The Best Walk

Last February we has the good fortune of vacationing in Hawaii. We flew to Honolulu where we would later board a cruise ship, but the next couple of days were spent at Waikiki Beach. From Waikiki Beach or anywhere near there you can’t miss Diamond Head - it is the most noticeable landmark in Hawaii. During the first day I learned there was a walking path would take you to Diamond Head. I was told that the trail leads you across a wooded area, a field, up a few hills, through a couple of tunnels, up some number of stairs, then at the top… spectacular views! Early the next morning I was on my way.

From our hotel I walked to street running along the beach. The were families arriving at the beach, surfers carrying their boards, and others out walking. But I felt like I was walking a bit faster than the others I saw. I probably was because I knew I had about a three mile walk before I could start the walk up Diamond Head.

At the end of the street I followed a residential road until and eventually entered the Kapiolani Park area. (I later learned this park is the largest and oldest public park in Hawaii.) I has a number of recreational features including a zoo. For me it was just part scenery along the way.

After passing the park, the walk became steeper. By now it seemed that I was quite a distance from the hotel and there had been no sign of Diamond Head. As I crossed the street to get a better perspective, I was almost hot bit a person walking backwards. (Never saw that before.) I asked the next person I saw if I was headed in the right direction. I was.

The continued to climb the hill until I saw the entrance. Again, there was a hill to climb, then, a tunnel, then the park entrance. It cost me a dollar to enter. (OK, most walks are free.) As soon as you are inside the park there’s a warning sign about what’s ahead. This is to prevent those not in shape from attempting the climb. This is where the trail starts.

The first part of the trail is paved. Some of the path is surrounded by small trees and fields. The sun had now moved into a position to better provide direct warmth. This combined with the breezes coming off the ocean to make the walk incredibly comfortable. The paving ended and was replaced by a dirt trail as it should have. The paving seem a but unnatural for this area. Up ahead I could see the rise of Diamond Head.

The trail weaved sharply to the left, up a small hill, the sharply to the right and across a steep decline. Railings along the way keep this area safe for walkers of all skills. The trail wound around another hill before another climb started. This one involved a series of left and right bound trails scaling the next hill. At the top a long trail lead to set of stairs 0 ninety nine to be exact. You then enter a tunnel and climb for a bit more. There’s another tunnel and another smaller set of stairs and a small exit area.

This exit takes you outside to some great scenery. You can now see the ocean and a lighthouse, but it gets better. I followed the trail around a bend and in front of me was the last set of stairs which take you to the summit. From there You can see all of Honolulu, the mountains, the ocean, and everything in between. As you would expect from Hawaii - all of it is beautiful and very photogenic. I spent some time looking around and out at the views. I walked down the stairs and around the other side at the other views.

Then a thought hit me. I need to get back to the hotel and find my wife. Its time for breakfast, and to get ready for the cruise.

Filed under: Hawaii on March 4th, 2007 | No Comments »