10-1-2012: Diamond Head Rim³ (Threepeat)

We've hit the trails around the Diamond Head Crater Rim for a third time and I've personally took the best photos this time around, mainly because I finally got the focus correct.  When it comes to night photography, manual focusing can be pretty frustrating.  When you think you got it focused and it looks great on that little tiny LCD screen, it looks terrible on the computer screen, but I finally got it exactly how I wanted it.  I ended up taking a good friend of mine, Rick Kamakea who was visiting O`ahu for the weekend.  I've documented this route 2 other times (here and here) so a write up won't be necessary.  However, I will mention that there was one thing that was different from the last two hikes.  While all three hikes started from the same starting location, there was some sort of device mounted on the warning sign at the cul-de-sac that was emitting a blinking red light this time.  Upon closer inspection, we realized it was an infrared camera, or so it seems.  There are cheap dummy infrared cameras that can be bought anywhere online so it's a good possibility that DLNR or someone installed a fake camera to deter hikers from going up on this location.  I'm not sure about the other entry points.   Enjoy the photos!

7-2-2012: Diamond Head Rim² (Full Moon)

I've managed to return and hike the Diamond Head rim for a second time, this time being under a full moon and I have to say it one of those "wow" moments.  It was much easier this time around to navigate as the moon provided ample light to see the ridge ahead, making progress swift.  This made it much easier to stay clear of the barb wire that hugs the ridge line prior to topping out at the lookout (if going clockwise along the rim).  The moon light also revealed the rather sketchy profile of the dikes just beyond the pillbox at the lookout.  With lighting came many photo opportunities and we probably spent hours taking photographs of the nightly landscape around us.  Since I've done this hike only weeks prior to this night, I won't post details of the hike on this entry.  But it's definitely a surreal experience.  Too bad it can't be done legally...

I strongly urge against people going up in mass groups.  While I am sure "they" are aware of our presence on the rim, we don't want to lose "access" to this great night excursion on top of an iconic landmark.  Please keep the groups small, keep the trips to a minimal if you can, and use common sense while hiking.  I personally won't be responsible for any injuries and/or arrests made.