Honoluzoo

First, I want you guys to know that it is not, in fact, called the Honoluzoo. It is the Honolulu Zoo. I just feel that they really wasted an opportunity for a solid pun here, and am a little disappointed.

That said, I found the zoo to be a little disappointing in general. Now, don't get me wrong-for the size of the island the zoo is on, I think they did the best they could, and the animals look fairly well cared for. But, several of the exhibits, which I really wanted to see were closed, including the hippos. There was also no one around for guidance, or questions, or to keep screaming children from pissing off the gorillas while their parents laughed. That shit makes me SO angry!

The zoo is right near Waikiki beach, and the entrance fee is pretty reasonable. There are better zoos in the world, yes, but this one tends to have less crowds, and is  a great way to spend an hour or two.

They did have some great hot weather species though! Like, the komodo dragon!

Komodo are really cool. Not dinosaurs, like people believe, but still cool.

The black Rhino are critically endangered killed primarily for their horn, which, I PROMISE will not make your dick bigger, so please stop trying. These two are, apparently, a breeding pair, which I hope is true. There are so few of these amazing animals left, and their cousins, the white rhino, went extinct several years ago.

I have no idea what kind of bird this is, but he was so cute! There was a aviary where we could see some of the birds-the actual closest things we have to dinosaurs, up close. The BIG birds, like the cultures, were still caged for everyone's safety, I'm sure.

Birds!

This was the pissed off gorilla I mentioned earlier. While this particular primate species isn't that closely related to us, they are still part of our genetic tree. 

I don't remember what this guy was, but he was huge! Maybe 2m standing.

Who doesn't love the little fennic fox? These guys are adorable!

There was an entire Savannah area, which had these giraffe, as well as antelope and zebras just roaming around. I do worry it may have been too close to the lions, but they didn't seem worried.

These guys came all around the area to see all the people waiting for them! It was pretty cool. I got  a video, you can see it on my YouTube!

And some giant tortoise. You may not be able to see it, but we caught these guys at feeding time, so they were stuffing their faces with all sorts of fresh veggies. There were 4 of them, but I don't know if they are being bred or not.

Diamond Head Hawaii

When you go to Hawaii, you have to expect to spend a lot of time outdoors. There isn't much to do inside-not even shop, as many of the shops are outside. So, once that realization that outdoors is most of the time, you'll look to see what there is to do, and, one of the most popular-and fun-things to do is hike up Diamond head Crater. The crater is an almost perfect circle, and formed as part of the processes that make volcanic hot spots-of which Hawaii is one.

We walked from our hotel in Waikiki, but there are several buses that go to the base of the crater, which will cut the walk by an hour, if you want to do that. The hike took about an hour, not including the walk from Waikiki, but a lot of that was waiting for people as some of the walkways are quite narrow and do require some patience and care. It is not in the least dangerous, unless you are supremely drunk. There is a small fee to get in, but its only $2.00USD, which is hella cheap, considering the upkeep required. There is also a nice little shaved ice truck, and recommend the lime flavour!

I HIGHLY suggest going bright and early, before too many people get there and either a. get in your way or b. ruin your awesome pictures!

This is the base of the mountain and, if you're driving, the way to the parking lot.

It seems like a state park thing to have rules, doesn't it?

This is the entrance into the crater, where you will walk along the road (its safe!) to go into the crater proper.

Our little bear had to get a photo-yes, he came with us!

Part way up the mountain!

Looking back into the crater-looks like a grassland desert, right?

This is the view from the top, looking towards Waikiki, with Honolulu proper in the background. 

The beach and the ocean! It was so pretty, the pictures don't do it justice! 

Seriously guys, if you do go, Diamond head is a for sure thing to add to your to do list in Hawaii! It can be done by everyone-unless you are in crutches or a wheelchair. But, old, young, out of shape-it might take a little longer, but it is totally doable!