The rim trail
Switchbacks, stairs and tunnels.
Eric Tessmer — CC BY 2.0 · Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada — CC BY 2.0 · Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view from Los Angeles, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Aaron Zhu — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA — CC BY 2.0
Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, rising above the Waikiki coast of Honolulu and among the island's best known sights. Visitors come to climb a short trail to the crater rim, with a wide view over the city and the Pacific. Hawaiians call it Lēʻahi, most likely linking the words for brow and tuna, because the ridgeline resembles a tuna's dorsal fin. British sailors gave it its English name in the 19th century, after calcite crystals on the nearby beach. It is about 200,000 years old and became a National Natural Landmark in 1968. The trail starts inside the crater and climbs by switchbacks, stairs and tunnels to an old lookout on the rim. From the top you see Waikiki and its towers, turquoise surf and the dry crater floor. From below, the green cone looks fine from Kapiolani Park and the beach, especially at sunrise and sunset. It is 3.1 km in a straight line from Waikiki. Non-residents must book ahead, so do not turn up without a reservation. It usually opens from 6 am to 6 pm, so start early, as shade is scarce and the heat strong. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and suitable shoes, since parts of the trail are rocky and the way down can get crowded.
Switchbacks, stairs and tunnels.
Towers and turquoise surf.
The cone seen from below.
Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, Hawaii
Yes, non-residents of Hawaii must book ahead.
It is short but uphill with stairs, so bring water and suitable shoes.