The Travelling Celts

Times, they are a changing

by Michael Cameron

As part of our retirement trip we went to Hawaii, staying at Honolulu on the island of Oahu.

We took a trip to Diamond Head. This is part of the system of cones, vents, and their associated eruption flows that are collectively known to geologists as the Honolulu Volcanic Series, formed by renewed eruptions from the Koʻolau Volcano that took place long after the volcano formed and had gone dormant. These eruptive events created many of Oʻahu's well-known landmarks, including Punchbowl Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Mānana Island.

The day started with a little drama. We arrived at the ticket office and presented our digital tickets, which could only be obtained online. We were told our tickets were only valid for the following day despite my protests that I had booked it for the day. I cancelled the tickets and booked online again. only to notice that the online system changed the date to the next day as it processed the tickets. I was told perhaps they were sold out (which was nonsense the place was quiet, and what system would change a date?) After some toing and froing to no avail (a jobsworth) I wondered if the internal clock on my phone was effecting it. I changed the phone clock to Hawaii time and hey presto everything worked.

The place itself was beautiful and we set upon the hike up to the head, exhausting but gratifying.

A magnificant view, and the journey back was a lot easier. We hung around the park and enjoyed watching (and at times interacting) with the wildlife, before heading back to Honolulu to catch our bus back to our hotel, stopping on the way for tea.

Click the links below for the Diamond Head photos and/or videos