After spending a few days on Kauai, we took the 35 minute plane ride back to Oahu to spend some time with my cousin and her husband. We always enjoy visiting them – mostly because they know all the good local places to eat. Joking! Since they are so far away, we hardly get to see them. It’s always nice to be able to see family. Even better that it’s in paradise!

On our first full day on Oahu, we got up super early and had breakfast the KCC Farmer’s Market, as is our tradition most times we visit Oahu. There were some new additions, but a lot of the tried and true stands were the same. It’s nice to see some old faces.

Then we began the hike at Diamond Head State Monument. Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone. The view at the top overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. The trail takes you to the edge of a 300,000 year old crater. One way, it takes about an hour, so the distance is not too long. However, the hardest part is the ascent. Parts of the trail are on uneven rock and there are over 100+ steps to get to the top.

However, the views at the top – and even along the way are well worth it.

You get an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean.

As well as the Diamond Head Lighthouse

There is also a spectacular view of Honolulu and Waikiki

Of course, once can never forget how green Hawaii is by looking left and right along the trail.