Diamond Head Volcano Crater

On the top of the Diamond Head Volcano Crater

One of the most popular and famous hike on the O'ahu Island is the one called Diamond Head.It is the name of a volcanic tuff cone known to Hawaiian as Le'ahi, most likely from lae 'browridge', promontory plus 'ahi' 'tuna', because the shape of the ridge line resembles the shape of a tuna's dorsal fin. Its English name was given by British sailors in the 19th century, who mistook calcite crystals on the adjacent beach for diamonds.
Diamond Head is a pretty simple hike situated 15 minutes away from the center of Waikiki. I would definitely recommend to hike even for the sunrise in the early morning,or for the sunset in the evening. It is opened daily between 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. There is the entrance fee of $ 1.00. It will take you probably 20-30 minutes to climb to the top of the Volcano Crater. There is a small track of the tunnel, not a narrow one, but, if you may be claustrophobic, it can make you freak out, if there are too many tourists inside at the same time. When you at the top, you can admire the beautiful view of the ocean and Waikiki…I would recommend everyone to hike this one!

While getting to the top...

Almost there....

The view of Waikiki

And the Rainbowww ;)

Coffee time...

Island Vintage Coffee

What I really miss about being in Hawai'i is to be able to drink the coffee that is served in Europe, especially in France, Spain, Portugal or Italy. I am really fussy when it comes to drinking a coffee…it needs to be the best quality that can satisfy my caffeine taste. Fortunately, Hawai'i has its own, delicious  coffee called Kona coffee. The best place that serves this coffee, in my opinion, is the Island Vintage Coffee place, based in Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki. They offer a long  list  of different type of coffee, hot or ice ones, from black espresso through milky lattes and macchiatos. They use 100 % Kona coffee and you can get your customized coffee too….also if you feel hungry, I would recommend to try their super delicious acai or pitaya bowls, full of healthy and nutritious products, perfect as a midday snack.

For more information, please visit www.islandvintagecoffee.com…and enjoy the delicious taste of it :)

The view from the coffee shop

Delicious Latte

Acai Bowl

Aloha is in the air...

Aloha here, Aloha there...you can find Aloha everywhere...literally, everywhere in  Hawai'i. Aloha is the Hawaiian value that has several meanings...It is the expression for a greeting and for saying goodbye, but not only. The word ALOHA means love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. When you come to Hawaiian Islands, you quickly learn that this word has been used in any possible way, I would say that it has been even overused. You can find Aloha water, security alarm, beer,basically everything that you can sell has an Aloha name in it. That really discourage travelers for trying to learn the real meaning of the Aloha , as it became really commercialized.
Tourists quickly forgets what the real Aloha spirit in Hawai'i is....and it is this amazing feeling of welcoming that you can't experience anywhere else...well, at least I haven't experienced it in any other forty countries that I have visited so far. Hawaiian habitats carry the spirit of Aloha in their hearts, and if I have to describe this "spirit", that would be somehow a feeling of love, calmness, relaxation, great hospitality. It is one lifetime must experience to feel that amazing Aloha from others.
The reason why I moved so far away was to learn this unique hospitality that only people from Hawai'i can offer...I advise anyone to come and experience it!

A little bit of Heaven in the Paradise...yummy :)

Egg Benedicts with salamon and spinach ;P

Today, I would like to write about my favorite place on Earth....called Heavenly. This place is situated in the heart of Waikiki, O'ahu on the Seaside Ave., right next to the Shoreline Hotel. What can I say about their food...it is simply a heaven in your mouth. Heavenly is proud of serving organic food from "farm to table". They have delicious variety  " all day breakfast" egg benedicts with salmon, avocado, or Hawaiian style with Kailua pork. If you like have  a sweet-type breakfast, you can enjoy either Acai or Pitaya bowl mixed with Hawaiian fruits, or Big Island honey french toasts. You can also have  a Hawaiian Loco Moco plate or Kahuku Shrimps. For desert Heavenly offers Hawaiian Ginger Creme Brulee or House Made Kona Coffee tiramisu.
What I love about this place is a "surf shack" decor, a fabulous staff.  It is a definitely the place to visit while you are coming to O'ahu.

Bon Apetit everyone :)

Heavenly Decor

The painting of Californian artist from San Diego