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Hawaii’s Most Recognizable Landmark
(Map of Diamond Head Area)

The Island of Oahu is made up of two extinct volcanoes. First is Koolau to the east and Waianae to the western side of the island. Many of the Koolau eruptions on the south side of the island came through a coral reef that grew along the southern shore. These eruptions were very powerful, violent and explosive. Many of the vents along the coast produced tuff cones. Those tuff cones are now called Diamond Head , Salt Lake Crater and to the east of Diamond Head Crater you find Hanauma Bay.

The bay is now a breached cone or crater. Formed 100,000 to 300,000 years ago Leahi Peak is the highest point at 760 feet high. The average rim height is about 400 feet high. Diamond Head was named for calcite crystals in the rocks that looked like diamonds. It got its name from British soldiers in the 1820's after they collected worthless calcite deposits for diamonds. The crater has also been called Diamond Hill and Kaimana Hila in the 1800's.

Traditional Hawaiian historic legend places the Papaenaena Heiau ( Hawaiian Temple ) east of its forward summit. The heiau is supposed to be where King Kamehameha The Great ordered human sacrifices to the gods after his conquest of the island of Oahu in the year 1795.

The mountain is a Hawaii State monument. Diamond Head Crater is also recognized as a National Natural Landmark. The U.S. Army built a maze of tunnels and topped the rim with concrete observation bunkers in 1909.

A hike to the very top of Diamond Head is fun and interesting. You can park inside the crater and have a great picnic in a meadow of the crater floor. The bus will also deliver you to the main entrance on the inland side of the crater. This is a steep trail to the summit. It is less than a mile to the top however and well worth the reward of a spectacular 360 degree view of Waikiki , Honolulu and the coast for miles. Take your time going up and you will see folks from 6 to 86 joining you for the unforgettable view from the top.

Notice: There is a $1.00 cash fee charged to hike up to the top of Diamond Head Crater and it is open everyday !

The hike will take you through abandoned World War II bunkers, a long darkened tunnel and from there up 271 stairs including a spiral staircase thru a bunker to the very top at last !!

Please Notice:
Be prepared for your hike with the proper essential items needed.

1.) Check the weather conditions. High winds and rain can make this climb very hazardous. 2.) Read all signs posted at the central park area of the crater for helpful information and rules. Signs are near the bathroom area. 3.) The park is closed at 6:00 P.M. everyday. Give your self about 1.5 to 2 hours for the hike to the top and back. 4.) Please take a flash light of some kind. It will be helpful in the tunnel. A small one will work ok. 5.) Other items suggested; water, hat, sunscreen, camera, extra film and good footwear. It gets warm going up so loose cool clothing is great. 6.) Stay on the well marked trail at all times for your own safety.

Don’t forget SAFETY FIRST

Click on each image to view a larger JPEG version.

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