DIAMOND HEAD
The Most Well-Known Hike in Hawaii
Oh, Diamond Head, the quintessential Hawaiian hiking destination. How many times have I hiked up your crowded slopes to entertain out-of-town friends and family? Honestly, I've lost count. But hey, I'll admit it: each time I make the trek, I secretly enjoy it. After all, there is a reason why everyone journeys up this famous Hawaii landmark.
Formed about 300,000 years ago in a colossal, explosive eruption, Lē‘ahi, or Diamond Head, is a majestic, saucer-shaped crater with a fascinating history. Legend has it that Hi‘iaka, sister of the fire goddess Pele, named the crater Lē‘ahi because its summit resembled the forehead (lae) of the ‘ahi (tuna) fish. Fast forward to the 1800s, Western explorers mistook calcite crystals in the rocks for diamonds and cleverly dubbed it "Diamond Head." They might not have found gems, but they certainly struck gold with the name!
The trail we hike today was constructed by the Federal government for military use. Diamond Head's summit offers 360-degree-views and was key for coastal defense, with millitary bunkers and pillboxes at the top of the trail. Today, hikers enter through the Kahala Tunnel, and nagivate a trail that scales the steep interior western slopes of the crater and includes switchbacks, stairs, and tunnels.
The trial is paved and only be 1.6 miles (round trip), but this 560-feet elevation hike can humble you! The trail was originally designed for mules and foot traffic, and the last 1/10 of a mile is especially steep. So, channel your inner mule, and don't forget to laugh at yourself. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike, bring a hat, and make sure to place a reservation (a requirement as of May 2022).
The postcard-worthy shoreline views from the top are undeniably iconic. And if you're lucky enough to join me on one of my many treks, you might just hear me jokingly grumble, "I've never seen this view before!"
