A Rewarding Scenic Hike Minutes From Honolulu
Experience the history and beauty of Diamond Head State Monument
In the summer of 2023, we took the kids to Hawaii. It was our chances to do a longer trip with them before it became more difficult with their work, school, and sports schedules.
Our trip began in Oahu. We stayed downtown in Honolulu as we took a couple of days to explore the island. I had been to Oahu once before but only for a half a day, which I used to see Pearl Harbor.
This trip would give me the opportunity to see the whole island. And, this time I’d get to hike to the top of Diamond Head.
Diamond Head
Diamond Head formed about 300,000 years ago during a brief, but explosive, volcanic eruption. Unlike the larger shield volcanoes that built the Hawaiian Islands, Diamond Head was created when magma interacted with groundwater, resulting in an eruption that sent ash and debris into the air. These materials settled and hardened, forming the crater we see today. Its unique shape has withstood centuries of erosion and is now a defining feature of Oʻahu’s southern coastline.
This area is important to the ancient Hawaiians. It was a site for their religious ceremonies. Heiau (temples) built on its slopes were used to honor deities and pray for successful fishing expeditions.
In the late 18th century, British sailors exploring the island mistook the glittering calcite crystals in the rocks on the crater’s slopes for diamonds. While the crystals had no value, the name "Diamond Head" stuck.
In more recent times, Diamond Head was a military site due to its strategic vantage point over the Pacific Ocean. Fort Ruger, Hawaii’s first military reservation, was established in 1906, and bunkers, tunnels, and observation posts were constructed within the crater.
In 1968, Diamond Head was declared a Hawaii State Monument. This protected it from any further development.
Visiting Diamond Head
Diamond Head is great place for families to visit as long as your kids are fine with more difficult hikes. It’s a beautiful climb to the top but it can be challenging. The initial ascent is gradual but the slope of the trail slowly builds until you get into some of the steeper, narrower switchbacks.
The best time of day to do the hike is in the morning when it’s cooler. You don’t want to start this hike midday. There is very little shade and you’ll be miserable.
The hike up provides great views of the surrounding volcano. When you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu, and Diamond Head Light House. You’ll also see some of the old bunkers built into the hill side. If you’re feeling adventurous you can go into some of the bunkers and even take a spiral stairway back down which connects back to the lower part of the trail.
Plan for the hike up and back to take close to 2 hours. This includes the time it takes for photos and to explore the bunker.
Planning your visit
Make sure you book a reservation ahead of time. If you don’t have a reservation, you won’t be able to get in and park. This can be done 30 days in advance. Certain times will sell out.
Reservation times are for 2 hours so if you’re late, you’ll either be denied parking or you’ll cut into your visiting time. Parking is limited so they try to keep things moving to get the next group of visitors in.
Our whole visit took close to 2 hours so I’d highly recommend getting in on time.
Summary
Cost: $10 to Park
Duration: 2 hours
Bring water, comfortable hiking shoes, and sun block
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Duck Abroad is a weekly newsletter about travel, journaling, and fun places to explore as a family. We dive into the history, events, and sights worth visiting and learning about as you explore the world.