Hike and Discover Diamond Head
The silhouette of Diamond Head is one of Hawaii's most famous landmarks. The 300,000 year old broad and squat "tuff cone' forms the eastern boundary of Waikiki and is instantly recognizable from almost any direction.
With a panoramic view of the whole southern shore of Oahu, stretching from Koko Head on the east, across Waikiki, Ala Moana, Pearl Harbor and out to Waianae on the west, the summit was an important military observation site. The advent of sophisticated radar technology has eliminated the military usefulness of the site, but that means the crater and its military trails to the summit are now open to the public for a wonderful hike. The park is within a 15 minute drive from most parts of Honolulu, so jump in your car or onto The Bus and get some exercise while enjoying some of the best views on Oahu.
The hike is short (under 2 hours round trip at a leisurely pace with a fair amount of relaxing at the summit) and not overly strenuous.
It is suitable for families looking for a quick weekend activity, but leave strollers and other kiddy vehicles in the car. The steep stairways towards the top of the trail and the always hot sun provide some physical challenge, but the views and cooling breeze are so rewarding that it is worth the sweat and huffing and puffing. The trail is narrow and can get pretty crowded, so I recommend going early in the morning for maximum enjoyment.
(Read more Hike and Discover Diamond Head below...)
details
Where:
Diamond Head Road and 18th Ave
[map]Landmarks:
Right across the street from Kapiolani Community College
Parking:
Parking lot in the crater, $5 per car
Bus:
3, 22, 58
When:
6am to 6pm
Cost:
$5 per carload, including parking, $1 person for walk-in
Contact:
Equipment:
shoes, sunscreen, hat, water
Preparation:
none
Enter the crater from Diamond Head Road kitty corner from 18th Avenue. Don't waste any time stopping at the lookouts on the side of the road (the view from the summit is way better), pierce the outside wall of the crater through the tunnel and park your car in the parking lot ($5 per car). You are now on the floor of the crater. I have seen people hike the trail in dress shoes, high heels and even barefoot, but a fair portion of the trail is unpaved and I would suggest wearing at least comfortable walking shoes and preferably hiking shoes with good tread and support. Sunscreen and drinking water are also highly recommended.
The trail is well marked and you cannot get lost. Just start walking and enjoy the scenery. The lower portion of the trail is comprised of numerous switchbacks up the steep inside slope of the crater. A little past half way, you will encounter the first steep concrete stairway, comprised of 74 or so steps. Pass through the lit tunnel at the top, and you are rewarded with 99 more steep concrete stairs. You may be huffing and puffing after the first set, but just take your time and troop up the second set, the hard part is almost over. At the top of the staircase, enter the spiral stairs in the observation structure and clamber up three or four more flights of metal stairs and exit through a low slung ladderway (watch your head).
The views will take away whatever breath you have left, so just relax and cool off in the strong breeze. Koko Head, Maunalua Bay and the neighborhood of Hawaii Kai are off to the east. Kaimuki and Wilhelmina Rise are mauka. The spectacular skyline of the Waikiki Beach hotels are off to the west. Even if you lament the growth with its attendant high-rises, concrete and asphalt, the view will remind you why Waikiki Beach is world famous.
After you get back to the bottom, head to nearby Kapiolani Park or Waikiki Beach and spend the day in the Hawaiian sun with your friends and family. Lucky you live Hawaii. Lucky you visit Hawaii.
Dan's Hawaii Tip
Many dated websites and guidebooks recommend that you bring a flashlight to traverse the tunnel between the first and second stairways. However, the Department of Land & Natural Resources has added lighting, so a flashlight is unnecessary.
Strap on that hat tightly, else when you get to the top and step out of the ladderway, it will blow off and join all the other orphaned hats in the hat graveyard.
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