Hop On Hop Off Honolulu!

From Diamond Head

   We had another very good day of touring Honolulu. We were out early and decided to take the Hop On Hop Off bus around the city. They have 5 different lines and we managed to travel on 3 of them. In all we were gone for over 9 hours.

Shaved Ice

   After the ride to the central location we took the green line. It took us along the waterfront and eventually to Diamond Head. We got off in the bowl of the extinct volcano and decided to hike to the rim. The hike is about 1.5 miles in total length with an elevation change of 560 feet. We managed to get to the top in about 35 minutes. We had done this hike 28 years ago when we were returning from Australia. There is a tunnel 225 feet long and about 300 total stairs to get to the top; the last 52 steps up a spiral staircase. It was a warm sunny day and the views were great. We did the entire climb without resting at all and we think we must be in better shape these days. After a shaved ice, we hopped the bus and returned to the depot.

Hanauma Bay

Coastline

    Our next trip was a 2.5 hour bus ride to the Panoramic Coastline on the blue line. We stopped at Hanauma Bay; a place where there are reefs and one can snorkel or enjoy the beach. We only had time for a photo but remember the last time when we spend the whole day there. The ride continued along the very rugged coast to a blow hole (not very impressive as the tide was out) and then to Sandy Beach. All along the coast there were hundreds of surfers. It was a very good way to see the coastline outside the city.

Rainbow Over Waikiki

    We returned to the depot where after a few minutes we took the 1 hour red line tour back to the ship. This took us out towards the Arizona memorial although we did not go that far. (that's another line!) Again we passed many parts of the city including the Punchbowl Cemetery. It is a memorial area for service personnel inside an old volcano. It is extremely well kept where many servicemen who died in World War II are buried. The state capital building, old palace and Chinatown were also part of this route. We arrived back at the ship around 6:30. 

    There was a Hawaiian folkloric show with the traditional Hula dancers and Uke music. They were very good. We met up with friends for a late dinner and then made an early night of it. An all day tour is on tap for tomorrow.