Diamond Head Summit Trail

Just south of Honolulu, O'ahu, is Diamond Head - Hawaii's most famous volcano. Part of a volcanic chain more than a half a million years old with a crater over 3,500 feet in diameter, Diamond Head has been dormant for several hundred years and appears as a flat, massive crater open to the sky. The hiking trail to it's summit was constructed for the purpose of a defense system, so those who take the hike will discover WWII observation post and bunkers once used for artillery now serving to support government antennas.

The 1.5 trail hike starts in the crater and leads up the steep terrain to the top where the Diamond Head State Monument lies. There are concessions stands in the parking lot where the trail begins and it is highly recommended to have water, as the trail is exposed to the sun and no water is available. Bringing sunscreen and a hat is also recommended, if you're hiking midday when the sun's rays are intense or come in the early morning when it's less crowded and not so hot.

At first, the trail is paved, but it soon becomes a dirt path and switchbacks, with the first lookout point about 5 minutes into the hike. Beyond that is 74 stairs leading to the first tunnel; a nice reprieve from the sun, but 200 feet of darkness. Once through, hikers face another set of 99 stairs, which are said to be harder than the first, but there is a resting place at this juncture if needed. One more tunnel and a 3-story spiral metal staircase gets you to the fire station lookout, with 54 more steps to the top where the reward lies - gazing across an endlessly stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and Waikiki Beach far below.