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	<title>kenjiSAITO &#187; leahi</title>
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		<title>Walk around Oahu (Diamond Head to Koko Crater)</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:30:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kenji SAITO]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aina haina mcdonalds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calvary by the sea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head lighthouse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head road]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dillingham fountain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[halona blowhole]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[halona cove]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hanauma bay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[japanese fishing shrine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kahala avenue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kalakaua avenue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kalanianaole highway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kapiolani park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kawaikui beach park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kuilei cliffs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lanai lookout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leahi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leahi beach park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leonards bakery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[makalei beach park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[maunalua bay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[muriel flanders park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paiko lagoon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sandy beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sony open]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surfing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[waialae avenue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wailupe beach park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wawamalu]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[We had just hiked over 14 miles in the mountains last weekend, so why not walk over 14 miles this weekend? Thanks to Jasmin and Lilia for dropping us off at the fountain that only operates from 6pm to 10pm to conserve water. Chico trying to get up close and personal with the carp fish [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>We had just hiked over 14 miles in the mountains last weekend, so why not walk over 14 miles this weekend? </p>
<div id="attachment_49348" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik1.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik1.jpg" alt="Dillingham Fountain" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-49348" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Dillingham Fountain</p></div>
<p>Thanks to Jasmin and Lilia for dropping us off at the fountain that only operates from 6pm to 10pm to conserve water. </p>
<div id="attachment_49350" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik2.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik2.jpg" alt="Kalakaua Avenue" width="700" height="731" class="size-full wp-image-49350" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalakaua Avenue</p></div>
<p>Chico trying to get up close and personal with the carp fish that are prized for their varied color patterns and can fetch upwards to $20,000 per fish with the desired characteristics prized by collectors. </p>
<div id="attachment_49352" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik3.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik3.jpg" alt="Kalakaua Avenue" width="700" height="908" class="size-full wp-image-49352" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalakaua Avenue</p></div>
<p>Ferlino playing the free reed wind instrument that was developed in Europe with origins in China. Music to our ears.</p>
<div id="attachment_49355" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik3a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik3a.jpg" alt="Poni Moi Road" width="700" height="747" class="size-full wp-image-49355" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Poni Moi Road</p></div>
<p>Approaching the volcanic tuff cone that is roughly 500,000 years old and was given the name Le&#8217;ahi by Hawaiians due to the mountain&#8217;s shape that resembles a tuna&#8217;s dorsal fin. It also is home to the hardest hike on the island and the ghost of Christmas past. </p>
<div id="attachment_49357" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik3b.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik3b.jpg" alt="Diamond Head Road" width="700" height="509" class="size-full wp-image-49357" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head Road</p></div>
<p>Double reflections. </p>
<div id="attachment_49354" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik4.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik4.jpg" alt="Makalei Beach Park" width="700" height="488" class="size-full wp-image-49354" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Makalei Beach Park</p></div>
<p>Chico, a practicing member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, looking to get his second one in the park that used to be private beach homes. </p>
<div id="attachment_49358" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik5.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik5.jpg" alt="Diamond Head Road" width="700" height="999" class="size-full wp-image-49358" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head Road</p></div>
<p>Walking on the eroded walkway fronting the beach. </p>
<div id="attachment_49359" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik6.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik6.jpg" alt="Diamond Head Road" width="700" height="984" class="size-full wp-image-49359" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head Road</p></div>
<p>Ferlino hanging off the railing. </p>
<div id="attachment_49360" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik7.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik7.jpg" alt="Leahi Beach Park" width="700" height="781" class="size-full wp-image-49360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Leahi Beach Park</p></div>
<p>Two monkeys hanging in the tree in the park that was once the Dillingham home. </p>
<div id="attachment_49361" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik8.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik8.jpg" alt="Diamond Head Lighthouse" width="700" height="749" class="size-full wp-image-49361" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head Lighthouse</p></div>
<p>Passing by the red beacon that keeps wayward ships from grounding themselves on the coral reefs. The original 40&#8242; lighthouse was built in 1898 and was later replaced by the current 55&#8242; structure in 1917. </p>
<div id="attachment_49362" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik9.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik9.jpg" alt="Kuilei Cliffs" width="700" height="782" class="size-full wp-image-49362" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kuilei Cliffs</p></div>
<p>Watching surfers riding the waves off Le&#8217;ahi or Diamond Head. </p>
<div id="attachment_49363" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik10.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik10.jpg" alt="Kuilei Cliffs" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-49363" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kuilei Cliffs</p></div>
<p>Chico making friends on the walk.</p>
<div id="attachment_49364" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik11.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik11.jpg" alt="Kuilei Cliffs" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-49364" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kuilei Cliffs</p></div>
<p>Hiding in plane sight, is this obscure bronze plaque that commemorates Amelia Earhart&#8217;s solo flight from Hawai&#8217;i to California in 1935. </p>
<div id="attachment_49365" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik12.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik12.jpg" alt="Muriel Flanders Park" width="700" height="504" class="size-full wp-image-49365" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Muriel Flanders Park</p></div>
<p>Sitting in the shadow of Diamond Head, is this small spit of a park named after a local philanthropist. </p>
<div id="attachment_49366" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik13.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik13.jpg" alt="Operation Red Wings Medal of Honor Park" width="700" height="530" class="size-full wp-image-49366" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Operation Red Wings Medal of Honor Park</p></div>
<p>Ferlino stopping at the park that was formerly called Fort Ruger Park. It was renamed in honor of the 19 sailors and soldiers that perished in the operation that was named after a hockey team. </p>
<div id="attachment_49367" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik14.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik14.jpg" alt="Kahala Avenue" width="700" height="928" class="size-full wp-image-49367" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kahala Avenue</p></div>
<p>Defying the sit-lie rule. </p>
<div id="attachment_49368" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik14a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik14a.jpg" alt="Kahala Avenue" width="700" height="744" class="size-full wp-image-49368" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kahala Avenue</p></div>
<p>Somebody else was defying as well. </p>
<div id="attachment_49369" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik15.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik15.jpg" alt="Kealaolu Avenue" width="700" height="830" class="size-full wp-image-49369" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kealaolu Avenue</p></div>
<p>Teeing off for the annual Sony Open. </p>
<div id="attachment_49370" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik16.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik16.jpg" alt="Aloha Island Mart" width="700" height="394" class="size-full wp-image-49370" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Aloha Island Mart</p></div>
<p>It seems on this island that everybody knows each other in the hiking community. </p>
<div id="attachment_49371" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik16a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik16a.jpg" alt="Waialae Avenue" width="700" height="492" class="size-full wp-image-49371" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Waialae Avenue</p></div>
<p>Approaching the intersection where H1 Highway ends and Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway starts. </p>
<div id="attachment_49372" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik17.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik17.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="906" class="size-full wp-image-49372" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Some people stump for political views, while others stump for photo opportunities. </p>
<div id="attachment_49373" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik18.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik18.jpg" alt="Aina Haina McDonald&#039;s" width="700" height="452" class="size-full wp-image-49373" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Aina Haina McDonald&#8217;s</p></div>
<p>We grabbed some happy meals with identical squishmallows at the first golden arches in Hawaii that opened back in 1968. </p>
<div id="attachment_49374" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik19.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik19.jpg" alt="Calvary by the Sea" width="700" height="924" class="size-full wp-image-49374" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Calvary by the Sea</p></div>
<p>I heard this Lutheran Church is a popular venue for weddings. </p>
<div id="attachment_49375" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik20.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik20.jpg" alt="Kawaikui Beach Park" width="700" height="705" class="size-full wp-image-49375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kawaikui Beach Park</p></div>
<p>Powered strictly by physical exercise and carbon dioxide. No stripped mopeds were abused or removed in the making of this photograph. So put your camera away mister bystander.</p>
<div id="attachment_49376" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik21.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik21.jpg" alt="Paiko Drive" width="700" height="741" class="size-full wp-image-49376" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Drive</p></div>
<p>Mari entering the wildlife sanctuary that is also called Sand Point. The area was named after an early Portugese settler named Pico, whose name eventually became Paiko. </p>
<div id="attachment_49377" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik22.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik22.jpg" alt="Paiko Drive" width="700" height="394" class="size-full wp-image-49377" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Drive</p></div>
<p>Looking out towards what British sailors called Diamond Hill in 1825 due to calcite crystals on the nearby beach. It was later changed to Diamond Headland and shortened to what most people call it today. </p>
<div id="attachment_49378" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik23.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik23.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="878" class="size-full wp-image-49378" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>Pre-recorded message being played for our convenience. Many beach communities are being restricted by people outside of Hawai&#8217;i who want the land all to themselves and will go to great lengths and deception to keep it that way, which always results in friction between the locals and the newcomers. </p>
<div id="attachment_49379" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik24.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik24.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="978" class="size-full wp-image-49379" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>&#8220;Bushwhacking&#8221; our way through the small section of forested area. </p>
<div id="attachment_49380" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik25.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik25.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="907" class="size-full wp-image-49380" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>Following the sandy shoreline. </p>
<div id="attachment_49381" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik26.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik26.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="884" class="size-full wp-image-49381" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>We soon ran out of dry sand to walk on and had to go barefoot to traverse the small channel. </p>
<div id="attachment_49382" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik27.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik27.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="436" class="size-full wp-image-49382" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>The rest of the group getting their feet wet. </p>
<div id="attachment_49383" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik27a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik27a.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="462" class="size-full wp-image-49383" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>Drying our feet on driftwood with background views of Koko Crater and Koko Head. </p>
<div id="attachment_49384" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik28.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik28.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="721" class="size-full wp-image-49384" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>Fishing dog.</p>
<div id="attachment_49385" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik29.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik29.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="937" class="size-full wp-image-49385" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>Some jumped.</p>
<div id="attachment_49386" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik30.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik30.jpg" alt="Paiko Lagoon" width="700" height="836" class="size-full wp-image-49386" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Paiko Lagoon</p></div>
<p>Others got carried. </p>
<div id="attachment_49387" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik31.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik31.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="839" class="size-full wp-image-49387" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Are we in Hawai&#8217;i Kai? The Hawaiian land division of Waimanalo actually ranges from Kuli&#8217;ou&#8217;ou to Keolu Hills. </p>
<div id="attachment_49388" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik32.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik32.jpg" alt="Maunalua Bay" width="700" height="455" class="size-full wp-image-49388" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Maunalua Bay</p></div>
<p>Looking out into the bay that was once home to a 523 acre fishpond that spanned from Kuli&#8217;ou&#8217;ou to Portlock. The British called it King George Bay when they landed in 1786, but the name never stuck. </p>
<div id="attachment_49389" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik33.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik33.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="728" class="size-full wp-image-49389" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Crossing over the bridge that is at the mouth of the Hawaii Kai Marina that was formerly called Kuapa Pond. </p>
<div id="attachment_49390" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik34.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik34.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="867" class="size-full wp-image-49390" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Chico wooing his third one in order to enter the highest heaven as taught by the FLDS. This one just got dead flowers thrown on the side of the road. I guess we know where she stands in the hierarchy of life. </p>
<div id="attachment_49391" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik35.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik35.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="661" class="size-full wp-image-49391" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Crossing over the pedestrian bridge as we passed somebody enjoying their solitary lunch. </p>
<div id="attachment_49392" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik36.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik36.jpg" alt="Leonard&#039;s Malasada" width="700" height="759" class="size-full wp-image-49392" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Leonard&#8217;s Malasada</p></div>
<p>We stopped at Koko Marina Center for some sugar coated fried Portugese pastry. Thanks to Chico for the tasty treats. </p>
<div id="attachment_49393" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik37.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik37.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="796" class="size-full wp-image-49393" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Burning off the recently acquired calories as we walked up the hill. </p>
<div id="attachment_49394" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik37a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik37a.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="470" class="size-full wp-image-49394" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>The group found a red beaked bird that had flown its wings for the last time. Endemic or invasive? </p>
<div id="attachment_49395" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik38.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik38.jpg" alt="Hanauma Bay" width="700" height="468" class="size-full wp-image-49395" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Hanauma Bay</p></div>
<p>Group photo at the entrance to the popular marine bay that was once the playground for Hawaiian nobility and is now limited to 720 people daily from the unrestricted highs of 10,000 visitors a day.</p>
<div id="attachment_49396" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik39.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik39.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="327" class="size-full wp-image-49396" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Leaving the Toilet Bowl as we approached views of Koko Crater and the rugged coastline. </p>
<div id="attachment_49397" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik40.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik40.jpg" alt="Lana&#039;i Lookout" width="700" height="474" class="size-full wp-image-49397" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Lana&#8217;i Lookout</p></div>
<p>Group photo at the popular scenic point. Is that a whale breaching offshore? </p>
<div id="attachment_49398" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik41.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik41.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="820" class="size-full wp-image-49398" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Where is the sidewalk? </p>
<div id="attachment_49399" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik42.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik42.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="362" class="size-full wp-image-49399" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Going underneath the spandrel arch bridge that was built back in 1931. </p>
<div id="attachment_49400" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik43.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik43.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="358" class="size-full wp-image-49400" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Descending down to the rugged coastline that was being battered by high surf. </p>
<div id="attachment_49401" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik44.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik44.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="457" class="size-full wp-image-49401" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Never turn your back towards the ocean. </p>
<div id="attachment_49402" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik45.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik45.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="964" class="size-full wp-image-49402" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Going through the lava tube that would spit us out back on the highway.  </p>
<div id="attachment_49403" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik46.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik46.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="436" class="size-full wp-image-49403" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>The girls waiting for us to come back. No venturing off the beaten path for them today. </p>
<div id="attachment_49405" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik48.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik48.jpg" alt="Japanese Fishing Shrine" width="700" height="685" class="size-full wp-image-49405" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Japanese Fishing Shrine</p></div>
<p>Group photo at the Umi Mamori Jizo shrine carved out of lava rock in 1940 that was dedicated to keeping fishermen safe from the often turbulent waters. </p>
<div id="attachment_49406" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik49.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik49.jpg" alt="Halona Puka" width="700" height="804" class="size-full wp-image-49406" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Halona Puka</p></div>
<p>We walked out further to explore a hole in the rocks. </p>
<div id="attachment_49407" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik50.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik50.jpg" alt="Halona Blowhole" width="700" height="885" class="size-full wp-image-49407" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Halona Blowhole</p></div>
<p>Watching the sea spray shooting out of the lava tube. In 2002, Daniel Dick decided to straddle the blowhole, despite warnings from bystanders and signs, the 18 year old was thrown in the air from the geyser and fell head first into the lava tube and drowned as a result. </p>
<div id="attachment_49408" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik51.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik51.jpg" alt="Halona Cove" width="700" height="462" class="size-full wp-image-49408" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Halona Cove</p></div>
<p>Marco?</p>
<div id="attachment_49409" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik52.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik52.jpg" alt="Halona Cove" width="700" height="927" class="size-full wp-image-49409" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Halona Cove</p></div>
<p>No Polo from the spit of sand that is also called Cockroach Beach. </p>
<div id="attachment_49410" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik53.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik53.jpg" alt="Halona Blowhole" width="700" height="461" class="size-full wp-image-49410" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Halona Blowhole</p></div>
<p>We took a group photo at the popular lookout since the geyser show stopped. </p>
<div id="attachment_49411" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik54.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik54.jpg" alt="Kalaniana&#039;ole Highway" width="700" height="405" class="size-full wp-image-49411" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kalaniana&#8217;ole Highway</p></div>
<p>Approaching the popular bodyboarding spot known to Hawaiians as Wawamalu. The shore breaks attract bodyboarders and bodysurfers but the beach also accounts for the highest incidents of water-related spinal cord injuries on the island, earning it another nickname, &#8220;break-neck beach.&#8221; This is also President Obama&#8217;s favorite beach and the city council tried renaming the beach after him in 2014. Luckily, the move gained no traction with the public. </p>
<div id="attachment_49412" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik55.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik55.jpg" alt="Sandy Beach" width="700" height="428" class="size-full wp-image-49412" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sandy Beach</p></div>
<p>Somebody was not getting enough airflow to lift off. Get a motorized one pal. </p>
<div id="attachment_49413" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik56.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik56.jpg" alt="Kealahou Street" width="700" height="830" class="size-full wp-image-49413" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kealahou Street</p></div>
<p>Tessa checking out her haul for the day: North Face cap, Korean sunglasses and a Japanese charm. </p>
<div id="attachment_49414" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik57.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dik57.jpg" alt="All pau" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-49414" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">All pau</p></div>
<p>We reached our cars at the cul-de-sac and caught the sunburst behind us. </p>
<div id="attachment_49415" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dikgps.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dikgps.jpg" alt="GPS Tracks" width="700" height="333" class="size-full wp-image-49415" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">GPS Tracks</p></div>
<p>Our longest section of the perimeter walk stretched over 14 miles with a fun group. Post hike meal at Mama Pho, the less crowded of the Vietnamese restaurants. </p>
<p>Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Chico Cantu, Ferlino Carinio, Mari Saito, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.</p>
<p>Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the &#8220;simplest&#8221; or &#8220;easiest&#8221; of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most &#8220;experienced&#8221; hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn&#8217;t go as planned, better safe than sorry.  </p>
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		<title>Diamond Head and Piliwale Ridge to Pali Notches</title>
		<link>http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-and-piliwale-ridge-to-pali-notches/</link>
		<comments>http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-and-piliwale-ridge-to-pali-notches/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Dec 2016 19:00:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kenji SAITO]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chimney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[koolau summit ridge trail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ksrt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leahi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[maunawili]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mud wall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nuuanu saddle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[olomana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pali lookout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pali notches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[piliwale ridge]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://kenjisaito.com/?p=17317</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8216;Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the tuff cone not a coqui frog was calling, not even an iPhone. When out on the pillbox, there arose such a clatter, we sprang from the summit to see what was the matter. Away to the railing we flew like a flash, sailing over the fence [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-and-piliwale-ridge-to-pali-notches/" title="Permanent link to Diamond Head and Piliwale Ridge to Pali Notches"><img class="post_image alignleft frame" src="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/pilipali.jpg" width="700" height="394" alt="Hiking Diamond Head and Piliwale Ridge to Pali Notches" /></a>
</p><p>&#8216;Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the tuff cone<br />
not a coqui frog was calling, not even an iPhone.</p>
<p>When out on the pillbox, there arose such a clatter,<br />
we sprang from the summit to see what was the matter.<br />
Away to the railing we flew like a flash,<br />
sailing over the fence and made a mad dash.</p>
<p>When to our squinty eyes, still crusted with makapiapia, what should appear,<br />
but a six foot douglas fir tree twinkling with colored lights and branches bowed with shiny spheres.</p>
<div id="attachment_17324" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali1.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali1.jpg" alt="Group photo by Ted Calvero" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17324" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Group photo by Ted Calvero</p></div>
<p>We all flocked to the tree like so many mynah birds,<br />
as Hawaiian Santa, a braddah of few words,<br />
called out his naughty and nice list;<br />
Brian, Dale, Jasmin, Kenji, Lene, Masako, Matt, Rocky, Scott, Shirley, Ted, Tina and Yoly!</p>
<div id="attachment_17406" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali1a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali1a.jpg" alt="Group photo by Ted Calvero" width="700" height="522" class="size-full wp-image-17406" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Group photo by Ted Calvero</p></div>
<p>Hawaiian Santa paused as he looked us over and said oh wait,<br />
Chris B was running late.<br />
Missing but in spirit were Chris C, Ethan, Glenn and Lee.<br />
Now no trail should be classified as right or wrong,<br />
there&#8217;s no further need to sing that old song.</p>
<div id="attachment_17325" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali2.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali2.jpg" alt="Sunrise by Yoly Bedford" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-17325" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sunrise by Yoly Bedford</p></div>
<p>We opened our wrapped presents that were filled with rocks,<br />
as we shivered in the winter air, cold down to our socks.<br />
But the real present was the sunrise and Christmas company,<br />
we had cookies, mochi, eggnog and warm milk to pass around; but alas, no bubbly. </p>
<div id="attachment_17326" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali3.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali3.jpg" alt="Hawaiian Santa by Ted Calvero" width="700" height="434" class="size-full wp-image-17326" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Hawaiian Santa by Ted Calvero</p></div>
<p>Down the pillbox, Hawaiian Santa came down with a hoot.<br />
He was dressed in a loud Hawaiian shirt and surfer shorts to boot.<br />
His brow was rimmed by a lauhala hat,<br />
and he was obviously a Democrat. </p>
<div id="attachment_17327" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali4.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali4.jpg" alt="Drone view by Brian Connors" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-17327" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Drone view by Brian Connors</p></div>
<p>And flashing a shaka, up the pillbox he rose;<br />
He sprang to his outrigger canoe that was pulled by nine pua&#8217;a.<br />
And away they all flew, to the next luau.</p>
<div id="attachment_17328" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali5.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali5.jpg" alt="Crater rim" width="700" height="394" class="size-full wp-image-17328" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Crater rim</p></div>
<p>But I heard him shout, before he put on his spikes,<br />
&#8220;Mele Kalikimaka to all, and to all a good hike!&#8221;</p>
<div id="attachment_17358" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali6.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali6.jpg" alt="Maunawili" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17358" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Maunawili</p></div>
<p>The weather outside was so delightful,<br />
so Yoly and I drove to Maunawili Valley to get another sightful. </p>
<div id="attachment_17360" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali7.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali7.jpg" alt="Trailhead" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Trailhead</p></div>
<p>Yoly making her way up the corridor of trees,<br />
hoping not to run into any bees. </p>
<div id="attachment_17362" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali8.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali8.jpg" alt="Warning" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17362" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Warning</p></div>
<p>We were checking the list twice,<br />
to take in all the good advice.</p>
<div id="attachment_17363" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali9.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali9.jpg" alt="Piliwale Ridge" width="700" height="1050" class="size-full wp-image-17363" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Piliwale Ridge</p></div>
<p>Taking a peek past the trees,<br />
we saw the ridge was going to be a tight squeeze.</p>
<div id="attachment_17368" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali10.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali10.jpg" alt="Piliwale Ridge" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17368" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Piliwale Ridge</p></div>
<p>A hop and a scotch,<br />
and Yoly was out of the notch.</p>
<div id="attachment_17369" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali11.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali11.jpg" alt="Piliwale Ridge" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17369" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Piliwale Ridge</p></div>
<p>Yoly climbing up between a tree and a rock,<br />
as it was a trail of hard knocks.  </p>
<div id="attachment_17370" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali12.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali12.jpg" alt="Piliwale Ridge" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17370" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Piliwale Ridge</p></div>
<p>Scrambling up a couple more rock faces,<br />
to get to our other places.</p>
<div id="attachment_17371" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali13.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali13.jpg" alt="Piliwale Ridge" width="700" height="1050" class="size-full wp-image-17371" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Piliwale Ridge</p></div>
<p>Throw me down some webbing,<br />
so I can make it home to my bedding. </p>
<div id="attachment_17372" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali14.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali14.jpg" alt="Piliwale Ridge" width="700" height="526" class="size-full wp-image-17372" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Piliwale Ridge</p></div>
<p>We paused on the ridge to take a selfie,<br />
as we wanted to look somewhat beastly. </p>
<div id="attachment_17373" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali15.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali15.jpg" alt="Piliwale Ridge" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17373" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Piliwale Ridge</p></div>
<p>The weather outside became so frightful,<br />
we were just glad there was no lightning.</p>
<div id="attachment_17374" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali16.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali16.jpg" alt="Piliwale Ridge" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17374" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Piliwale Ridge</p></div>
<p>The ridge wrapped in clouds to the highest peak,<br />
was looking somewhat bleak. </p>
<div id="attachment_17375" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali17.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali17.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>We took a right,<br />
hoping to see some daylight.</p>
<div id="attachment_17376" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali18.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali18.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17376" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>The further down we went,<br />
the more hurried was our descent. </p>
<div id="attachment_17377" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali19.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali19.jpg" alt="Mud Wall by Yoly Bedford" width="700" height="933" class="size-full wp-image-17377" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Mud Wall By Yoly Bedford</p></div>
<p>Stepping down the mud wall,<br />
slowly I went otherwise I would end up in a sprawl.</p>
<div id="attachment_17367" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali20.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali20.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17367" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>The winds picked up something fierce,<br />
which made our balance somewhat worse.</p>
<div id="attachment_17378" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali21.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali21.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17378" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>Hiking in the clouds,<br />
beats walking with the crowds.</p>
<div id="attachment_17379" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali22.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali22.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17379" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>Climbing down backwards,<br />
can sometimes feel awkward.</p>
<div id="attachment_17380" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali23.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali23.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17380" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>The gusts continued unabated,<br />
which made us feel refrigerated.</p>
<div id="attachment_17381" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali24.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali24.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17381" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>When grabbing handholds of uki grass,<br />
is all that keeps you from landing on your ass.</p>
<div id="attachment_17382" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali25.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali25.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17382" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>Looking down at the lookout,<br />
I had to give out a shout. </p>
<div id="attachment_17404" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali25a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali25a.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle by Yoly Bedford" width="700" height="933" class="size-full wp-image-17404" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle by Yoly Bedford</p></div>
<p>Staring down at the drop,<br />
I couldn&#8217;t help but to look at all the treetops.</p>
<div id="attachment_17384" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali27.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali27.jpg" alt="Nu&#039;uanu Saddle" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17384" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Nu&#8217;uanu Saddle</p></div>
<p>Yoly coming around the contour,<br />
as she should&#8217;ve took the detour. </p>
<div id="attachment_17386" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali29.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali29.jpg" alt="Chimney by Yoly Bedford" width="700" height="432" class="size-full wp-image-17386" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Chimney by Yoly Bedford</p></div>
<p>Sitting on the chimney,<br />
where it was quite windy.<br />
Ho Ho Ho.</p>
<div id="attachment_17387" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali30.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali30.jpg" alt="Chimney" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17387" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Chimney</p></div>
<p>The rain started sideway sheeting,<br />
so it&#8217;s best that our stay here be fleeting.</p>
<div id="attachment_17388" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali31.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali31.jpg" alt="Chimney by Yoly Bedford" width="700" height="418" class="size-full wp-image-17388" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Chimney by Yoly Bedford</p></div>
<p>Goodbyes are always hard,<br />
so just send a postcard.</p>
<div id="attachment_17433" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali321.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali321.jpg" alt="Pali Notches by Yoly Bedford" width="700" height="390" class="size-full wp-image-17433" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pali Notches by Yoly Bedford</p></div>
<p>Climbing up when it&#8217;s windy,<br />
at least it&#8217;s no chimney.</p>
<div id="attachment_17390" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali33.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali33.jpg" alt="Pali Notches" width="700" height="221" class="size-full wp-image-17390" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pali Notches</p></div>
<p>One notch was all that was left,<br />
standing between us and some rest. </p>
<div id="attachment_17391" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali34.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipali34.jpg" alt="All pau" width="700" height="467" class="size-full wp-image-17391" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">All pau</p></div>
<p>Yoly about to finish the hike,<br />
all she wants is her missing spike. </p>
<div id="attachment_17394" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipaligps.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pilipaligps.jpg" alt="GPS Tracks" width="700" height="327" class="size-full wp-image-17394" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">GPS Tracks</p></div>
<p>Our merry and short stroll covered 2.46 miles. Mahalo to Chris for picking us up and taking us back to our cars. No post meal hike on this Christmas Day. Happy Holidays to all. </p>
<p>Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the &#8220;simplest&#8221; or &#8220;easiest&#8221; of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most &#8220;experienced&#8221; hikers.</p>
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		<title>Exploring Diamond Head</title>
		<link>http://kenjisaito.com/exploring-diamond-head/</link>
		<comments>http://kenjisaito.com/exploring-diamond-head/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:50:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kenji SAITO]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bunkers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crater rim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exploring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kahala tunnel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leahi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[military]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://kenjisaito.com/?p=9499</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wishing to explore the iconic symbol of Hawaii but wanting to stay away from the high heeled hordes that flood Diamond Head daily, I decided to literally borrow a page from a published list that details the many other ridges of Diamond Head. Met up with George and Glenn at the trailhead that was sandwiched [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://kenjisaito.com/exploring-diamond-head/" title="Permanent link to Exploring Diamond Head"><img class="post_image alignleft frame" src="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/dhe.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Exploring Diamond Head" /></a>
</p><p>Wishing to explore the iconic symbol of Hawaii but wanting to stay away from the high heeled hordes that flood Diamond Head daily, I decided to literally borrow a page from a published <a href="http://www2.hawaii.edu/~turner/hikes2/dhead.htm" target="_blank">list</a> that details the many other ridges of Diamond Head. </p>
<div id="attachment_9502" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe1.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe1.jpg" alt="Full moon" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9502" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Full moon</p></div>
<p>Met up with George and Glenn at the trailhead that was sandwiched in between expensive real estate. Parking is not free. </p>
<div id="attachment_9505" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe2a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe2a.jpg" alt="Abandoned reservoir" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9505" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Abandoned reservoir</p></div>
<p>Grafitti, trash and shrubbery have taken over. Photo by Glenn Toyama.</p>
<div id="attachment_9508" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe4.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe4.jpg" alt="Hello?" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9508" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Hello?</p></div>
<p>Looking up, we saw the tourists gawking at the sights below them.</p>
<div id="attachment_9509" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe5.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe5.jpg" alt="Follow the cable" width="700" height="933" class="size-full wp-image-9509" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Follow the cable</p></div>
<p>Cables are laid out on some of the ridges and the entire crater rim.</p>
<div id="attachment_9510" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe6.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe6.jpg" alt="A ridge too far" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9510" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A ridge too far</p></div>
<p>Another ridge to explore for another day.</p>
<div id="attachment_9511" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe7a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe7a.jpg" alt="Ratty ropes" width="700" height="933" class="size-full wp-image-9511" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ratty ropes</p></div>
<p>Climbing up the rocky face, ropes are present but not needed. Photo by George Vuong. </p>
<div id="attachment_9512" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe8.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe8.jpg" alt="Looking back" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9512" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Looking back</p></div>
<p>The ridge we had just climbed up. </p>
<div id="attachment_9513" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe9.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe9.jpg" alt="Good morning Waikiki" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9513" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Good morning Waikiki</p></div>
<p>The sun was casting its reflection across the waters of Waikiki.</p>
<div id="attachment_9514" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe11.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe11.jpg" alt="Crowded at the summit" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9514" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Crowded at the summit</p></div>
<p>Lots of leg room here. Group photo left to right: Glenn, myself and George. </p>
<div id="attachment_9515" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe12.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe12.jpg" alt="Down the stairs" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9515" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Down the stairs</p></div>
<p>We went down the stairs to connect back to the rim.</p>
<div id="attachment_9516" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe13.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe13.jpg" alt="Fire control station" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9516" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fire control station</p></div>
<p>Looking back at the four level command post that was completed in 1911.</p>
<div id="attachment_9518" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe14.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe14.jpg" alt="On the rim" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9518" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">On the rim</p></div>
<p>George on the ocean side of the rim.</p>
<div id="attachment_9519" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe14a.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe14a.jpg" alt="Diamond Head Lighthouse" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9519" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head Lighthouse</p></div>
<p>Keeping the ships away since 1899.</p>
<div id="attachment_9521" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe16.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe16.jpg" alt="Pillbox junction" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9521" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pillbox junction</p></div>
<p>The last exposed bunker on the ocean side of the rim. </p>
<div id="attachment_9522" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe17.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe17.jpg" alt="Coming up" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9522" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Coming up</p></div>
<p>Glenn checked out the lower level of the bunker. No homeless reported. But we did see what looked like several homeless camps in the gullies of the outside crater.</p>
<div id="attachment_9523" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe18.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe18.jpg" alt="Another bunker" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9523" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Another bunker</p></div>
<p>Looking down at one of the two bunkers that are emplaced below the rim on the ocean side. </p>
<div id="attachment_9524" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe19.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe19.jpg" alt="Looking back at the rim" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9524" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Looking back at the rim</p></div>
<p>The sun was slowly chasing the shade away.</p>
<div id="attachment_9525" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe20.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe20.jpg" alt="Crumbly way down" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Crumbly way down</p></div>
<p>George and Glenn making their way down the loose and crumbly trail.</p>
<div id="attachment_9526" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe21.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe21.jpg" alt="Concrete way down" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9526" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Concrete way down</p></div>
<p>A roughly poured concrete strip goes down from the bunker to Diamond Head road. Read that people use this to run up to the crater rim. </p>
<div id="attachment_9527" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe22.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe22.jpg" alt="On the road again" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9527" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">On the road again</p></div>
<p>We popped out on the road and began walking to the next ridge that would take us back to the rim. </p>
<div id="attachment_9528" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe23.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe23.jpg" alt="Going back up" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9528" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Going back up</p></div>
<p>Figuring out which ridge to go up. A guy shouted to us that we were going up the wrong way and lots of people have been helicoptered out going this way. Really?</p>
<div id="attachment_9529" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe24.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe24.jpg" alt="Contouring the concertina wire" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9529" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Contouring the concertina wire</p></div>
<p>The two lower bunkers were heavily ringed with rolls of concertina wire which forced us to contour to the sides to avoid death by a thousand cuts.</p>
<div id="attachment_9530" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe25.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe25.jpg" alt="Panoramic view" width="700" height="144" class="size-full wp-image-9530" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Panoramic view</p></div>
<p>Click <a href="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/dhe.htm" target="_blank">here</a> for the larger image.</p>
<div id="attachment_9532" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe26.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe26.jpg" alt="Back on the rim" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9532" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Back on the rim</p></div>
<p>It was getting hot on the exposed rim. </p>
<div id="attachment_9533" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe27.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe27.jpg" alt="Search light bunker" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9533" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Search light bunker</p></div>
<p>Looking into the last extant bunker that used to house one of six search lights. </p>
<div id="attachment_9534" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe29.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe29.jpg" alt="Twin bunkers" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9534" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Twin bunkers</p></div>
<p>Followed the trail down between two former anti-aircraft bunkers that led us to the Kahala tunnel entrance. </p>
<div id="attachment_9535" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe30.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe30.jpg" alt="Road less traveled" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9535" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Road less traveled</p></div>
<p>Took a side road that hugged the crater. </p>
<div id="attachment_9536" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe31.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe31.jpg" alt="Storage tunnel" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9536" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Storage tunnel</p></div>
<p>One of seven storage tunnels bored into the crater walls.</p>
<div id="attachment_9537" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe33.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe33.jpg" alt="Back up" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9537" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Back up</p></div>
<p>The road eventually terminated and we followed the closest ridge back up to the rim.</p>
<div id="attachment_9541" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe34.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe34.jpg" alt="Ala Wai Canal" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9541" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ala Wai Canal</p></div>
<p>Looking at Ala Wai Canal, created in 1928 that drained the swamps and created the Waikiki that we know today. </p>
<div id="attachment_9559" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe36.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe36.jpg" alt="Blown away" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9559" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Blown away</p></div>
<p>It was a windy day on the rim. Claimed my boonie hat. Time to visit the surplus shop. </p>
<div id="attachment_9542" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe37.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe37.jpg" alt="Scrambling up" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9542" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Scrambling up</p></div>
<p>George going up a rock face on the rim. </p>
<div id="attachment_9543" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe38.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe38.jpg" alt="Clear day" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9543" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Clear day</p></div>
<p>The Ko&#8217;olau mountain range in the background.</p>
<div id="attachment_9544" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe40.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe40.jpg" alt="Balancing" width="700" height="933" class="size-full wp-image-9544" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Balancing</p></div>
<p>George traversing a narrow section of the rim.</p>
<div id="attachment_9546" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe41.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe41.jpg" alt="Urban sprawl and crawl" width="700" height="933" class="size-full wp-image-9546" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Urban sprawl and crawl</p></div>
<p>A sea of urbanization spilling from the mountains to the ocean. </p>
<div id="attachment_9557" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe43.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe43.jpg" alt="Scooting the rim" width="700" height="933" class="size-full wp-image-9557" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Scooting the rim</p></div>
<p>George going across the last narrow rim section.</p>
<div id="attachment_9549" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe47.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe47.jpg" alt="Scenic point" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9549" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Scenic point</p></div>
<p>Views of Waikiki and the Waianae mountain range in the background.</p>
<div id="attachment_9550" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe51.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe51.jpg" alt="Tourists" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9550" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Tourists</p></div>
<p>We completed the rim loop at the lookout. More tourists.</p>
<div id="attachment_9552" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe53.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe53.jpg" alt="Claustrophobic?" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9552" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Claustrophobic?</p></div>
<p>Glenn felt a little claustrophobic going through the dimly lit tunnel. Lucky it was a short walk.</p>
<div id="attachment_9553" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe54.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe54.jpg" alt="Traffic jam" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9553" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Traffic jam</p></div>
<p>It was a chore navigating the crowd of high heels, slippers and dress shoes.</p>
<div id="attachment_9554" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe56.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhe56.jpg" alt="Abunai!" width="700" height="525" class="size-full wp-image-9554" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Abunai!</p></div>
<p>Going out the Kahala Tunnel. </p>
<div id="attachment_9555" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhegps.jpg"><img src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/dhegps.jpg" alt="GPS Tracks" width="700" height="854" class="size-full wp-image-9555" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">GPS Tracks</p></div>
<p>Hiking the crater rim covered 4.7 miles under hot, crumbly and fun conditions. So far, explored seven ridges and fourteen more left!</p>
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		<title>Trifecta of fun &#8211; Le&#8217;ahi at night, Hamama and Waihe&#8217;e Falls</title>
		<link>http://kenjisaito.com/trifecta-of-fun-leahi-at-night-hamama-and-waihee-falls/</link>
		<comments>http://kenjisaito.com/trifecta-of-fun-leahi-at-night-hamama-and-waihee-falls/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Oct 2013 13:00:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kenji SAITO]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Places]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[full moon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hamama falls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hawaii hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leahi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[waihee falls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[waterfalls]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://kenjisaito.com/?p=5203</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My triple dose of hiking fun started at 3am, even the chickens were sleeping. I met up with Chris and Jasmin as we took advantage of the full moon&#8217;s illumination as made our way up Le&#8217;ahi.   The skies were clear enough to see past the neon glow of Waikiki and reached out all the way to the [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://kenjisaito.com/trifecta-of-fun-leahi-at-night-hamama-and-waihee-falls/" title="Permanent link to Trifecta of fun &#8211; Le&#8217;ahi at night, Hamama and Waihe&#8217;e Falls"><img class="post_image alignleft frame" src="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/trifecta.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Trifecta of fun - Leahi at night, Hamama and Waihee Falls " /></a>
</p><p>My triple dose of hiking fun started at 3am, even the chickens were sleeping. I met up with Chris and Jasmin as we took advantage of the full moon&#8217;s illumination as made our way up Le&#8217;ahi.  </p>
<div id="attachment_5213" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5213" title="City lights" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta1.jpg" alt="City lights" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">City lights</p></div>
<p>The skies were clear enough to see past the neon glow of Waikiki and reached out all the way to the Waianae Mountain Range.</p>
<div id="attachment_5214" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5214" title="Town lights" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta2.jpg" alt="Town lights" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Town lights</p></div>
<p>Rivers of light poured down from the Ko&#8217;olau Mountain Range. Reminded me of the Electric Parade at Disneyland for some reason.</p>
<div id="attachment_5215" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5215" title="East Oahu lights" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta3.jpg" alt="East Oahu lights" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">East Oahu lights</p></div>
<p>Picking out Koko Crater and Koko Head in the distance. We could even see Maui. Wow!</p>
<div id="attachment_5216" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5216" title="Full moon" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta4.jpg" alt="Full moon" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Full moon</p></div>
<p>The streak of light is actually an airplane that was caught in my long exposure shot.</p>
<div id="attachment_5217" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5217" title="Best seats in the house" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta5.jpg" alt="Best seats in the house" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Best seats in the house</p></div>
<p>I&#8217;ll say it again, a 30 second timer does wonders, especially when you&#8217;re running back to the pillbox in the dark.</p>
<div id="attachment_5218" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta6.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5218" title="Sunrise" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta6.jpg" alt="Sunrise" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sunrise</p></div>
<p>The moment everybody was waiting for.</p>
<div id="attachment_5219" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta7.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5219" title="Fish eye view of Waikiki" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta7.jpg" alt="Fish eye view of Waikiki" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fish eye view of Waikiki</p></div>
<p>Group picture time.</p>
<div id="attachment_5223" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta82.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5223" title="Fish eye view of the crater" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta82.jpg" alt="Fish eye view of the crater" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fish eye view of the crater</p></div>
<p>Another one.</p>
<div id="attachment_5224" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta9.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5224" title="Standing room only" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta9.jpg" alt="Standing room only" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Standing room only</p></div>
<p>After enjoying the sunrise and taking lots of pictures, we merged with the crowds going down the trail. Talk about a mass of humanity. Sheesh. That&#8217;s why I like to hike the trails less trampled. After we followed the stream of people leaving the crater, we ambled over to the <a href="http://kapiolani.hawaii.edu/object/farmersmarket.html" target="_blank">KCC Farmers Market</a> to grab a bite or two to eat. I highly recommend the Kona BBQ Abalone and Hamakua Mushroom Fries, to be washed down by a Pineapple Coconut Smoothie. Your taste buds will thank you.</p>
<div id="attachment_5225" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta10.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5225" title="Visitors welcome?" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta10.jpg" alt="Visitors welcome?" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Visitors welcome?</p></div>
<p>Drove back home and dozed off to the idiot box at home. A couple hours later, Chris texted me about joining <a href="http://dgcpinoy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">David&#8217;s</a> hike to Hamama Falls. Sluggish and sleepy, I hopped into my car and met Chris and his niece at the end of Waihe&#8217;e Road in Kahaluu. We made our way through the rather large opening on the left side of the fence to start my second hike of the day.</p>
<div id="attachment_5226" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta11.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5226" title="A nice walk through the forest" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta11.jpg" alt="A nice walk through the forest" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A nice walk through the forest</p></div>
<p>The flat gravel road winds its way through the lush tropical forest of Waihe&#8217;e Valley. Chris pointed out numerous side trails that supposedly lead to the extreme hike known as Kalahaku Teeth. Another hike for another day.</p>
<div id="attachment_5227" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta12.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5227" title="Swimming hole" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta12.jpg" alt="Swimming hole" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Swimming hole</p></div>
<p>We left Chris&#8217;s niece at this popular local watering hole on the way to the falls. I heard there are little fishes in the water that will nibble at your dead skin. Who needs those fancy nail salons?</p>
<div id="attachment_5228" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta13.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5228" title="Hamama Falls" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta13.jpg" alt="Hamama Falls" width="700" height="933" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Hamama Falls</p></div>
<p>The gravel road became more of an incline towards the end as we arrived at the falls to meet up with David and his friend, Phillip. David said these falls are always flowing, whether it&#8217;s rain or shine.</p>
<div id="attachment_5229" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta14.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5229" title="Tap water anyone?" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta14.jpg" alt="Tap water anyone?" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Tap water anyone?</p></div>
<p>Chris said on his last hike up here, another hiker had a faucet spigot that he attached to one of these water pipes in front of the falls. Talk about drinking directly from the source!</p>
<div id="attachment_5232" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta151.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5232" title="Down the banyan tree grove" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta151.jpg" alt="Down the banyan tree grove" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Down the banyan tree grove</p></div>
<p>Chris took his leave of us as he had to return back to the swimming hole to collect his niece. I joined David and Phillip for my third hike of the day, a side trip to Waihe&#8217;e Falls. We went back down the gravel road until we came upon a large banyan tree and made our way down to the stream and crossed over to the bank to pick up the ribboned trail.</p>
<div id="attachment_5233" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta16.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5233" title="Upstream" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta16.jpg" alt="Upstream" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Upstream</p></div>
<p>As we made our way to the falls, Phillip pointed out the numerous mamaki plants growing on the trail. Hawaiians boil it in water to make tea. We had the plants and the water, just no container and heat source.</p>
<div id="attachment_5234" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta17.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5234" title="Waihe'e Falls" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta17.jpg" alt="Waihe'e Falls" width="700" height="933" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Waihe&#8217;e Falls</p></div>
<p>The falls were raging compared to Hamama.</p>
<div id="attachment_5235" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta18.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5235" title="Trying not to get wet" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifecta18.jpg" alt="Trying not to get wet" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Trying not to get wet</p></div>
<p>Phillip and David decided to climb up the waterfall. I was tired from being up all night and stayed put at the bottom of the falls, enjoying the misty waters.</p>
<div id="attachment_5236" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifectagps1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5236" title="GPS Tracks" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/trifectagps1.jpg" alt="GPS Tracks" width="700" height="998" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">GPS Tracks</p></div>
<p>The 4.05 mile hike capped off a long fun filled day that started with enjoying the night lights and ended with two waterfalls. What more could a hiker ask for? I know, a nice steak and lobster dinner at Ruby Tuesdays!</p>
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		<title>Diamond Head Under A Full Moon</title>
		<link>http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-under-a-full-moon/</link>
		<comments>http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-under-a-full-moon/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Dec 2012 13:39:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kenji SAITO]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head lighthouse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[full moon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leahi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[night hike]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[night view]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oahu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sunrise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[waikiki]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://kenjisaito.com/?p=2489</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There was a full moon out tonight and instead of howling, we went hiking up Diamond Head. Picked up Chris and David from KCC and parked in a sleepy residential neighborhood side street. Started off a little past 3:30am and scrambled through dry grass, kiawe trees and crumbly terrain as we made our way up the crater rim. David [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-under-a-full-moon/" title="Permanent link to Diamond Head Under A Full Moon"><img class="post_image alignleft frame" src="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/full1.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Hiking Diamond Head Under A Full Moon" /></a>
</p><p>There was a full moon out tonight and instead of howling, we went hiking up Diamond Head. Picked up Chris and David from KCC and parked in a sleepy residential neighborhood side street. Started off a little past 3:30am and scrambled through dry grass, kiawe trees and crumbly terrain as we made our way up the crater rim.</p>
<div id="attachment_2494" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2494" title="Pillbox bunker" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full2.jpg" alt="Pillbox bunker" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pillbox bunker</p></div>
<p>David and Chris silhoutted on the first pillbox bunker.</p>
<div id="attachment_2496" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2496" title="Crater rim" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full3.jpg" alt="Crater rim" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Crater rim</p></div>
<p>From the second pillbox bunker, we could see the city lights of Waikiki cast her glow behind the crater rim.</p>
<div id="attachment_2498" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2498" title="Diamond Head lighthouse" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full4.jpg" alt="Diamond Head lighthouse" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head lighthouse</p></div>
<p>Looking down at Diamond Head Road and Lighthouse from the third pillbox bunker.</p>
<div id="attachment_2500" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2500" title="Fire Control Station" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full5.jpg" alt="Fire Control Station" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fire Control Station</p></div>
<p>Looking at the fire control station buried at the top of Leahi or Diamond Head from the fourth pillbox bunker. Since we had time to kill, we climbed up the front of the fire control station to the lookout.</p>
<div id="attachment_2502" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full6.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2502" title="City lights" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full6.jpg" alt="City lights" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">City lights</p></div>
<p>City lights of Waikiki from the fifth pillbox bunker.</p>
<div id="attachment_2503" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full7.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2503" title="Diamond Head crater floor, Koko Crater and Koko Head" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full7.jpg" alt="Diamond Head crater floor, Koko Crater and Koko Head" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head crater floor, Koko Crater and Koko Head</p></div>
<p>At 6:00am, the tunnel opened and a stream of headlights announced that Diamond Head was open for business.</p>
<div id="attachment_2505" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full8.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2505" title="Best seats in the house" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full8.jpg" alt="Best seats in the house" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Best seats in the house</p></div>
<p>The best seats in the house was on the fifth pillbox bunker and not the lookout. As the lookout was soon to be as congested as the malls are during holiday shopping.</p>
<div id="attachment_2507" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full9.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2507" title="The Lookout at 6:00am" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full9.jpg" alt="The Lookout at 6:00am" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Lookout at 6:00am</p></div>
<p>At 6:00am, the Diamond Head Lookout was very peaceful and quiet. That was about to change.</p>
<div id="attachment_2510" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full101.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2510" title="The Lookout at 6:40am" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full101.jpg" alt="The Lookout at 6:40am" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Lookout at 6:40am</p></div>
<p>Soon we saw bobbing figures with flashlights making their way up the trail and to the lookout. It filled up pretty fast and the chatterings of English, Japanese and Korean drifted our way. Some folks made their way to the fifth pillbox and shattered our exclusivity and unfettered views.</p>
<div id="attachment_2513" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full11.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2513" title="Sunrise" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full11.jpg" alt="Sunrise" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sunrise</p></div>
<p>Sunrises are always pretty to watch, but even more spectacular when you&#8217;re on top of a mountain.</p>
<div id="attachment_2518" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full12.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2518" title="Panoramic view from Diamond Head" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full12.jpg" alt="Panoramic view from Diamond Head" width="700" height="145" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Panoramic view from Diamond Head</p></div>
<p>Click <a href="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/full.htm" target="_blank">here</a> for the larger image.</p>
<div id="attachment_2519" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full13.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-2519" title="Diamond Head Tunnel" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/full13.jpg" alt="Diamond Head Tunnel" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head Tunnel</p></div>
<p>Now the most dangerous part of the hike, we had to walk out of the tunnel without getting hit by the cars that were coming in and out of Diamond Head Crater.</p>
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		<title>Diamond Head Under A Blue Moon</title>
		<link>http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-under-a-blue-moon/</link>
		<comments>http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-under-a-blue-moon/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Sep 2012 07:30:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[kenji SAITO]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blue moon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diamond head crater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[full moon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leahi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[night hike]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tuff cone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[waikiki]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://kenjisaito.com/?p=1864</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having never done a night hike, well intentionally, we decided that this month&#8217;s full moon or blue moon was too good to pass up a chance to hike the entire crater rim of Diamond Head at night. I met up with Chris, Chance &#8220;Shoeless&#8221;, Kaimi and Sina at 9:30pm. Thanks to Dave for the directions! [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="post_image_link" href="http://kenjisaito.com/diamond-head-under-a-blue-moon/" title="Permanent link to Diamond Head Under A Blue Moon"><img class="post_image alignleft frame" src="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/blue1.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Hiking Diamond Head under a Blue Moon" /></a>
</p><p>Having never done a night hike, well intentionally, we decided that this month&#8217;s full moon or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_moon" target="_blank">blue moon</a> was too good to pass up a chance to hike the entire crater rim of Diamond Head at night. I met up with Chris, Chance &#8220;Shoeless&#8221;, Kaimi and Sina at 9:30pm. Thanks to <a href="http://dgcpinoy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dave</a> for the directions! We skirted the guardrail at the end of the street and made our way up to the crater rim. The full moon was very bright, making it quite easy to see where we were going, we didn&#8217;t even need flashlights.</p>
<div id="attachment_1869" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue21.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1869" title="Military Bunker" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue21.jpg" alt="Military Bunker" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Military Bunker</p></div>
<p>Once we got to the rim, I attached a chemlight to one of the Kiawe tree branches to mark our return spot and then we headed left to the lookout. We soon came upon this half buried bunker with the roof partially open, as we peered inside with the assistance of our cell phone flashlights, we could see flags and pictures inside the bunker. There are actually stairs that lead down to this bunker, but it was locked. With no way of getting inside, short of climbing in from the top; which Chance was vigorously trying to persuade us to do, we continued our way on the rim. I also didn&#8217;t realize that there are roads inside the crater that are actually quite close to the rim in some areas.</p>
<div id="attachment_1870" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1870" title="Waikiki at Night" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue4.jpg" alt="Waikiki at Night" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Waikiki at Night</p></div>
<p>We soon passed two more pillbox bunkers and then ran across the remnants of barbed wire on the ocean side, probably dating back from World War 2. The rim gradually became steeper as we headed towards the lookout.</p>
<div id="attachment_1930" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue4a.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1930" title="Panoramic night view from the lookout" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue4a.jpg" alt="Panoramic night view from the lookout" width="700" height="107" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Panoramic night view from the lookout</p></div>
<p>Click <a href="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/blue2.htm" target="_blank">here</a> to see the larger panoramic image taken by Chris with his phone.</p>
<div id="attachment_1871" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1871" title="Where's the moon?" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue5.jpg" alt="Where's the moon?" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Where&#8217;s the moon?</p></div>
<p>Clouds started to hide the moon from us for a couple hours and gently pelted us with light showers. We got to the lookout around midnight just in time to take shelter from the light drizzle.</p>
<div id="attachment_1872" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue6.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1872" title="Diamond Head Lookout" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue6.jpg" alt="Diamond Head Lookout" width="700" height="525" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Diamond Head Lookout</p></div>
<p>The showers soon stopped out and the moon came back out. The night views of the city lights from the top at 761&#8242; were just amazing, unfortunately most of my pictures came out either blurry or dark. So much for night mode on my camera. We then left the lookout and passed the last bunker on the rim and made our way down. Some parts of the rim narrowed considerably and there were a couple rock faces we had to climb down, all in the moonlit darkness. Sina soon ran out of gas around 3:10am and couldn&#8217;t go further; so we agreed that Chris, Kaimi and Sina would head down in the crater and camp out until the park opened at 6am. Chance and I would return back to where we had started from and pick them up at the bus stop inside the crater when they opened. We continued on the now flat rim trail, an irony that we passed on to the rest of the group when we saw them in the morning, passed the communications tower and headed back down the crater and got to our cars around 4:45am.</p>
<div id="attachment_1873" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue7.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1873" title="Panoramic view of Diamond Head" src="http://kenjisaito.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/blue7.jpg" alt="Panoramic view of Diamond Head" width="700" height="167" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Panoramic view of Diamond Head</p></div>
<p>We drove to the lookout point that is right before the Diamond Head Kahala Tunnel and took a power nap. At around 5:45am, we woke up to hordes of tourists milling around and waiting for the gates to open. After the long stream of tour buses made their way into the tunnel and gave us a chance to get in, we picked up the rest of the group and headed home to a well deserved sleep. Click <a href="http://kenjisaito.com/pics/blue1.htm" target="_blank">here</a> to see the larger image of Diamond Head Crater Rim from inside the park.</p>
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