Today we wanted to explore the island of Oahu with our rental car and drove from our Hotel Maile Sky Court in Waikiki to Diamond Head.
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The Diamond Head Viewpoint
Our first stop was the Diamond Head Crater (called L’ahi in Hawaiian) the landmark of Honolulu and Waikiki.
We walked over the Diamond Head Summit Trail from the parking lot to the crater rim – a steep path about 1.3 km. From below, this looks relatively boring – but the effort was more than worth it, because once you have reached the top you have a magnificent view of Honolulu and Waikiki, of the crater itself and of the coast with its lighthouse.
Panoramic image of the Lookout of Diamond Head
Along the coastal road of Oahu
After the descent from Diamond Head Crater we drove on to the coastal road 83 and passed many viewpoints. The whole thing reminded us a little of Highway 1 in California and the drive along the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.
At one point we could even see some humpback whales in the ocean, which can be found everywhere here in Hawaii from November to April. Unfortunately, even with a 300 zoom lens from the coast, there is not much to be done.
Humpback whales off the coast of Oahu
Surfers on the north coast of Oahu
On the route there were many beach parks, which are very beautifully laid out here in Hawaii. There is free parking, toilets, showers and picnic areas. Especially on the north coast you will find the beaches so typical of Hawaii with their meter-high waves and the many surfers.
We drove the road 83 and then the 930 just so long until it didn’t go on. The road ends at Kaena Point Trail. When it was already dawning we drove back to Honolulu. All in all a beautiful route for Oahu (link in Google Maps), which can be done well in one day.
The route of our current tour over the island of Oahu
Snorkeling in Sharks Cove (Pupukea Tide Pools)
The next morning we actually wanted to snorkel at Oahu’s most popular snorkeling spot: Hanauma Bay. Unfortunately, the Beach Park is always closed on Tuesdays. Unfortunately, we hadn’t researched this before. Very annoying. As an alternative to Hanauma Bay we went again to the north coast to Pupukea Beach Park, because we had read that you can also snorkel there in the tide pool “Sharks Cove”. But it wasn’t really worth it. The tide pool is not very large and has only a few fish to offer.
All travelogues from Hawaii (2015)
Our world trip led us after almost 2 months from the American mainland to Hawaii. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 3,600 kilometres away from the US mainland, the 50th state of the USA. For many, it is the epitome of the South Seas. During our two-week stay in Hawaii we visited four of the six main islands: Kauai, O'ahu, Maui and Big Island. Each of these islands has its own personality, nature and sights and offers different activities for all tastes: From the big city Honolulu with the famous Waikiki Beach, the fascinating Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking Napali Coast on Kauai, the famous Road to Hana on Maui to the most active volcano in the world on Big Island. The islands radiate a unique flair and have enchanted us very quickly with the famous Aloha charm.
» Oahu: Hawaii – Things to know, Photo spots & Travel Guide for a holiday (USA)» Oahu: Honolulu & Waikiki Beach – Our arrival in Hawaii (USA)
» Oahu: Oahu – Pearl Harbor & Downtown Honolulu Memorial (USA)
» Oahu: Oahu – Diamond Head & an island tour on Oahu (USA)
» Kauai: Kauai – Our flight to Lihue, car rental & our hotel (USA)
» Kauai: Waimea Canyon – The Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai (USA)
» Kauai: Kauai – An Island Tour & The Spouting Horn Beach Park (USA)
» Kauai: Kauai – A catamaran tour along the Napali Coast (USA)
» Kauai: Kauai – A sightseeing flight over Waimea Canyon & the Napali Coast (USA)
» Maui: Maui – Our flight to Kahului & the Maui Ocean Center (USA)
» Maui: Maui – Diving & exploring the West Coast (USA)
» Maui: Maui – A drive along the panoramic “Road to Hana” (USA)
» Big Island: Big Island – Volcano sightseeing tour in Volcanoes National Park (USA)
» Big Island: Big Island – An Island Tour & Night Diving with Mantas (USA)
» Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – The Chain of Craters Road (USA)