I got a really cool gift for Christmas last year. A set of some vintage photos of Hawaii.

Lanikai. (Compare to this.)

View of the Pali Lookout into Nuuanu Valley. (Compare to this.)

I think this is where the Pali Puka is. And I think the cars are on what is currently now the Pali Lookout. (Compare to this.)

Not sure where this one is.

Diamond Head. (Compare to this.)

So where can you get your hands on these vintage photos of Hawaii? Talk to the Hawaiian Superman. You can browse through the collection at HawaiianSuperman.com.

And I thought Hawaii was beautiful. Hengki Koentjoro is a fine art photographer living in Jakarta, Indonesia. It’s not Hawaii but I think anyone that lives on an island (or loves island living) can appreciate his work. His scenes are incredible.

You can enjoy his work here:

• Hengki Koentjoro on Flickr
• Official website

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(Via Synaptic Stimuli and Ghost Room)

Here’s a tip: If  you’re going to hike up the 1,048 steps to the top of Koko Head Crater, don’t eat fish that day. Or if you do eat fish, don’t burp multiple times while hiking. I learned that lesson today. This hike is a workout. You’re huffing and puffing and sweating profusely the whole way up. It’s tiring but when you get to the top you’re rewarded with this view and all the pain goes away. This is why some people (myself included) do this every week or so.

See also:

• A full description of the Koko Head Crater trail.

I surfed Diamond Head last weekend. When I got out of the water I realized it was “golden hour.” I ran up the trail to my car and was able to grab my camera in time to snap this. It’s pretty over here at dusk.

There are a couple lookouts around the lighthouse that you can drive to. It’s worth checking out even if you’re not going for the surf.

See also:

• Diamond Head Lookout on a map