Today I would go on a nice hike at Diamond Head, Oahu. I woke promptly at 5:20 am and swiftly packed my belongings into the car’s trunk. By 5:30 am, I was on the road heading north towards Kailua-Kona airport, a drive Google estimated to take around 30 minutes.
Return of the Rental Car
Hoping to grab breakfast at Subway along the way, I was disappointed to find none open. I fueled up for the last time in Kona before proceeding to the airport. Arriving at 6 am at the Dollar Rental premises, I was greeted by a staff member who efficiently checked the fuel level and inputted information into a handheld computer. After signing off with a pen, I was ready to go. Impressed by their efficiency, I collected my bags and headed towards the building, where the shuttle would arrive in just 5 minutes, right on schedule. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the car rental service, finding it quick, convenient, and reasonably priced—aside from the unavoidable underage fee charge.
I completed the self-check-in process and dropped off my bag. The TSA security line was short, so I breezed through it within 10 minutes and found myself beyond customs. Feeling famished, I headed to the shop to grab a bite to eat and a drink. While waiting for my flight, I caught up with a colleague back home. The weather on the Big Island was pleasant, and I hoped the same held true for Oahu. I had a full day planned there, with my flight to Los Angeles scheduled for the evening. After discovering an excellent baggage storage service online for $20, I decided to give it a try at Honolulu airport. This way, I could leave the airport and enjoy one last day in Honolulu. Though I already had a plan for the day, I wasn’t expecting any surprises.
Another Comfortable Flight
Hawaiian Airlines flight HA 117 took off promptly at 8:30 am, and the flight was quite comfortable. Thirty minutes later, we touched down in Honolulu. I made a quick call to the company, and to my relief, someone arrived within 5 minutes to assist me. Handing over my belongings, including my laptop bag, I paid a total of $25 for their service. The gentleman who took charge of my bags was an older man, exceedingly polite. We struck up a conversation about the Netherlands, a place he had visited many years ago.
Quick Stopover at Waikiki Beachside Hostel
Afterward, I boarded the bus heading towards the city, and an hour later, I found myself strolling through Waikiki once more. Returning to this vibrant area felt like coming home. My first stop was a Subway near Waikiki Beachside Hostel, where I had stayed a week prior. After enjoying a meal there, I headed to the hostel and inquired about leaving my phone behind while I went hiking.
It was nearing 12 am by this time. The gentleman at the front desk assured me it was fine to leave my phone and asked for my name to make a note for his colleagues. With that sorted, I caught a bus headed towards Diamond Head, eager to embark on a hike. Despite Google’s forecast of cloudy weather, I was relieved to find the skies clear.
Arrival at the Ancient Volcano
After a 15-minute bus ride, I arrived at the Diamond Head park and commenced a 0.5-mile hike towards the car park. The scenery along the way was already breathtaking. Though I couldn’t discern the name of the town in the distance, I was certain it lay beyond the bounds of Honolulu.
As I emerged from the tunnel, a vast open expanse greeted me. Diamond Head, a remnant of an ancient volcano, echoed what I had learned at the Volcano National Park on the Big Island. The circular valley laid out before me wasn’t a surprise; it was, in fact, a crater, shaped naturally over time.
After paying the one-dollar entrance fee for the hike at Diamond Head, I strolled across a beautiful, expansive grass field, marveling at the surroundings. Equipped with a bottle of water, I had prepared myself for the hike ahead. Aware that the ascent to the lookout atop the mountain would take approximately an hour, I set off after making a quick pit stop at the restroom.
The Hike to Diamond Head’s Summit
The initial stretch of the Diamond Head hike led along a regular road, traversing a picturesque expanse of dry land. As the pavement gave way, a rocky trail lay ahead along the ledge of the mountain. Despite still wearing sandals, I managed to navigate the terrain. The hike itself was relatively straightforward, with the primary challenge being the intense heat. Certain sections offered little to no breeze, amplifying the sweltering conditions. The final leg of the journey involved ascending a staircase, passing through a dark tunnel, and ascending another set of stairs.
Beautiful Views on Top of the Summit
The Diamond Head hike turned out to be surprisingly easy. As expected, the view was breathtaking (I know, it’s a cliché sentiment, but it’s true). From the highest lookout point, I was treated to a panoramic 360-degree vista. Initially, I found myself at the bunker lookout, where I snapped some photos of Waikiki, captivated by its beauty.
Venturing beyond the fence, I engaged in conversation with three gentlemen who were enjoying a joint. Our discussion naturally veered towards the Netherlands when they mentioned they hailed from the French part of Canada. They were on a brief holiday, taking advantage of discounted flights—an enviable perk enjoyed by many with family working in the airline industry. After chatting with them for about 15 minutes, I bid farewell as I wanted to explore the other lookout points as well.
Opposite Views
I strolled to the opposite side of Diamond Head’s summit and offered to take some pictures for other visitors. While they anticipated just one photo, I usually capture around five or six shots when photographing a group. I guide them on how to pose and select the best background for the perfect shot. Afterwards, they’re often astounded by the results, impressed by how well the photos turned out. It’s remarkable how many people struggle with photography—makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
From the opposite side of the outlook, I could see the park entrance and the surrounding hills, providing a clear view of the unmistakable shape of the crater.
Back to Honolulu
Having spent 30 minutes at the summit of Diamond Head, I made the decision to descend. Taking a small sip of water, I realized I wasn’t thirsty in the least. Surprisingly, the hike turned out to be less intense than I had anticipated. I mean, I even did it in sandals!
As I descended the cliffs, I made my way promptly to the bus stop. On my way down, I greeted a group of Japanese people with a few words in Japanese (learned from Toshi), eliciting laughter from them.
After a 15-minute wait at the bus stop at Diamond Head, I began to suspect I was in the wrong location. Recalling the first bus driver mentioning an alternative line with more frequent service to Waikiki, I headed to the other bus stop. To my relief, I spotted the bus ready to depart. I hurried over and managed to catch it just in time.
Returning to Waikiki and Small Encounters Along the Way
Fifteen minutes later, I found myself back in Waikiki. I retrieved my mobile phone from the hostel, where the girl at the front desk requested a description of the device. With a smile, I provided the details, and she asked me to unlock the security. Once I demonstrated it, she was satisfied that it was indeed my phone. Grateful, I thanked her and complimented her on her diligence. I mentioned the note left by her colleague with my name on it, which she promptly located. “Now you can rest easy,” I quipped, sharing a laugh.
I departed and strolled toward Waikiki, heading northward. Along the way, I passed by the Moana Surfrider’s Hotel, a place I had considered booking for my birthday last week, wishing they allowed friends in the pool area.
I came across a small farmer’s market nestled within a mall, but after a brief glance, I found it uninteresting and quickly moved on. Continuing my journey northward, I followed the directions from Google Maps as I made my way toward a post office.
Buying Touristy Gifs for my Family
After a while, I reached a mall where the post office was housed. It was a vibrant place, adorned with a large screen broadcasting music. Britney Spears’ iconic hit, “Baby One More Time,” resonated throughout the mall. Making my way to the second floor, I inquired with a staff member about their closing time. “5 pm,” he informed me. With an hour to spare, I set off to find gifts for my family.
Returning to the first floor where the ABC-store was situated, I indulged in a shopping spree. I purchased two ukuleles, some hair pieces, a beer opener, a cap, and a sticker, totaling around $130. Although it was a significant dent in my budget, I felt compelled to do so, as I couldn’t bear the thought of returning home empty-handed in two months, without any gifts for my family.
Navigating Postal Pitfalls: A Tale of Shipping Struggles
I carried all the items to the post office and requested a box. After jotting down a message for my family, I proceeded to fill out an online customs form. However, frustration set in as I grappled with the sluggish and glitchy computer system at the post office. Despite the hurdles, the attendant printed the forms, and I prepared to sign them.
“Sign all five pages, please,” the attendant instructed. “There are only four,” I pointed out. It quickly became apparent why: the printer ink cartridge had run dry. Unfortunately, the post office didn’t have any spare ink cartridges.
Meanwhile, a group of impatient French individuals had been waiting for ten minutes, casting disdainful glances in my direction. Sensing the urgency, I inquired, “Do you need all four forms? Can’t customs make do with just one?” The attendant explained that customs required four signed forms, with the fifth serving as my receipt.
Hoping to expedite the process, I suggested, “I don’t need a receipt. Can I skip it?” “I can’t do that; you have to have a receipt,” he insisted. Thankfully, I proposed a solution: “How about I take a picture of one page as proof?” The attendant brightened at the suggestion, acknowledging it as a good idea.
I took a photo of one of the stamped forms and departed. Shipping the package to the Netherlands cost me $60, which felt exorbitantly expensive, but I didn’t have much choice in the matter.
Towards the Airport
I proceeded to the bus station as directed by the man. The bus arrived promptly in 10 minutes and took me back to the airport. Upon arrival, I contacted the luggage storage company, and they arrived within another 10 minutes. I was relieved that I had opted for their service. Otherwise, I might have ended up spending the entire day at the airport, typing reports—though that would have been beneficial for those eagerly awaiting updates back home!
I approached the Delta Airlines desk for check-in assistance, where I was greeted by a friendly and cute attendant. She inquired if I had scanned my bag for food regulations at the airport entrance. Realizing I hadn’t, she advised me to do so and promised to assist me upon my return.
After completing the scanning process, I returned to the desk hoping for another chance to speak with her. I asked if she was also on the flight to LA, but she regretfully informed me that she wasn’t. Disappointed by the news, I couldn’t help but feel a bit let down.
The Delta flight experienced a delay, which surprisingly worked out well for me. Instead of arriving at 5 am in Los Angeles, it was now scheduled for 6 am. The later arrival time was actually preferable for my plans.
On to the Next Adventure!
The flight eventually departed around 10 pm. Before boarding, I took the opportunity to charge my phone and attempted to work on some articles.
On the plane, I found myself seated between two pleasant ladies with whom I engaged in some casual conversation. However, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by the service provided by Delta. Despite their claims of being the “best airline of North America,” the service fell short of expectations. Throughout the five-hour flight, I only received one drink, which was a stark contrast to previous experiences on overnight flights where I would have been offered drinks multiple times. Additionally, the promised onboard wifi was not functional, despite being advertised as complimentary. To add to my surprise, I was also charged $25 for my first checked bag, an unexpected expense given the already high cost of the ticket from Honolulu to Los Angeles.
I may seem a bit demanding at the moment, but I assure you, I’m not. I’m simply reflecting on my experiences with various airlines I’ve flown with in the past. From Singapore Airlines to Firefly, Lion Air, Jetstar, Fiji Airways, and Hawaiian Airlines, the list keeps growing!
At approximately 3 am Hawaiian time, we landed at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), where the local time showed 6 am. Despite encountering some minor turbulence during the flight, it wasn’t anything significant. I had anticipated it to be more severe.
