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Diamond Head, Honolulu

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Scenic; Hiking Trail
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Diamond Head: Walk up Diamond Head.
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  • K.Knight
  • By K.Knight on December 27, 2004
  • Honolulu Page by K.Knight
  • Diamond Head - Honolulu
    Diamond Head
    by K.Knight
    Diamond Head is Oahu's largest tuff cone formed over 100,000 years ago by an active bubbling volcano. Nineteenth century British sailors nicknamed the crater Diamond Head when they mistook the calcite crystals for diamonds. A well-graded trail leads you up the 760-feet summit to a World War II bunker with a bird's eye view of Honolulu.

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    Diamond Head: Climbing Diamond Head
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  • Suet
  • By Suet on February 22, 2004
  • Honolulu Page by Suet
  • stopping for a breather..... - Honolulu
    stopping for a breather.....
    by Suet
    Ah well, having put on appropriate hiking gear, jeans and trainers, it was time to try and kill myself by climbing the hill.......

    A strenuous climb for one so unfit, I noted the distinct lack of cardiac resuscitation equipment along the way and the elegant sandals and shoes of the Japanese Tourists.... with frequent pauses (to admire the views) it is possible to climb it in about 45 minutes, going down was much easier....

    The path is sometimes rocky and uneven so good footwear is a must unless you want broken ankles, although I did see a rather fetching pair of high heeled glittery slingbacks on one fashion conscious girl, also a rather well dressed couple with elegant umbrellas..... so it seems it is possible to wear what you like.

    Take water and plenty of film, also a good pair of binoculars.... when you get to the top you can see for miles and it is also a good place for whale watching. One humpbacked jumped right out of the water.... magical. The sea is a deep blue, although not the royal blue of the Mediterranean and you can watch the paragliding surfers in action. Lots of helicopters flew by on sight seeing tours which looked like fun, if you don't get airsick.

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  • Directions: Look at Honolulu from the sea and it is on the left..... well, you know I haven't got a clue where anything is.....
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    Diamond Head: A Symbol of Oahu and Hawaii
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  • machomikemd
  • Updated By machomikemd on October 27, 2009
  • Honolulu Page by machomikemd
  • facing diamond head - Honolulu
    facing diamond head
    by machomikemd, 4 more photos
    The most famous volcanic crater in the world unquestionably is Diamond Head, located on the South-east Coast of O'ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. The name meant "brow of the tuna" and looking at the silhouette of the crater from Waikiki, you can see the resemblance. The current name came was given to the crater by British sailors in the 1800's. When they first saw the crater at a great distance, the calcite crystals in the lava rock appeared to glimmer in the sunlight. The sailors mistakenly thought there must be diamonds in the soil. Diamond Head is a crater that has been extinct for 150,000 years. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit.

    The Monument is located off Diamond Head Rd. between Makapuu and 18th Ave. on the south shore of Oahu. It is right on the coast southeast of Waikiki. The Monument opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 6:00 PM year round. It costs $1.00 to walk in or $5.00 per car. There is ample parking.
    The only restroom is at the bottom and I would recommend using it. There is no visitor center, only a stand where you will pay and get a brochure.

    Diamond Head is a defining feature of the view known to residents and tourists of Waikîkî alike. The volcanic cone also serves as a United States State Monument. Its proximity to the resort hotels and beaches of the city make it a popular destination for people traveling to the city. A short hike leads to the edge of the crater's rim, from which point both the city of Waikîkî and the Pacific Ocean can be seen in breathtaking detail.

  • Phone: (808)587-0300
  • Directions: From Waikiki go east along Kalakaua to the intersection with Monsarrat Avenue at the Honolulu Zoo corner.Turn left onto Monsarrat and proceed 1 ¼ miles until the road becomes Diamond Head Road. Follow this road for ¼ mile to the access road to the crater.
  • Website: www.hawaiiweb.com
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    Diamond Head: National Natural Landmark - A dormant volcano
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  • csordila
  • Updated By csordila on September 20, 2008
  • Honolulu Page by csordila
  • Diamond Head - Honolulu
    Diamond Head
    by csordila, 3 more photos
    The 230 metres Diamond Head at the end of Waikiki is one of the most famous volcanic craters on earth and since 1968 National Natural Landmark.
    It is a now dormant volcano that has been extinct for more than hundred-thousand years. Its name was given by British sailors in the 1800's, who mistakenly thought, the calcite crystals in the lava rock must be diamonds.
    We have intended to visit the Diamond Head Crater Park in its interior, but unfortunately there was not time enough to do so. By the way inside the crater there is nothing special thing, only the panoramic views of Waikiki and the south shore of Oahu. Do not forget to take water and flashlight ( tunnel!!)
    Guided hiking tours are available from U$27.00, the trail to the rim is about 3 km and takes about one hour and a half. The trail is paved almost the entire way but can be steep in spots. At the end of the trip you get a a personalized "I Climbed Diamond Head" certificate that is suitable for framing.

  • Directions: Entrance is off Diamond Head Road between Makapuu Ave. and 18th Ave. Park gate open 6 am to 6 pm. Admission: U$1 for walk-ins, U$5 for cars
  • Website: http://www.diamond-head.net/
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    Diamond Head: Breath taking views
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  • percy961
  • By percy961 on September 20, 2004
  • Honolulu Page by percy961
  • View from Diamond Head. - Honolulu
    View from Diamond Head.
    by percy961
    Probably the most famous landmark in Hawaii is Diamond Head, a 1.2 km wide tuff ring near the southeast end of the Island of Oahu. Early sailors mistakenly thought glistening calcite crystals inside the tuff rocks were diamonds, leading to the incorrect name.

    The hike to the peak is not for the faint hearted especially in the Hot weather. The trail is steep and uneven, the are a couple of tunnels to pass through and numerous steps.

    That said, the view onthe peak are sensational.

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    Diamond Head: Climb An Extinct Volcano
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  • Rixie
  • Updated By Rixie on January 5, 2006
  • Honolulu Page by Rixie
  • Diamond Head is the most recognizable landmark in Hawaii. The crater of an extinct volcano, it looms above almost every photo of Waikiki Beach, like the one on my Honolulu intro.

    I've seen the hike to the top described as "easy to moderate," but I didn't find that to be accurate. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the easiest and 10 being the hardest, I'd say that this is a 7.

    We started up the trail at 7:30 a.m., while it was still cool, but even so, I was sweating and out of breath by the time we reached the top. If I hadn't taken a puff off an asthma inhaler when we first started, I probably wouldn't have made it. I consider myself fit and am accustomed to walking long distances, but there was something about the combination of the heat, the altitude, and the steep climb that almost did me in.

    I was glad that I did it, though, as the view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. The only problem was that we had to share it with about 50 other people, with everyone jockeying for a good camera angle. I'd advise going very, very early in the morning or very, very late in the afternoon: it's open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The trail is paved for most of the way, and there are two sets of stairs: 76 and 99 steps, respectively.

    Guidebooks say to allow an hour for the ascent and 45 minutes for the descent, but it took us only about 30 minutes going up and 20 minutes coming down. Coming down was MUCH easier.

    Wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight (there is a long, dark tunnel -- the only shade on the whole hike), bottled water, and of course, a camera.

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  • Phone: (808)587-0300
  • Directions: It's hard to miss. Follow the signs to the crater, or take the #58 bus from Waikiki to Diamond Head Road.
  • Website: www.hawaiiweb.com/html/diamond_head.html
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    Diamond Head: Diamond Head Crater Hike
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  • slabeaume
  • By slabeaume on August 24, 2003
  • Honolulu Page by slabeaume
  • The obligatory picture - Honolulu
    The obligatory picture
    by slabeaume
    Diamond Head State Monument is a tuff cone formed by subterranean explosions thousands of years ago. Long ago, Hawaiians used the summit for human sacrifices. In 1908 the United States built the trail to the summit as part of the U.S. Army Coastal Artillery defense system. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Now it is open to the public as a hike that ends in an amazing view.
    If you take a bus there, it will drop you off near the tunnel going into the crater. If you drive in to the parking lot, there's a $5 day use/parking fee.

    I rated the level of difficulty here as beginner because of the good paths and steps. But there are hundreds of steps near the top that will give your heart a real work out, so keep that in mind. There are also a couple of long dark tunnels. They suggest that you take a flash light with you. We didn't, and got along ok. There are hand rails to guide you through the tunnels. I did take a bottle of water, though, and am very glad I did. It seemed to be more humid here then down in Waikiki.

    Once at the top, the views into the crater and towards Waikiki are amazing. If you plan to take pictures, I'd recommend going up there in the morning so you have better lighting.

    Give yourself at least 1.5 hours to make the roundtrip hike! The park closed at 6 when we were there in Aug. I'm not sure how they know everyone is down, or if they just lock you in. We didn't wait to find out.

    The first two times we went to Oahu, we didn't do this hike. I'm glad I finally got to. It was well worth the effort.

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    Diamond Head: Diamond Head Lighthouse
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  • csordila
  • Updated By csordila on September 20, 2008
  • Honolulu Page by csordila
  • Lighthouse - Honolulu
    Lighthouse
    by csordila
    Diamond Head Lighthouse is located on the slopes of the dormant volcano beside the Diamond Head Road from Waikiki to Kahala. It was built in 1918 and still retains its original Fresnel lens. There is no path leading to it, because is not open to the public ( Coast Guard facility! ), so you won't be able to approach it.
    A walk from Waikiki Beach will take about one hour. By car, it is less than 10 minutes.
    The lighthouse can be seen on the right side of the road. Distant views are also possible from atop of the crater.

  • Directions: The southern end of Diamond Head Road
  • Website: http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=140
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    Diamond Head: Climb Diamond Head
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  • HawaiianKukiniNui
  • Updated By HawaiianKukiniNui on January 9, 2006
  • Honolulu Page by HawaiianKukiniNui
  • Warren and Brother Mike Getting Ready to Climb - Honolulu
    Warren and Brother Mike
    Getting Ready to Climb
    by HawaiianKukiniNui, 3 more photos
    Diamond Head, one of the best-known volcanic craters in the world, can be seen from the southeast coast of O'ahu not far from Waikiki. The view from the summit of this 760-foot, extinct crater is well worth the climb. The steep trail to the top is mostly paved and defined by two sets of stairs-one, 99 steps, the other 76 steps. It leads through a 225-foot tunnel and ends with a spectacular view of the island's west side. This is also an excellent spot for whale watching during the winter. Known in Hawaiian as Le'ahi (brow of the ahi-yellowfin tun), Diamond Head was so named when Brttish seamen saw calcite crystals sparkling in the sunshine and thought they'd found diamonds. The volcanic crater, a major O'ahu landmark, has been extinct for 150,000 years. Admission to the park, which is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., is $1. Parking is $5. From Waikiki (Kapiolani Park) to the Diamond Head Entrance is about a 20-30 minute walk.

  • Directions: Go up Diamond Head Road at the end of Kapiolani Park and turn left at Triangle Park. Or take Bus 22 or 58 from Waikiki. Bus fare only $2.00.
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    Diamond Head: Climb Diamond Head
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  • Redlats
  • Updated By Redlats on October 1, 2004
  • Honolulu Page by Redlats
  • Waikiki from top of Diamond Head - Honolulu
    Waikiki from top of Diamond
    Head
    by Redlats
    Diamond Head is an old (really old) volcano that you can climb. There is a pretty good view from the top (see picture). It is a moderately taxing hike, as it is a lot of climbing (probably 300 steps, a lot of hill and almost all in the hot sun).

    They tell you that you must have water and a flashlight to climb. You do need water and sunscreen (it's a desert up there), but unless you are claustraphobic or afraid of the dark, the flashlight is not worth renting.

    Cost in 2001 is $1/ person to enter the park, $2 to rent the flashlight. You can get to Diamond Head by taking The Bus (#22 or #58). If you are too wiped to walk down to the bus stop, there seems to be a good supply of taxis to drive you back to town.

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