Hiking Diamond Head

The profile of this long extinct volcano, dominating the horizon east of Waikiki, is known around the globe. And like other world-famous landmarks, it's hard to say you've visited Honolulu without having hiked to its summit. Hiking Diamond Head, or Leahi, affords an unforgettable view of O'ahu, and is a high point of any Hawaii trip.

In terms of size, Diamond Head is no Mauna Kea, or Haleakala. Indeed, serious hikers consider the trip to the summit - along paved paths and up modern stairs - to be almost too easy. But the mountain's place in Hawaii history, and Hawaii's identity, is unmatched. Climbing Diamond Head is perhaps the quintessential O'ahu experience, one that's a regular tradition for many locals.

The crater itself is over 3,000 feet in diameter, and the summit is 760 feet high. Diamond Head served as a base for the military (as evidenced from the many war bunkers that you'll encounter within) and has housed several government agencies. But it is known mostly for its distinctive shape, and for the view from the top.

What To Expect:

The entrance to the Diamond Head State Monument is along the back rim of the crater, on the east side off Diamond Head Road. Gates to the tunnel into the crater open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. - visitors on foot are charged $1 to enter, parking inside costs $5 per car.

Inside you'll find a small information center and a comfort station, and a small kiosk at the trailhead. The state has been experimenting with allowing private vendors to sell snacks and souvenirs, but otherwise amenities are limited. Since there are no restrooms anywhere along the hike, nor at the summit, you should make use of the facilities there.

The hike starts gently, with a paved walkway (think concrete sidewalk) that meanders slowly up from the crater floor. Soon, though, you'll be on a paved path, a little steeper and a little rougher. About halfway up, you'll find a lookout and rest area. If you're not a particularly athletic person, here's where you'll want to pause a moment and enjoy the view.

Next come the stairs. The first flight is 76 steps, bringing you to a short tunnel to the next flight of 99 steps. They can be an intimidating sight, but tackling them makes the trip much more rewarding.

The next section is a favorite for kids, though perhaps less so for the claustrophobic. A narrow tunnel brings you to a winding, spiral stairwell. You're inside an old Fire Control Station, and will ascend four stories to an cramped observation area. Here, you'll escape into the open through what was essentially a window.

Once out and atop the crater ridge, you'll be able to catch your breath and take in the breathtaking, panoramic view. A few more stairs will take you to the highest point atop Diamond Head, an observation station from which you can see an incredible amount of O'ahu at once, and the blue Pacific ocean stretching into infinity. You can see past Waikiki and downtown Honolulu to the Ewa plain, or around the east end of O'ahu to Koko Head crater.

Tips:

• Plan ahead. The Diamond Head gate opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Admission is $1 on foot or $5 per car. Expect to spend at least two hours there. As hikes go, Diamond Head is pretty mild, but if you have serious mobility issues, you might want to do more research.
• Be prepared. Bring water, sun protection, a flashlight for the tunnels and spiral stairs, and of course a camera or binoculars. You may also want to bring a map of Oahu, to see what towns and landmarks you can spot from the summit.
• Arrive early. There is very little shade in the crater and at the summit. For a cool, comfortable hike, schedule your visit early in the morning. In the winter months, it may be worthwhile to try and reach the summit before sunrise for an especially beautiful morning vista.

How to Get There:

From Waikiki, head east along Kalakaua Ave. After passing Kapahulu Ave. on your left, keep left to proceed up Monsarrat Ave. (between the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park). Continue up Monsarrat Ave., which will eventually become Diamond Head Road, and circle Diamond Head crater in a clockwise direction. As you pass Kapiolani Community College on your left, watch for the crater entrance on your right.

Or, you may just want to catch TheBus. From Waikiki, grab the #58 heading east on Kuhio Avenue. It will eventually climb Diamond Head Road around the back of the crater. Get off near Kapiolani Community College.

Web Links:

• Brochure (Hawaii State Department of Land & Natural Resources)