Diamond Head is one of the most famous landmarks on Oahu. It has
once been an active volcano, but hasn’t spewed any ashes for more
than 150,000 years. The extinct crater and lookout point at the peak
of it is a popular hiking destination for many. In fact, Diamond
Head is one of the most photographed and painted spots on Oahu,
adorning many wall calendars and postcards.
Located at the eastern end of
Waikiki
and right on the ocean, Diamond Head has already made an
impression to early sailors. In 1825, British sailors noticed small
sparkling calcite crystals in the beach sand nearby the crater and
named the mountain Diamond Hill. This name was later changed to
Diamond Head. This is how the crater got its English name.
The Hawaiian name for Diamond Head is Le‘ahi, a contraction of lae,
meaning point of land and ‘ahi, meaning yellowfin tuna. So Le‘ahi
means “point (of the) ahi fish.” From a distance, the mountain looks
like the dorsal fin of the ahi fish, hence its Hawaiian name Le‘ahi.
Diamond Head was purchased by the federal government in 1904 for
$3,300. In the 1930s, a couple of gun emplacements for coast
artillery defenses were built. After the attack on
Pearl Harbor in 1941, further gun emplacements, pillboxes and
foxholes were built on Diamond Head to be able to better defend Oahu
in the future. Many of them still remain on the crater rim and one
underground facility, the Birkheimer Tunnel, houses the headquarters
for the State Civil Defense Agency. Today, the entire mountain and
crater is a state park known as Diamond Head State Monument.
Diamond Head Crater measures 3,520 feet (1,073 m) across and 760
feet (232 m) in height. A hiking trail leads from the crater up to a
lookout point. But be prepared to climb some stairs. In fact, there
are two stairs, one has 99 steps and a second one has 76 steps.
There’s also a 225-foot (69 m) hardly lit tunnel through which
you’ll have to go. The tunnel is a remnant of the former military
use of the crater. So you should be in good physical condition to do
the hike. But it’s definitely worth the effort once you reach the
top, after about 30-40 minutes if you’re in good shape. The view is
spectacular, especially on a clear and sunny day.
Bring some water and sunscreen because it will get hot. In case you
forget, there is a comfort station at the base of the otherwise
undeveloped crater, where you can buy water (water fountains and
restrooms are also there, as is a truck that sells hot dogs and
hamburgers).
Diamond Head in Bullet Points
Diamond Head is an extinct volcano and a popular visitor
attraction on Oahu
You can hike up to its 760-foot-high peak, but prepared to
climb stairs
Amazing views of Honolulu, Waikiki and the vast ocean await
at the top, on clear days the neighbor island of Molokai can be
seen on the horizon
Driving
Directions to Diamond Head / Location
Diamond Head is located at the eastern end of Waikiki. From Waikiki,
you can take bus number 22, 23 or 58 and get off at the bus stop at
Diamond Head (just ask the driver if you're not sure where exactly).
Address: Diamond Head Rd. at 18th Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
The walk up is long and hot so bring a ton of water. The view from the top is so beautiful it takes your breath away! It is so worth it! The walk down is also alot eaiser- remember that. Most of all its a great feeling to be able to say i hiked to the top of that huge volcano! How many people can say that?
John
Posted 202 days ago
The hike was great and not too difficult. When I went, it was Easter's day, so it was busy. Next time i would go in a week day if I can,so hopefully there won't be so many people. If you go, get some water with you. The sun is very hot and it is easy to get dehydrated.
Nadja
Posted 203 days ago
If you're in decent shape, this hike is fun and you'll enjoy great views once you reach the top of Diamond Head. On a clear day, you can even say the neighbor island of Molokai in the distance.
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