Diamond Head

Aloha to everyone and anyone who reads this blog. In the few weeks that have passed since the last post I have spent my weekends searching for fun stuff to do around Oahu, and I have come across several gems. The first is Diamond Head Crater.

Located near Honolulu, a short distance east of Waikiki, Diamond Head Crater is a popular tourist spot on Oahu. According to an informational pamphlet from the state monument, this volcanic crater was formed about 300,000 years ago, and it is about 750 feet from sea level at its tallest point. Its Hawaiian name is Lēʻahi, "lae" meaning forehead, and "ahi" meaning tuna, as the ridge is said to resemble a tuna's forehead. Its English name comes from 18th century traders and explorers who mistook calcite crystal deposits in the crater for diamonds.

View of Waikiki & Downtown from the summit

I have hiked Diamond Head twice since I have been attending BYU-Hawaii, and I loved it both times. It costs five dollars to park inside the crater, or one dollar to enter on foot. The hike takes 45 minutes to and hour and a half, and there are several lookout points on the way to the top.

Myself at the first lookout point

The hike starts as a series of switchbacks snaking up the side of the crater. A few hundred feet or so up the mountainside, the trail goes through a 225-foot long tunnel and exits on the outside of the crater. From there, several sets of stairs (with a grand total of 227 steps) lead to the very highest lookout point, where hikers can take in the breathtaking view of nearby reefs, Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, and the houses on the hillsides. On a clear day the island of Molokai is visible in the distance.

The final set of stairs

As for preparation for the short hike, make sure to wear appropriate clothing. The trek can be done in casual non-hiking shoes, but I don't recommend wearing slippers (flip-flops for mainlanders). I would also suggest taking a bottle of water.

This hike makes an excellent activity for a Saturday afternoon. After the hike, enjoy cruising the Waikiki strip, or eating at one of Waikiki's many restaurants. More fun, cheap activities on Oahu still to come.

Sunset Movies at Waikiki

I have heard many complaints from BYU-Hawaii students about their lack of fun things to do, especially at night. By resurrecting Ke Alaka'i's "Oh, Wahoo!" blog, I intend to show students and anyone else who is interested, that there are many fun activities to take part in all around the island of Oahu.

A great way to spend a Saturday night is to head down to Waikiki and attend a Sunset on the Beach Movie Screening. Fans of ABC's LOST will already have experienced with this event, as the LOST premier was part of the Sunset on the Beach program. Every Saturday, the city shows a free movie on a 30-foot screen-- right on the beach.

Fans eagerly awaiting the LOST premier

Chairs and tables are set up on the beach so people can enjoy the movie comfortably. Many food vendors set up tents right by the screen. The event is totally free (unless you want to buy food of course). All you have to do is find a way to get to Waikiki, such as the bus or getting a ride with friends. So find a group of friends and have a blast watching a free movie on the beach!

Swing Dancing in China Town!

Calling all jitterbugs, swing dancers, Lindy hoppers and Balboa lovers...

Let's go swing at Ong King!

When?
Every Thursday night with the Hawaii Jitterbugs! 8-11pm

How Much?
$5 cover. FREE beginner lesson included 8-8:30pm, so be early!

Where?
The Ong King Art Center
184 N King Street
Honolulu, HI 96817

What Else?
Located in Chinatown, The Ong King Art Center has a fast dance floor, a fun, quirky ambiance, and you can bring your own drinks. The center is air conditioned and has a small outdoor area for hanging out. Street parking is free at night, or there are several parking garages in the area.

For more information, contact Deb by email or at (808) 780-4641, and check out:
http://www.hawaiijitterbugs.org/

Wing Suit

This upcoming sport is attracting thrill seeking daredevils and has
them flocking to some of the largest cliffs in the world. These adrenaline addicts not only fall several thousand feet but also can cover great distances with these innovative suits.




So far, their bug has not hit Hawaii too hard yet but those who are seeking a thrill can check out:

http://www.hawaiiskydiving.com/

Leis

Graduation is coming up! For those of you who haven't been around for one, here's a hint: bring lei's for your graduating friends. It's a great way to show love and wish them luck.




I have a friend that uses dental floss and a sewing needle, you won't even need to make a trip to Wal-Mart!

Mo-vember

Movember (the month formerly known as November) is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health.

Don't forget to go on Movember.com to complete your online registration:


November 1st is the day to officially start growing so make sure you get your wife or girlfriend's permission early. This time you can tell them it's for a good cause. Good Luck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z31uz4jeURU

Incase you didn't notice...

Subway is OPEN!

Vans Triple Crown

This is the graphic from this year's triple crown, one of my favorite events of the season! Not only is it awesome to watch the best surfers in the world shred awesome waves, surf competitions are exciting events all around; a real part of the North Shore culture that anyone can participate in (even if it is just to work on your tan).

The competition has three legs (thus 'triple' crown):

Reef Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa will go off between Nov. 12-23

O'Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach from Nov. 24-Dec. 6

The Billabong Pipeline Masters at Banzai Pipeline Dec. 8-20

Don't miss it!

Shark encounter!

Not to fear, this shark encounter was on purpose!

You can do it too.

http://www.sharktourshawaii.com/index.php

The tour leaves from Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor and lasts two-hours, starting at 7:00 am. Tours are available throughout the day. Shark Adventures uses a custom 32-foot Anderson boat with a swim step on the transom, or back, of the boat. Tours are limited to six persons, so there is no overcrowding. Masks and snorkels are also provided on the vessel "Kailolo II". "Kailolo" means water crazy.

The boat travels offshore from Haleiwa approximately 3 to 4 miles. Once you get to the area, the shark cage is placed in the water and floats at the surface. The water is a cobalt blue and visibility is approximately 200 feet or more. You can actually see the sharks come up from the deep.

While on this tour, you will have the opportunity to see not only sharks, but Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales, depending on the season.

I strongly encourage you to bring an underwater camera because you will be able to get some of the best-possible Hawaiian shark photographs of anywhere.

Pumpkin carving!

And I thought the cat I carved into a pumpkin last year was great...

Not only did this Wisconsin man grow and carve this pumpkin into a canoe but, according to BBC, he christened it with another small pumpkin! And then he rowed it 150 miles in eight days, for kids with disabilities!

My Hero.

Pick your own pumpkins and carve them into whatever you like here on Oahu!
I found this pumpkin patch online and it looks like a gem:

alounfarms.com

There are tractor-pulled hayrides, pony rides, food, games and fun for everyone. Aloun Farms and their sponsors are dedicated to educating and sharing agriculture and its potential here in Hawaii. Go spend a family (or friends) day in the country and visit Aloun Farms, located at: 

91-1440 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, HI 96707.

Aloun Farms Kapolei Pumpkin Patch 2008 is open to the public on Saturday & Sunday, October 18, 19, 25 and 26, 2008 from 9am to 5pm.

Parking is $3 and pumpkins will be priced according to individual size. Cash only. No checks or credit cards.