Oahu Day 7

Today we were going to hike Diamond Head. Although we didn't get an early start!  As we headed east, it was apparent the skies had filled and rain had fallen.  Indeed, we drove into a downpour! Thinking that a hike in the rain, and muddy trails was not all that appealing, we elected to detour to Chinatown! First, we stopped at the 'Iolani Palace.  The line up to tour the building was huge, as several tour busses had just arrived. So we walked around the building and grounds.  Then we took the obligatory picture with King Kamehameha (the statute!)

Everyone was hungry, so we dashed into a Noodle House - Little Village. After a surprisingly good (and cheap) meal, we head out into the nearby area to browse the shops.  The rain has let off and the town is drying (although staying quite humid).  We found a few shops and some souvenirs are acquired!

Back into the car, and we head eastward toward the Halona Blowhole!  We arrive and find a parking spot. The sea is really angry, and we can see a huge storm out to the east...this is creating some huge waves. So the blowhole is quite spectacular.  We watch for about 15 minutes, then the rain hits - and Hard!  Race back to the car and head down the highway to the North Shore.

We were looking for a beach and find a hidden gem (Bellows Beach). Apparently it is only open on weekends.  As the weather is spotty, the beach is pretty empty.  But it is too chilly and wavy to go in. We head east again....stopped at the Military entrance!  Apparently we can't go thru....foiled!  We head inland and back to the sea and stop briefly at Kailua Beach., Nice, but everyone is too cold to go in.  Back to base for dinner.  We have been gone for 7 hours and haven't been in the water yet.

We stop at Foodland to buy supplies and head back to the townhouse. Jump into the golf cart and head to Lagoon 4 for a quick dip.  The sun will set in 60 minutes so we want to make it in time! Back at home we make a good dinner of Kalbi, Kim-chi, Rice and Veggies!  Yum!