Our second morning in Oahu we threw on some tennis shoes and headed up to Oahu’s Diamond Head Summit Trail, known as Leahi (brow of the Tuna.) We went searching for food prior to the hike and while there are a few notable cafes lining Monsarrat Avenue, none were the pre hike, cheap snack we were looking for. Instead I bought a cheeseburger and acai berry smoothie from the happy fella in a food truck in the parking lot. According to Go Hawaii this 760-foot crater was named Diamond Head by 19th Century British sailors who thought they had discovered diamonds on the crater’s slopes. Turns out these “diamonds” were just shiny calcite crystals that had no value. HUGE bummer right? The volcanic crater, created over 100,000 years ago was first used as a military lookout over the water in the 1900’s as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system. While this was useful back then, it now gives us hikers, a gorgeous panoramic view of Waikiki and Oahu’s south shore.
The trail is only moderately challenging, and will take about an hour to reach the summit. The first 0.2 miles of the trail is concrete paved but the rest is very bumpy and uneven, as is it only dirt with mountain on one side and just a railing on the other. Wear appropriate shoes, a.k.a not sandals. The rest of the 0.8 miles will lead you to a concrete lookout point, then 560 feet in elevation through a series of 175 steps not including the spiral staircase up to the look out bunker. Along with a long, slim, shorter in height, 225 foot tunnel. So if you’re tall, duck, and if you’re claustrophobic, find a friend who can guide you through it with your eyes closed; because when you reach that panoramic lookout, it will be MORE than worth it. After the tunnel and second staircase of 99 steps, then metal staircase through the Fire Control Station, you have a ladder up through a narrow slit to the exterior of the bunker. Just 54 more stairs and you are at the summit 761 feet in the sky. Let’s Start.
A view from the beginning of the trail and the crater up ahead. Let the trek begin.
I am often requested for non frizzy beautiful hair tips. Call me!
(Two pics above)A resting point doubling as a lookout into the Crater. After this lookout point the trail will take a steep upward ascent through a series of staircases and a tunnel.
looking down the stair case that took us to the next level
After the flight of stairs you come upon this twisted “there’s no way we’re allowed to climb up there…YES! We get to climb up there!” spiral staircase which takes you up into the World War II Fire Control Station.
Heading from the dark military bunker out onto the top level lookout.
Just stretching those calves after the 175 steps.
When you’re looking at the coast, look for a light house, it was built in 1917 as a navigational lighthouse for seamen.
Breathtaking isn’t it?
Summit panoramic lookout over Waikiki
When you get up there, before you start snapping pictures and Instagraming and such, take a long deep breath and let that humbling, awe-inspiring moment set in. After a bit of open mouth staring and photo taking we decided to head back down.
Heading back down to sea level through the tunnel…
which lead to another flight of stairs. (At least you’re going down this time)
Attempting to show the steep stairs without eating it down them.
Seeing the Crater Walls separate us from the city was amazing.
heading back down…Rocky Style.
Sweaty and all smiles post hike at the Diamond Head sign.
DON’T FORGET a bottle of water, sunscreen prior to the hike, your camera and of course a big cheeseburger from the food truck in the parking lot. Seriously don’t forget water. There’s nothing worse than getting to the top, you’re about to say how amazing the view is, and your mouth feeling like it was just full of sand. There are no water fountains and you are in the sun the entire time.
Directions: The parking lot, which is adjacent to the start of the trail, is off Diamond Head Road between Makapu’u Avenue and 18th Avenue, Honolulu. It costs $5.00 to park your car or $1.00 to walk-in and is open from 6am-6pm.
