... and some stuff in between! We realize that hiking to the top of O'ahu's most famous crater is a must. We have done it before and weren't quite sure we would have the time to do it again. As it worked out, we did.

Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history.
The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military life of Diamond Head.

At the summit we found this Fire Control Station, completed in 1911. The station directed artillery fire from batteries outside the crater. It was an engineering marvel for its time and consists of four levels built into the peak of the crater. No guns were ever mounted here, it was an observation and command center used to direct fire from gun batteries on the coast. Ooky and interesting, all at the same time.

Here's the photographic proof that we made it to the top, along with hundreds of others. Wild.
"We were here!"
As we meandered through Honolulu, we stumbled upon a luau rehearsal and poached it.

Sitting at our favorite beach side Happy Hour spot on Waikīkī, our vision was drawn to the imposing structure on the opposite shore- the Natatorium. This place is special and sad and deserves a mention. In 1921, Hawaii’s Territorial Legislature funded construction of the Living Memorial with its 100 X 40 meter saltwater swimming pool. It was built to honor those who served in WWI who came from Hawaii (10,000 served and 101 lost their lives to The Great War).
This massive memorial is owned by the State, but operated under an executive order by the City. It sits abandoned. It closed in 1979 due to 30 years of neglect. A truly sad end.



We ended our day back at the Honolulu Museum of Art for its evening program: Degas’s Escape: Affirming while Obliterating His Marks on Paper and Canvas. This was a timely presentation as this year marks the 100th anniversary of Degas’s death, which is being celebrated with exhibitions worldwide.

The presenter, Timothy J. Standring, the Gates Foundation Curator of Painting and Sculpture at Denver Art Museum, revealed much about this loved artist.

Edgar Degas’s works defy categorization. Being neither a Realist nor an Impressionist, but a hybrid of sorts, he worked fearlessly, passionately, and determinedly in a vast array of media, from etchings and monotypes, to pastels and photography. Timothy Standring’s anecdote-filled talk—based on research undertaken in museums and libraries across Europe and North America—is the perfect introduction to this late 19th-century French artist.

Afterward, we were invited to a post-lecture reception in Luce Courtyard with light pūpū and beverages. We learned so much about Degas. What a special end to Day 3 of 3 in Honolulu.