Hawaii - Oahu

According to the Chinese New Year Calender, the year 2013 of the Snake will be a favorable year for the Ox. While I don't necessarily believe in horoscopes, it's always fun to read, and to see whether the prediction is accurate. I'm happy to report that so far, things have been looking up for me. I recently had another CT of my lungs, and a MRI of my leg, and there was no definite findings of metastatic disease in either! When the doctor says that I'm doing much better than she anticipated, that definitely means that it's great news, right?

Andrew and I recently went to O'ahu, Hawaii to celebrate his birthday.  It was such a wonderful trip learning about the history of Hawaii, and exploring the island. Vacationing in Hawaii can get expensive, but there are plenty of things to do that are budget friendly. Here are a few of the things that we did. Aloha!

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head was created by a single explosive eruption of steam and ash 

approximately 150,000 years ago. The crater is an almost perfect circle with a 

diameter of 3520 feet, and a floor area of 175 acres.

The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit had

 an ascent of 560 feet! 

Koko Head Crater Railway Trail

The railroad tramway was built during WWII to provide military personnel 

and supplies to the top. Even though it's only 1.5 miles to the summit, it had an elevation 

increase of 1,200 feet! This hike was extremely brutal, and made Diamond Head child's play. 

Dole Plantation

The Pineapple Garden Maze was recognized in 2008 by the Guinness Book of World 

Records as having the world's largest maze. It encompasses 3.15 acres, 

with 2.46 miles of pathway made of 14,000 local Hawaiian plants. 

It took us 1 hour 4 minutes to complete the maze!

I'm a big fan of pineapples!

World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (Pearl Harbor Memorial)

The USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the 

USS Utah Memorial commemorate those who died as part of the December 7, 1941 attack. 

The Polaris A-1 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile was developed by 

Lockheed in the late 1950's, and was the first submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). 

Its sophisticated guidance system was capable of delivering a nuclear warhead "on target" 

1,380 miles way. This particular A-1 is one of the oldest SLBMs in existence. 

Hawaii Army Museum Society

The U.S. Light Tank, M24 was used for scouting and reconnaissance in the late days of WWII. 

It mounted a 75mm main gun and 3 machine guns behind 1'' of armor. Two Cadillac V-8 

engines drove the 19 ton tank and its crew of four at speeds up to 35 MPH. 

Manoa Falls Trail

Even though the trail was really muddy from the rain, the 100ft Manoa Falls was 

worth it! Also, scenes from the TV show LOST and Jurassic Park were filmed here. 

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

The Memorial was erected in 1964 to honor the sacrifices and achievements of 

American Armed Forces in the Pacific during WWII and the Korean War. 

In 1980, it was enlarged to include the missing of the Vietnam War. 

Iolani Palace

The Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua to enhance Hawaii's 

status as a modern nation. 

Foster Botanical Gardens

Foster Gardens is the oldest of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. 

The 14-acre garden has lots of tropical plants that date back to the 

1850s. Don't forget to wear lots of mosquito repellent!

Mount Tantalus Lookout

Tantalizing views of Diamond Head, Punchbowl Crater, Waikiki, and Honolulu!

Byodo-In Temple

The Bell House contains a 5 foot high, 3 ton brass bell cast in Osaka, Japan. 

The bell is customarily rung before one enters the temple to spread the eternal teachings of Buddha. 

The Buddha is thought to be the largest figure carved since ancient times. 

The 18 feet figure is an original work of art carved by the famous Japanese sculptor, Masuzo Inui. 

Olamana Trail

Olamana consisted of scrambling, and a 15 foot vertical section.

 It didn't help that there were ridges with drop-offs on either or both sides!

We made it to the top!

Elvis Aloha Statue

The Elvis statue marked the World's First Satellite TV Concert in January 14, 1973. 

Pineapple Float

Ingredients (serves 2)

1 cup pineapple 

1 cup milk

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup orange juice

Vanilla ice cream

Directions

1. Put all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. 
2. Pour into glasses. 
3. Spoon a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. 
4. Serve with straws and spoons.

So refreshing!