2008 Hawaii – Honolulu, Diamond Head, Punch Bowl Cemetery, Big Island Tour

There is an elevator to take you to the top of the tower for a good view.

A view from walking up the trail from the bus stop to Diamond Head

There is a tunnel for vehicles and people to walk through to get to the center of the crater.

A view from the trail inside the crater back to the center.

At the end of the trail there is a great viewing area to see Waikiki.

Walking down the trail

The pathway down from the viewing area.

Not much room in the tunnel for vehicles and pedestrians to pass.

View from an afternoon hike

I take The Bus and then walk the last kilometre or so to reach the cemetery.

Lava is continually coming to surface in areas. Some of it finds its way to ocean and slowly creates more land.

There is a constant smell of lava at the interpretive center.

Interpretive center.

Our last stop is near where the lava is slowly finding its way to open sea. We're not allowed too close as the cloud of smoke is toxic; if the smoke we see is inhaled, it acts as very small broken glass pieces in the lungs that would cause severe bleeding. We were happy to stay well back :).

The whole area has recently been built up by the constant lava flow that changes slowly over time.

Near the end of the tour. We board our small bus that takes us back to the airport for the flight back to Oahu and then Waikiki. This was a very good day!