Life At Punchbowl Crater

Punchbowl Crater is an extinct volcano located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is the location of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The crater was formed around 100,000 years ago during the Honolulu period of secondary volcanic activity. A crater resulted from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs which, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range. Although there are various translations of the Punchbowl's Hawaiian name, "Puowaina," the most common is "Hill of Sacrifice." This translation closely relates to the history of the crater.
When walking up at the top of the crater, you are first greeted with a view of Diamond Head.A flower lit by the low angle sun.Hidden between the plants, a bug munching on the local flowers.A Mountain Dove. These doves are commonly seen with Zebra Doves.
A Red-Vented Bulbul. These appeared on Oahu 50 years ago when it was reported as an un-authorized cage release. One problem with the bulbul is that it likes to eat everything from insects and lizards to many fruits and orchid buds, making it an agricultural pest.
A Red-Crested Cardinal. These beautifully colored birds were brought from South America around the 1930s.

Leahi From Punchbowl Crater

Diamond Head Crater was originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. The name meant "brow of the tuna" and looking at the silhouette of the crater from Waikiki, you can see the resemblance. The current name came was given to the crater by British sailors in the 1800's. When they first saw the crater at a great distance, the calcite crystals in the lava rock appeared to glimmer in the sunlight. The sailors mistakenly thought there must be diamonds in the soil. Diamond Head is a crater that has been extinct for 150,000 years. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit.
Unfortunately our day for viewing Diamond Head was a very hazy one. Also pictured is Honolulu and Waikiki providing a sense of how crowded our islands have become!

Foster Botanical Gardens

A section of the famous Pali viewed from below.A Pacific Golden Plover. These birds are also known as the "Kolea". During the summer they nest in Alaska. Their travels from Alaska to Hawaii is a non-stop 50 hours flight. Females will leave first, followed by males and the young are often left to migrate on their own. These birds do not stay the same color for the entire duration of their stay in Hawaii. In August - September when they arrive they are mottled colored. Males will attain a dark black patch on their breasts before leaving the islands in early May. Females also get breeding plumage but look very different from the males.A black swan rests in the sun.

Kaena Point

The beautiful view from Kaena Point. In the distance you can see the famous North Shore.
A dirt-biker catches some nice air. Normally the backdrop for dirt bikers is...more dirt.
Looking towards the most western point reveals the perfect canvas for the setting sun.
As the sun enters the clouds, intense sun beams begin to emit creating a beautiful view.The setting sun begins to dip below the horizon.As the sun disappears over the horizon, beautiful oranges are still visible, reflecting off of the clouds.

Cattle Egrets

Updated: Sept. 14, 2006
While touring Oahu, you will see these graceful, yet shy birds. These small white heron are often found in dry grassy habitats, unlike most herons which are associated with shallow water. Cattle egrets feed on insects, especially grasshoppers, and are usually found with cattle and other large animals which disturb small creatures which the egrets then catch.
A bird with a sense of humor. After firing about 15 shots, he decides to show me his good side!According to the rangers at Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, these birds often chase the lawn mowers, and perch on top of the seats awaiting their food. They believe this may be because the gardens have no larger animals to disturb their food thus rely on the lawn mower to scare the smaller creatures out which they eat.

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens

Through Likelike Highway, stopping just short of Kaneohe reveals a beautiful garden open to the public. Be sure to check the weather before going. It can go from beautiful sunny to cloudy in a few minutes.

Sand Island During Twilight

The beautiful view from Sand Island in Oahu just after sunset.

The famous Aloha Tower in the distance.

The Pride of America cruise ship docked next to the famous Aloha Tower. For size reference, Aloha Tower stands proud in it's 10-story height.