard one if you were an experienced hiker… but I am not.

Hiking up:

It took me a while, but I did make it to the top, where a beautiful breeze was coming off the ocean. It was very lovely and definitely worth the effort.

Views from the top:

After my hike I treated myself to a fresh pineapple smoothie and slowly ambled back to my hostel.

Pineapple smoothie (yum):

Tomorrow, more adventure awaits…