O'ahu: Diamond Head

While we do have a view of Diamond Head from our hotel window (see above) we thought we'd get a closer view. On Sunday morning, we got up early (for us) for a hike up the famous Diamond Head Crater. This "tuff cone" was formed from one massive volcanic eruption and is perhaps the most recognizable geologic structure in the Hawaiian Islands. It is also one of the most popular. We drove to Diamond Hed State Monument to find hundreds of tourists walking up the pathway alongside us. Why? Because the parking lot was full. We ended up in a car waiting line, but did eventually get a parking spot. (Presumably to avoid this scenario in the future, a flashing sign informed us that out of state residents will have to reserve a spot in advance starting May 12, 2022. Take note!).

In addition to the $10 parking fee, each hiker is charged $5. Well worth the privilege of the sweaty and steep climb to the top. The switchback trail itself was built in 1908 as part of the U.S. Army Coastal Artillery defense system and includes an otherworldy tunnel (well lit) and then a lot of stairs. It was initially a dirt trail, with no hand rails, braved by dainty ladies in the 1900s in long white dresses. Handrails and paving have sent been added.

A series of stairs takes you to panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu, with an (inaccessible) fire lookout post in the near distance. You'll see the homes that climb the distant mountains too, as well as the endless Pacific.

Much of the summit was removed to create a military bunker and firestation. The exterior was camouflouged with painted rubble and concrete.

You can climb into these bunkers. (See Steven doing just that above.) If you read your "points of interest on the trial" handout all the way to the end (which we didn't do), you'll know to go into the top bunker then take the spiral stairs down to another set of 99 stairs that will take you back to the tunnel. Confused? It's okay, you can use all the stairs built in the 70s.

But do climb into that bunker. It's both cool and cool. Not so hot, and the Pacific is spectacular.