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!

More Nature!

I've shown you guys some of the trails and stuff around my apartment/campus before. This time, I actually walked down the mountain, to the inlet and beach that is at the bottom. It was a super cool hike, not too strenuous, but a lot of fun. I even made a video!

I know, I post  a lot of nature things, and that wasn't what I had in mind with this blog, really, but it seems that now, and for the foreseeable future, I'm going to be living in a place with spectacular nature. So, please, bear with me for a while on this.
I think that spending time outdoors is really important, not just for the body, but for the mind and soul. It has been proven in multiple studies that spending time outside daily relieves stress and stimulates different areas of the brain that being inside does not. Furthermore, we need to remember that we are a PART of nature, and not separate from it.
I think if more of the stuffed shirts in politics spent more time outside, there wouldn't BE a climate change debate-it would be accepted for the fact it is.
A little ranty, but, whatever.

I challenge everyone who reads this to spend 30 minutes a day outside around trees, or flowers, or mountains, or the water, or anything less concrete for one week. Throw some chill tunes on your ipod and just walk. Look around you. Experience all that this earth provides for us, and just BE.
If you do do this challenge (which I hope you do), please share your experiences or insights with me! I'd love to hear about them!