Island Spotlight – Oahu

Aloha from Hawaii! 

When you’re on the island of Oahu you can’t help but notice Diamond Head, the iconic volcanic crater that defines the skyline of Waikiki.  Without getting too crazy about how the crater was formed, let’s just say that about 100,000 years ago when Oahu was in its growing stage things started to heat up!  As the island started shifting, it caused water to seep into a magma chamber which turned to gas and led to pressure buildup which then caused an explosion of ash and steam!  And that my friends is why Diamond Head looks more like a moon crater than a volcanic cinder cone.

                               Now that we got the science out of the way, let’s talk about what really draws both locals and visitors…Le’ahi.  Which in Hawaiian means Diamond Head Crater.  In 1908 construction started on the Diamond Head Summit Trail and was completed in 1911.  The trail is 1.6 miles round trip, normally takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to complete and would be considered a moderate level trail.  

The walk to the summit is a glimpse into the geology and the military history of the crater.  The trail is made up of many switchbacks that hug the landscape of the steep interior slope of the crater wall.  As you get closer to the top, you’ll approach your first set of stairs…74 to be exact, that you’ll climb followed by a 225 foot tunnel(no flashlight needed).  If that’s not enough, there’s 99 more stairs which are very steep, a spiral staircase, a few more stairs and then…FINALLY…is the TOP!  The view from 761 feet above sea level is absolutely amazing!  You’ve been rewarded for all your hard work with this view that spans 20 miles, from Koko Head to Wai’anae!  Let’s not forget that during the winter months, being at the summit can give you a great lookout for the yearly visitors that migrate to Hawaii…the humpback whales! The summit of Diamond Head offers a little flashback to when the military occupied this area with the remnants of old bunkers.  Also, in 1917 a lighthouse was built along the shore to assist with navigation.   

     Best advice is to arrive early!  The Park opens at 6a and closes at 4p daily.  There are two parking lots that offer parking for a $10 fee per vehicle but when those lots fill up, you’re stuck parking about a mile away at Kapiolani Community College.  Be sure to bring water, dress comfortably, wear a hat and sneakers or closed-toe shoes.  Definitely no slippahs(flip-flops) because of the uneven, dry terrain.  Just remember that arriving earlier is better because as the daytime temperatures heat up it can make the hike less enjoyable because there is no real shade on this trail! 

There are so many great places to explore on Oahu and Diamond Head is just one of them!  So get out there and have some FUN!  For more information, please contact Always Aloha Travel at 808-446-6274, email us at info@alwaysalohatravel.com or visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!  ALOHA!