We’ve been continuing to have a great time here on O’ahu. The weather has been nice, the sounds of the ocean out our hotel suite have been relaxing, and time for rest and relaxation has been much-appreciated. Today we rented a car and set off to explore some spots around the island that were familiar and some that were not so familiar.

Our first stop was Diamond Head crater. This was Clint’s first time there; Ryan had been there a few times before. What neither of us had done, though, was hike from the crater to the rim. It showered a bit this morning so the trail was a bit slippery in spots, but pretty easy going overall. It was just eight tenths of a mile up to the rim with a gain of 560-feet. Along the way, we climbed 277 steps (Clint counted) before reaching the “Fire Control Station” which was built in 1911 to control artillery fire at several batteries around the area. The view, once we made it to the top, was astounding. In all the times each of us has been here, we’ve never done this and we’re glad we did.

View of Honolulu from Diamond Head

Oceanfront homes below Diamond Head

A view of the crater floor from the rim

It's a tight squeeze getting to/from the viewing platform outside the Fire Control bunker.

Part of the way up/down includes a trek through a darkened 225-ft tunnel.

From there, we continued on to the little seaside area of Lanikai. And in Lanikai we were headed to Lanikai Beach, specifically. This is the beach where we had our commitment ceremony on July 14, 2003 and we haven’t had the opportunity to return since then. So this little stretch of powdered sugar-like sand, turquoise waters, and postcard-perfect setting has special significance to us. It was a warming and affirming feeling to be back there together eight years later.

Enjoying the feeling of being reunited with Lanikai Beach

A little sand-writing to make it more romantic: "CJ & RL 7/14/03"

We also had a dip in the water.

Ryan's up to his neck in Lanikai's beauty.

"Our" beach and our Hawaiian rings

This shot is from July 14, 2003. We tried to recreate it today ...

Attempt #1 ... oops ... only one of us it up!

Take two! Huh?

Third time's a charm?

Good enough.

A very magical place

From there we continued on north to Turtle Bay, a resort built on the far north side of O’ahu. Time for lunch, and we had a perfect setting beachside from which to enjoy some good food.

We guess we were too focused on our food at Turtle Bay because this is the only shot we took.

We enjoyed our drive back into Honolulu, passing through Haleiwa, and enjoying remembered sights, and a few new ones when Ryan took the wrong direction at some forks in the road. Oh well. We’re on vacation and we were on island time.

Back in Waikiki, we enjoyed the sunset from one side of our lanai and the moonrise from the other … a great close to a fantastic day.

A full moon rising beside the Hyatt Regency as the sun sets behind us.

Goodnight!