Diamond Head, Breathtaking panoramic views atop a volcanic cone

Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

The scenery at the mountaintop is definitely the most beautiful

4.5

Introduction

Diamond Head is a dormant volcano located on the southeastern coast of the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii in the United States. Geologically, it is known as a tuff cone and is believed to be the home of the fire goddess Pele in Hawaiian legend. The mountain was named Diamond Head by 19th-century British sailors who mistook the crystals in the rocks for diamonds. Geologists believe that the volcanic eruption that formed Diamond Head lasted only a few days and was part of the larger Honolulu Volcanic Series. The series of eruptions created many of the iconic landmarks on Oahu today and also drew many tourists from nearby Waikiki. The main trail to climb Diamond Head is a 1.1-kilometer path that takes about an hour and a half to two hours to complete round trip. Local tourist signs remind visitors to watch out for uneven terrain, possible crosswinds, and to bring a flashlight for the tunnels. From the summit, visitors can overlook Waikiki Beach and much of the city of Honolulu, as well as admire the famous sunset views. The fortifications at the entrance to the mountain were first established in 1909 as the earliest military base in the Hawaii area. Today, Diamond Head retains the remains of military facilities such as bunkers and tunnels. As it has become a famous landmark of the Hawaiian Islands, many souvenirs feature the image of Diamond Head. In 1963, the American film "Diamond Head," starring Charlton Heston, was set in Diamond Head. In addition, the popular TV series "Lost" was filmed here in recent years.