If you get to Oahu, included in one of the things you have to do is climb to the top of Diamond Head Crater. It is the most popular volcanic crater in the world. It is said to have over one million visitors a year In 1968 it was declared a National Natural Landmark.
Diamond Crater is located on the South East side on the island of Oahu. It is right at the end of Waikiki beach on the coast. Diamond Head volcano has been extinct for approximately 150,000 years. The British in the 1800s gave the volcano the name Diamond Head because they thought they saw diamonds shining in it from a distance. But when they got closer they realized it was only the calcite crystals in the volcano glimmering in the sunlight. The crater measures 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760 foot peak.
In the early 1900’s Diamond Head was used as a defense fort called Fort Ruger. Canons were located in the inside of the crater to protect the island from enemies. At the top of the extinct volcano is an observation deck that is still there, that they used to keep a lookout for oncoming enemies. There is an underground tunnel also that was used for the military’s command post. They even dug a 600 foot tunnel through the crater for easier access to the Fort. That tunnel is the access for many tourists still today
Diamond Head is something that a tourist can do for free! Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, cool clothes cause there is no shade, bring water, and a camera. The view at the top is breath taking. When you start off your hike at the bottom, there are signs that explain the history and different information about the volcano you are about to climb. Then you are off to start your hike.
The hike can be strenuous and challenging at times. There are a few areas to stop and look at the gorgeous view and to let you catch your breath. Like I said before you are climbing a 760 foot high volcano! So you can just imagine the views you are able to see throughout the hike.
We went early in the morning around 8 am before it got too hot. There were maybe 50 others on the hike also. But everyone is able to go at their own pace. On the hike besides the trail that constantly zig-zags up the volcano 1.5 miles, there is a unlit tunnel that measures 225 feet, and 2 different sets of stairs. One of the sets has 76 steps and the other one has 99 steps! So you are definitely getting a workout. But once you make it to the top you forget all about the climb. Like I said the view of part of the island and the ocean is just amazing. There is an observation deck at the top that you can crawl on top of to get a better view. And the pictures say a thousand words about it.
The signs at the bottom say that it will take you about 45 minutes to climb up and 45 minutes to climb down. We kept a good pace and even stopped to take quite a few pictures and it only took us 30 minutes to get up the crater and about 20 minutes to get down. It is a lot easier going down the trail! But it is something that is free for tourists and well worth the time to go and see. This is a must see on the island of Oahu!
