Surfing > Football

We have spent the last two days back here in Waikiki.  We have had a rental car for brief periods of time, and when we do, we try to go places that aren't easily accessible on the bus.  Yesterday morning, while my dad and Jaden swam at the pool, my mom and I set out to hike Koko Head Crater.  Koko Head Crater is a cinder cone volcano that is the last known active volcanic site on Oahu.  The peak of the crater is known as Pu'u Mai, but to get here, one must walk up 1,048 stairs.  The trail up to the peak was originally used in World War II to transport military supplies up the mountain using a cable car. 

The ariel view doesn't look too bad, huh?  Well, when I got to the base of the trail, this was my view...

I will have you know that I did climb all 1,048 stairs!  I made it to the top!  It took me about 45 minutes to get there, but I made it.  There were all types of people climbing this stupid thing....in shape, out of shape (me), old men and women, young men and women, even children climbing with their parents.  Don't worry, I made sure no child passed me.  There were even a few wacko's that ran up it.  I thought about tripping them, just on principle alone, but I didn't.  I figured it would be bad karma for me on my climb down.  This was my view down.  FYI, it took me just as long to walk down as it did to walk up.  Right before the descent, I realized I have a fear of heights.  Wouldn't you?

Anyway, I did get some amazing pictures at the top.  "They" say on a clear day from this view, you can see the island of Maui.  It wasn't clear enough for that but I was able to see all the way to Diamond Head as well as Hanauma Bay (a famous snorkeling spot).

So after my brush with death, it was time to relax at the beach.  Jaden and I hopped on the bus (we have a June bus pass = way cool) to Waikiki Beach.  Waikiki Beach is one of Hawaii’s most storied destinations. It has been a Hawaiian retreat since the 1800s when it emerged as one of the first surfing hot spots. Waikiki is famous for its beach breaks, making it a popular haven for long board surfers. Duke Kahanamoku, the person credited for making surfing popular as a modern sport, has an honorary statue at the entrance to the beach.  

Waikiki Beach

Jaden took his surf lessons here last week but decided he was finally ready to surf solo.  We rented a surfboard from the Beach Boys (not the musical group) and out he paddled.  He spent most of the day surfing.  There were times he was so far out in the waves, I could only identify him by his swim trunks and backflips he did before he fell off the board.  He was exhausted when he came in!  He has been asking me all day when we can go buy his own surfboard.  Patience, my child!  

His longboard is twice his size, but he is happy!  And so is mom  :)

Aloha!