Diamond Head State Monument – The Volcanic Landmark

Source: By mar1865 [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from Wikimedia Commons

The Diamond Head is the volcanic tuff cone located on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. The Hawaiians also call it as Leahi as it resembles the shape of tuna’s dorsal fin. The British sailors gave it its English name in the 19th century as they mistook the calcite crystal to diamonds. The Diamond Head has a system of vents, cones, and eruption flow marks which the geologists call the Honolulu Volcanic Series. These were formed due to the eruptions from the Koolau Volcano in early centuries before it went dormant. The Diamond Head is the youngest of the landmarks created by the Honolulu Volcanic Series as it is only 500,000 to 400,000 years old.

The Diamond Head was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1968. The crater also known as the Diamond Head Lookout was a strategic military lookout location in the 1900s as it provides for panoramic views of the southern shore, Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. It spans over 475 acres including both its interior and outer slopes. A navigational lighthouse was also built adjacent to the crater’s slope in 1917. Few pillboxes are also located at the Diamond Head’s summit. Due to its significance, the Diamond Head also appears on the 80-cent airmail stamp made in 1952.

A trail is built on the Diamond Head to reach the summit in 1908. It is a 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead to the summit. The trail is steep and strenuous as it reaches 560 feet above the crater floor. A concrete walkaway is also built for people to walk and enjoy the breath-taking views. Once you reach the summit after the hike, you can see the bunkers and the navigational lighthouse. During winters you can also see humpback whales passing in the ocean. These views from the crater are amazing and shouldn’t be missed when visiting Hawaii.

The monument is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day, even on holidays. The gates are closed at 6 pm sharp, and the last entry for hiking is at 4:30 pm. It is mandatory for all visitors to leave the park by 6:00 pm. The entry ticket is $5 per car or $1 per person. Pets except service animals are not allowed to enter the park. Make sure that you have walking shoes, sunscreen, ample water, and a hat if you wish to hike the trail. Do visit this park with your friends and family during your trip to Hawaii.

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