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Though there are a thousand things you can do to enjoy your trip to Oahu, you have to make time to see the Diamond Head. Known as one of the more famous landmarks in Oahu, if not in Hawaii, it is located at the Southeast Coast of Oahu – right at the end of Waikiki and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The Diamond Head was once an active volcano hundreds of years ago. However, it has not shown any volcanic activities in the past 150,000 years. The name Diamond Hill was given by British Sailors in the 1800’s when they first saw the crater during one of their expeditions. The lava rocks at its crater were glimmering in the sun, hence the sailors thought there were diamonds to be found there. It was later renamed to what it is called to this date, the Diamond Head. Prior to that, it was called Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. Laeahi means “point of the ahi or tuna,” as the silhouette of the crater from Waikiki looks like the dorsal fin of a tuna fish.

What to prepare before heading to the Head

The Diamond Head Trail is about 2,816 meters (9,240 feet) to the lookout point and is an easy to moderate hike. There would not be any shade so it is best to schedule your hike very early in the morning. The only time you will not have the sun above you is when you enter the unlit tunnel for which you have to also bring your own flashlight. Don’t forget to bring drinking water, sun screen and of course, your camera. The Diamond Head is one of the most photographed and painted spot in Oahu, so you want to make sure you are equipped to capture its beauty as you see it.

Hiking to the Head

The Diamond Head crater measures about 1,073 meters (3,520 feet) wide and 232 meters (760 feet) high. The trail leads from the crater up to the rim and can take about 1.5 to 2 hours if you pace yourself slow, but more seasoned hikers will usually take 45 minutes to finish the hike. There would be some stairs to climb, and you can choose between the one that has 76 steps and the other that has 99 steps. You will also have to go through the unlit tunnel that is about 225 feet long to get to the peak.

Many have already hiked the Diamond Head, so even if you are not a seasoned hiker, you do not have to worry about it. The heat and the little exercise you will have to endure will be all worth it once you see the breathtaking view of the entire west side of the island – from Waikiki to Koki Head. You will also have an amazing view of Honolulu and the ocean from the peak. On a clear day, you can even see the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.

The sights that you will see from the top are so wonderful and astonishing that you probably will never see one as good as the Diamond Head view. Make sure to take a lot of photos, enjoy the hike, and take in the beauty of Mother Nature while there. Don’t mind the heat too much – just be prepared for a good, sunny hike and you will surely have a great time ahead of you!