Another country another volcano to climb :)

After a couple of days of relaxing around the coastal walks it was time to complete the small challenge of hiking the nearby trail up to the national monument ‘Diamond Head’ a bunker complex at the peak of the Diamond Head extinct volcanic crater.
Deciding to wait until after lunch at the yogurt store (fantastic place to have a lunch break snack coated in nuts and fruit for just $4 - affordable lunch in AC luxury - even provides free strawberry infused water, but take my advise select the lighter fruit options and ignore chock as it is all charged by weight)… Typically for Englishmen and mad dogs I end up heading off on my trek soon after mid-day when the sun index is extreme (And that’s Hawiian standard)!! Wearing a sensible black T-shirt and carrying a pack filled with water I soon find the 3km long road to Diamond head. After 20mins in the sun I’m feeling hot 0_0 but I continue through the heat of the day and eventually run out of foot path so end up on the side of the road on the approach to the turn off to the crater - initially it is a walk along the side of the entrance road, through a tunnel and into the main crater - a wonderful site with a park in its centre.
Be aware however that much of the site is restricted for military use and so you must keep to the track and park areas. Entry for hikers is $1 ;) Great value (but expect to pay more if your in a car). The hike to the summit complex is 1.3km each way starting off with a gentle climb along paved footpaths before morphing into a rough trail and finally into a set of steep stairs (another stair-master moment) However, after all the recent hiking I hardly feel it and virtually sprint up to the summit resting only when I reach the first bunker meeting a man selling certificates of achievement for the climb [Mike: you would love this - a pill box on the crater edge with views out to the open ocean and across to Waikiki beach). Resting in the cool air I notice my T-shirt is pasted to my back with no dry patch evident 0_0 (The sun is a little stronger than you might expect so make sure you put a little sun-cream on).
The final ascent is through the front of the bunker - literally squeezing through the gun shield (slit) out onto the trail to the top where the views of the ocean, Diamond Head Crater and mountain backdrops are stunning (Be prepared to be part of a crowd if you come at popular times). The Ocean is fabulous with aqua-marine colours merging into the dark blue of the deep ocean off the coast - it is even possible to see the larger sea life and kayaks gently cruising the shallows while larger ships and yachts gracefully ply the deeper waters. A breeze at the summit aids recovery from the climb before the return journey back to the base. Take your time here - enjoy the fabulous views…
Returning to the base I ignore the option of a bus $2.50 (exact change only) and walk back along the road stopping only to have coffee at the ‘Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’ café. Definitely feeling the heat today more than any other… Time for an afternoon siesta and Hershi bar for Easter :)

HAPPY EASTER to all :)