Sunday - Time to start sightseeing

Jenny worked as a hostess at Cheeseburger in Paradise right on Waikiki beach this semester (again, don't we all feel sorry for her).  We started out the day with mass at the church where Father Damien (now Saint Damien) was ordained.  This was just down the block from Cheeseburger and we went there for breakfast where we sat near the window looking out over the ocean.  We had two main things planned for the day: a submarine ride and a hike to the top of Diamond Head.  I had already learned that traffic around Honolulu never moves very fast and we had to allow plenty of time to get around.

The submarine ride takes you down to some man made reef areas since this area of the island does not have nearby natural reefs.

To get to the submarine you take a short boat trip which gives you a nice view of Waikiki.  This is one of the oldest hotels in Hawaii.











And a great view of Diamond Head.













As we approached the area, our submarine surfaced.







There are port holes along the sides and bench seats down the middle so each person has their own window to look through.  I was surprised by how blue the water was beneath the surface.  Even though the water was clear you often did not see the fish or 'reef' until you were right on it.

Where is that fishing pole?

We went 100 feet down and the fish are evidently used to the submarines coming through the area.

As are the sea turtles.  We saw quite a few of these both on the submarine ride and on the beaches on the Big Island.

After returning to land we headed off to hike to the top of Diamond Head.  I expected a long hike but it turns out you drive nearly to the top of it before you start to hike.  It was about 45 minute hike to the top and the view was great!

Looking down into the crater from the top.

And back toward Honolulu....

Even a lighthouse at the base - look at that clear water!

Here is a panoramic view of Honolulu and the other communities.  Notice how they built back up into all the valley areas.

All in all, a much better day than sitting in the rain.