The view of Honolulu, Hawaii, is worth the strenuous hike up Diamond Head State Monument on the island of Oahu. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Enjoy a hike and an amazing view of a volcanic crater on Oahu, Hawaii, at the popular and iconic Diamond Head State Monument, which spans more than 475 acres near the eastern edge of Waikiki.
On a mostly sunny day, after riding through the Kahala Tunnel, the only access to the state monument, I set out to conquer the mile-plus hike up the summit of the Diamond Head crater.
Admission to the site requires a reservation that you may complete online at the state monument’s website. Information boards near the visitors center provide an understanding of the crater, plants, wildlife and other sites you may find there.
Diamond Head State Monument spans more than 475 acres near the eastern edge coastline of Waikiki on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
The entry fee is $5, but children ages 3 and younger get in free. Not many smaller children were on the trail, but there is plenty of space at the crater’s base where little ones can run around.
The Diamond Head Summit Trail is a winding, gravelly path that climbs the side of the crater. I found the rocky ground steep and uneven, with many trip hazards. I was extra careful in calculating my footing in some places.
A handrail is available for assistance on the path. The hot day took its toll on many hikers, who rested along the trail as they ascended and descended.
After trudging a grueling incline for several minutes, I came to an even steeper and narrow set of stairs that led me, after catching my breath, into a dim, 225-foot-long tunnel. If you are a squeamish about tight places, you may opt for the alternate route nearby.
This narrow set of stairs is part of the rigorous course to the top of Diamond Head State Monument on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Part of the hike to the summit of Diamond Head State Monument involves a walk through a dimly lit tunnel. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Exiting the tunnel, I navigated a rickety, spiral iron staircase down to another dimly lit space and through another passage to discover Oahu’s old defensive post facing out to sea. The fire control station completed there in 1911 directed heavy artillery fire that could reach up to eight miles from the Fort Ruger and Waikiki batteries outside the crater, according to the website.
I stepped up a small iron ladder and walked outside to finally view the edge of the nearly mile-wide crater, the colorful coastline and old bunkers set up during the early 20th century.
A sudden change in weather on the descent brought a steady downpour, leaving me with no cover on the open trail at the base of the hill, all part of the Hawaii experience.
Wildlife found in the area include several species of birds -- some native, and some brought to the island years ago. These species seem to be able to endure the sometimes-scorching heat and dry terrain of the crater area.
It was an exhilarating time at Diamond Head. The hike was well worth it, but you do need a sufficient fitness level, proper shoes, sunscreen and plenty of water to successfully ascend the steps to the summit. There are signs of falling rock hazards on the trail, but thankfully none during my experience.
Depending on how quickly you do the trek and time spent at the summit, you may need two or more hours to complete the round trip. The place does get quite busy, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, so it is best to make reservations as early as possible.
On the QT
Directions: From Waikiki, take Kalakaua Avenue to Monsarrat Avenue and follow it to the right turn at the sign for Diamond Head State Monument, a 12-minute drive.
Times: Open daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last entry to the park is 4 p.m.; closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Reservations available up to 30 days in advance.
Costs: Admission is $5 per person for non-residents; children 3 and younger are free; only credit cards accepted.
Food: Vending machines near the ticket building; bring your own food and beverages to the picnic areas.
Information: tinyurl.com/5dfbjhfw; non-resident parking is available at $10 per vehicle.
