Saturday was our one completely unscheduled day to have fun exploring the island. The Zielke family and others went snorkeling. 
Chuck and Jessica rented a motorcycle and explored the island, including Pearl Harbor. Bryce, Leah, Cole and Tiffany went to visit a friend and OSU alum. Like many, Erin, Jessica M., Andrea, Sarah, Melissa and James hiked Diamond Head and then enjoyed shaved ice and some quality beach time at Waikiki. Others went in search of lesser-known places to hike or swim in the ocean.
By the end of the day, just about everyone had the bronze, brown or pink (some very pink!) kiss of the Hawaiian sun on their skin.
Diamond Head was a popular choice among the choir. One side of the crater can be seen from Waikiki Beach, and it was just a short taxi or bus ride to trail entrance. Also known as Lē’ahi, the trail to the summit of Diamond Head was build in 1908 as part of the U.S. Army Coastal Artillery defense system. Entering the crater from Fort Ruger through the Kapahulu Tunnel, the trail scaled the steep interior western slopes to the summit. The dirt trail with numerous switchbacks was designed for mule and foot traffic. The mules hauled materials on this trail for the construction of Fire Control Station Diamond Head, located at the summit. Other materials were hoisted from the crater floor by a winch and cable to a midway point along the trail. The Kahala Tunnel was buildt in the 1940’s and is the public entrance today. From the trailhead to the summit of Diamond Head Crater, you hike 0.8 mile one way and climb 560 feet from the crater floor. The trail follows an uneven and steep terrain, and portions involve steep stairways and a spiral staircase.
Lookout points provide sweeping views of southeastern Oahu’s coastline towards Koko Head and the offshore islands of Molokai, Lanai and Maui. The round trip hike at a leisurely pace takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your hiking speed and how long you take in the spectacular views.
