Diamond Head

by kenji SAITO on August 1, 2010

Diamond Head, known to Hawaiians as Le’ahi has got to be one of the most hiked places on Oahu due to it’s ease of access and scenic views. You can thank the US Army in 1908 for carving out the trails, steps, tunnels and fortifications that make this hike what it is today.

Kahala Tunnel

Kahala Tunnel

You can either walk or drive through this tunnel. Either way you are going to pay a dollar or five dollars respectively to the parking lot attendant that awaits you on the other side of this tunnel. However, the tunnel is not meant for people and cars to co-exist at the same time, as it’s quite narrow. My wife and I decided to take the safer route and drive through the tunnel.

Information Center

Information Center

One can learn some facts and trivia about Diamond Head here, before heading out for the .8 mile walk up to the summit. Bring comfortable shoes, water and sunscreen. This is the only place where you will find bathrooms. Start the hike early, that way you beat the sun and the crowds.

Crater floor

Crater floor

Here you can see the floor of the crater and parts of Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo past the rim.

74 steps

74 steps

These steps will lead you into the first tunnel. No need to bring flashlights as it’s lighted. In the old days, we walked barefoot and had no lights.

99 steps

99 steps

That song “99 bottles of beer on the wall” pops into mind. Just when you thought you were finished climbing steps. The cross-beams were used for camouflage in the old days.

How high are we?

How high are we?

Question answered. Some people’s heads will be hanging down by the time they reach the top of the stairs, so they shouldn’t miss this elevation marker.

Dizzy yet?

Dizzy yet?

Round and round you go on the 52 spiral stairs, until you reach the Fire Control Station.

Nice view

Nice view

Looking out to Waikiki through the Fire Control Station slits once covered by metal shutters.

Keep your distance

Keep your distance

Walking along the trail, you can see Diamond Head Lighthouse at the bottom. Built in 1917, it can shine it’s light 18 miles out towards the Pacific Ocean.

Traffic

Traffic

Last set of 54 stairs which replaced the old ladder to the summit.

Protecting Waikiki

Protecting Waikiki

Remnants of the once extensive military fortifications that used to ring the crater.

Rainbow shot

Rainbow shot

Photo at the top of the 760′ lookout. Then we joined the rest of the moving mass of humanity to go back down.

 

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