Diamond Head

We found that one of Oahu’s most interesting sites is on the southeast coast at the end of Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head Hawaii is an old volcano named after a misunderstanding by men from the west. While exploring Diamond Head on Oahu they thought they had found diamonds, but had really found only shining calcite crystals at the volcano and not real diamonds.

Diamond Head's volcano’s original name was Laeahi, given to the crater by native Hawaiians. The name means “brow of the tuna” (or fish face) because Diamond Head resemblance just that. A visit to Diamond Head does require what I would call a walking in the park. The Diamond Head stroll is along a volcanic trail that climbs to a 761-foot peak (OK it does take a little effort) beginning inside the historic landmark. It’s an easy but steep hike with some stairs that takes an hour to an hour and a half. The trail is considered an easy to moderate ascent.

At more than 3,500 feet in diameter the crater remains one of the most spectacular in the United States.





When Hawaii was added to the United States in 1898, defending the harbor became a major priority. Fort Ruger was a defensive fort at the Diamond Head crater. Artillery was set up right inside the crater, and Fort Ruger became a protected location defended from enemies.

In 1919 a bunker comprising four levels was constructed inside the protected walls of the crater creating better access to the command posts. The observation deck was also built in 1910 at Diamond Head, at the peak, which provided a convenient target site. The underground complex and observation deck are now abandoned but signs of the old post are evident along the paved Diamond Head hike. Hundreds of visitors formed an Alaska Klondike line to the top to enjoy the sights of the historical landmark.

Diamond Head is designated as a WWII visitors' site.