Hike Diamond Head on Oahu, one of the most popular Hawaii hikes
Ever since I had wanted to come to Hawaii, one of the first things I had wanted to do is to climb Diamond Head (view map). So here I am, on Oahu for more than 4 years and I have climbed up the crater several times already.
No need to mention the views from the top, which are stunning, especially on a clear day. You can see panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki, and of course the ocean and its reef. If the day is not too clear, you may see some haze in the air, but if you happen to go on a clear day, you may even see Molokai on the horizon. So in other words, hiking Diamond Head is really worth the view.
If you are a first-time hiker though, you should know some thing before you go:
- Take a bottle of water with you because it gets really hot and there is not much shade, especially when you get to the top.
- Make sure you put on sunscreen. Also take the sunscreen with you and use it again if you need to.
- Hat and sun glasses are must to bring.
If you have a heart condition, you should take your time when you climb Diamond Head. Don’t go if you are not sure you can make it. Don’t underestimate the Hawaiian sun. Let me tell you a story. This March (2008), a couple of friends and I went hiking up Diamond Head and on the way back, there was this middle-age lady who had collapsed in the middle of the hike. She could not move, so people called 911 and a few minutes later, there was an air ambulance flying above the crater to pick her up. So really don’t underestimate the hike if you have any heart condition or blood pressure problems. Other than that the hike is really fun and good exercise
