Hawaii Day 5

On Thursday we sadly packed up and said goodbye to our cocoa bungalow, :(  I hope someday we will be able to return!!!

After packing up we hiked up Diamond Head, I was surprised by how ugly the hike itself was, I was expecting tropical forests, flowers, waterfalls and such, but it looked like the ugly part of Utah.

 The hike itself was amusing, didn't expect all the stair cases. :)

 The 99 steps on this stair case were a challenge, but fun because of everyones reaction to them. :)

 The view was worth it.  So cool to see the ocean for miles away.

 After Diamond Head we went to the Byodo Inn, it was stunning!  I am so happy we went!

 

 Just look at that back drop.  The inn is part of a huge cemetery, called the valley of the temples.  It was a beautiful, and peaceful place.

Following our drive through the cemetery (I know that seems like a creepy way to spend an afternoon on vacation in Hawaii, but it was wonderful) we met up with Dave and Jill at our next condo, after unpacking we went to Waikiki for people watching and shopping.  It was fun to be there at night to see all the people, but I am glad we only did that once, it is crazy and so touristy.  Late that night the rest of the family (Wyn, Dee Ann, Jodi, Megan and Ann Dee) arrived.  Jared and I thought it was fitting that we all began our vacation together on Oahu, which means "The Gathering Place". :)