Diamond Head is a popular tourist destination on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, known for its distinctive outline and incredible views. The dormant volcano is safe to hike and home to an ancient Hawaiian cemetery. The name “Diamond Head” comes from British sailors mistaking calcite for diamonds. Hikers should bring water and snacks and expect a 1.5-hour uphill hike with varied terrain.
Diamond Head is a geological feature on the Hawaiian island of Oahu that has become famous due to its proximity to the city of Honolulu. Diamond Head’s distinctive outline appears on many postcards from Oahu’s famous Waikiki Beach, and it is a popular tourist destination. Many visitors to Oahu like to set aside a morning to hike Diamond Head, as the view from the top is said to be quite incredible.
Like many of Hawaii’s distinctive features, Diamond Head is volcanic in origin. This famous Hawaiian landmark is part of a larger network of volcanic cones and vents. Diamond Head itself is totally dormant and therefore safe to ride; in fact the volcano is so secure that the US Army has actually established Fort Rutger within the walls of the volcano. The crater is also home to an ancient Hawaiian cemetery.
The name “Diamond Head” came to this dormant volcano in the 19th century when British sailors mistook the glittering calcite in the ground for diamonds. The volcano’s Hawaiian name is Laeahi, which means “eyebrow of the tuna,” presumably a reference to the humpback shape of the diamond head on the skyline. The height of the volcano is approximately 760 feet (232 meters), making it stand out from the surrounding lower terrain.
The hike up Diamond Head is relatively easy and offers a wide range of views. As people ascend the mountain, they can see Honolulu and the surrounding areas, and when they reach the top, they can look into the huge crater and admire the view of Molokai, a nearby island. Visitors can also see the remains of Fort Rutgers, along with an assortment of tunnels that can be explored with the aid of a flashlight.
Visitors to Diamond Head may want to mention that shade is often limited, so it’s a good idea to hike early, before the heat of the day sets in. Hikers should bring plenty of water along with a few snacks, and should expect about an hour-and-a-half hike to the top, with the downhill journey taking about half that time. The hike features varied terrain, ranging from paved walks to stairs, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
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