Diamond Head Crater is the remnants of an extinct volcano that erupted hundreds of thousands of years ago. It is located in Waikiki on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It gets it name from British sailors who found calcite crystals in the lava and were happy to assume it was diamonds that they had discovered. Diamond Head crater is one of Oahu’s most visited tourist attractions and should not go unvisited by any traveler to Oahu, Hawaii.
The crater is over 3,000 feet in diameter with a 760 foot summit. Standing atop the crater nearly the entire island of Oahu is revealed. Sandy beaches, towering cities, and several valleys can be seen and give anyone a sense of appreciation after the treacherous hike.
The hike to the top of the crater is less than a mile at .7 miles. The first .6 mile distance is all trail that rises the inner slope of the crater. The last leg is a series of stairs, 99 to be exact that take you to the top where you will certainly want your camera!
What to Bring
A bottle of water, camera, and a pair shoes meant for hiking. A snack and sunscreen may be desired as well.
When to Go
A clear day, earliest in the morning. The later in the day you choose to go, the more crowds you will encounter. Depending on the time of year you visit Diamond Head the views from the top will change. In certain seasons the “vog” (volcano smog) can cloud the view of the other islands.
The park can be accessed during business hours, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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