God, I loved that place.
I was there on a job in 2001 (right after 9/11!)
What an absolutely beautiful place (and I only got to explore Oahu). I would kill to live there...except for the BS gun laws...worse than here (NYS) I think!
Climbing Diamondhead was cool, although I didn't have a flashlight, so the tunnel was a bit disconcerting, I was happy when I saw the light at the end of the tunnel! What a view, and me with only one shot left in my camera (it was my last afternoon there, wasn't planning on doing it, but ended up there and did it)
The food was awesome, I'd get a plate lunch every day from this Korean joint on Sand Island where the facility was we were working at. We were testing a pyrolisis unit used to dispose of medical waste, at the same facility where the autoclave is they use to sterilize the trash from cruise ships...
Anyway, I had about 4 days during the time I was there and explored a lot. Found the Magnum PI house, did the Arizona, first trip out Sunday morning...that was very moving. Did the Missouri, and the sub...although security was very tight considering this was late October, right after 9/11.
The only nice thing about the timing, is the place was EMPTY....and everyone was fighting over the few tourists and people who were there. I also got to fly business class as they stuck all the big guys and servicemen up front...didn't realize why I was upgraded till later! I guess they figured if some RoPer tried something we'd jump them and kick the shit out of them (well, if it happened, I have a feeling the RoPer wouldn't have left the plane alive....)
Poke was awesome, and I didn't meet a plate lunch I didn't like. Had a couple of really fantastic steak and lobster dinners.
And the scenery! Not just the mountains...I have never seen so many beautiful girls in one place, ever...you can't throw a rock without hitting a Playboy quality woman!
Man, I so want to go back!