Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Time to explore the Garden Island. First stop was at the Spouting Horn, a blow-hole which erupts sea water like a geyser.

Spouting Horn blowhole

Then we drove into the Waimea Canyon, also known as “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and there is really something about it.

Waipoo Falls

Sadly, we had to skip our hiking plans, as it started to rain and the trail was very muddy. We drove deeper into the canyon, but the weather got worse – no wonder, as we got close to one of the wettest places on earth: Mt Waialeale, which means “overflowing water”.

A very common view at this lookout…

But, where’s rain, there’s also a chance for rainbows. And indeed, on our way back we got a few good rainbow-in-the-canyon pictures.

(Double) Rainbow within Waimea Canyon

Diamond Head

It wasn’t the best start into the day. Even mediocre cafés in Waikiki are very busy in the morning, and checking other cafés for shorter queues didn’t make it better.

Also, we recommend to inform yourself well about the buses in Oahu, or even better, ask the locals. There are around 20 bus stops containing “Diamond Head”, but just one is the correct for doing the famous hike. Being lost, we did our very first Uber drive and didn’t regret it.

Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone (dormant), a national natural monument and a very touristy place. Doing a relatively easy hike (for Swiss standards) from the inside of the crater up to the cone rewards you with great views over Honolulu.

Tunnel up to the rim (nowadays with lights)
The “behind the scenes”-picture

Around Oahu

Time to use the cabrio and to explore the island Oahu.

Chevrolet Camaro – a surprise for us, too!

There is more on Oahu than Honolulu. At least nature-wise. The Halona blowhole spits water like a geyser, but it’s sea water pushed through the hole by strong waves.

Halona Blowhole

From there we did the circle around the Ko’alau range along the coast. Unfortunately, the weather got worse and we couldn’t spot any turtles, neither at Turtle Bay nor at Laniakea Beach. Before returning to Waikiki we drove up and into the Punchbowl Crater which contains the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific – and also offers a nice vista over the city.

National Memorial of the Pacific
Honolulu from Punchbowl Crater

Honolulu – Waikiki

The car rental company had a surprise for us. The “similar” in “Category C: ICAR: Toyota Corolla or similar” turned out to be a sportive Chevrolet Camaro (cabriolet). What a difference after four weeks in a clumsy campervan!

  • Camaro – outside
  • Camaro – interior

We didn’t use it much that day, though, but searched our hotel in Waikiki and explored this part of Honolulu. Not surprisingly, we soon landed on the famous Waikiki Beach.

But we had to agree to our guide claiming it to be a quite overrated place. Indeed: the beach is mostly man-made, partially with imported sand. The towels are close to each other. And actually, most of the guys are here just for selfies and not for relaxing. But maybe we’re just a bit spoiled from Fiji (29°C water temperature, natural corals…). And having a cold drink at the bar is much better than complaining. 🙂

Hard Rock Cafe – Honolulu

Cast Away Island

Beautiful weather, 31°C air temperature, 29°C water temperature, snorkeling and coconut drinking – why can’t every morning be like this?

  • Sea life
  • Nudibranch (?)

In the early afternoon we went on a short trip to the island where Cast Away (starring Tom Hanks as modern Robinson Crusoe) was filmed – also with great snorkeling possibilities. Fun fact: the island is not that remote, Tom Hanks could have swum to the neighbour island and enjoy a cold drink. 😉

  • Cast Away corals
  • Snorkeling in a natural aquarium

Wonderful sunset in the evening – no photoshop involved!

Paradise found!