About Diamond Head
Oahu's famous volcanic crater
The most famous volcanic crater in the world is Diamond Head, located on the South-east Coast of O'ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. The name meant "brow of the tuna" and looking at the silhouette of the crater from Waikiki, you can see the resemblance. The current name came was given to the crater by British sailors in the 1800's. When they first saw the crater at a great distance, the calcite crystals in the lava rock appeared to glimmer in the sunlight. The sailors mistakenly thought there must be diamonds in the soil. Diamond Head is a crater that has been extinct for 150,000 years. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit. When the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, harbor defense became a main responsibility. One of the major defense forts, Fort Ruger, occupied the Diamond Head Crater. A battery of canons was located within the crater providing complete concealment and protection from invading enemies. An observation deck was constructed at the summit in 1910 to provide target sighting and a four level underground complex was built within the walls of the crater as a command post. A 580-foot tunnel was dug through the crater wall to provide easier access to the Fort.
The observation deck and underground complex is now abandoned with the advent of radar but evidence of the command post is still present along Diamond Head Trail. The trail is paved almost the entire way but can be steep in spots.
There are two sets of stairs, one with 99 steps and the other, 76 steps. There is also a 225-foot unlit tunnel. The hike is classified as easy to moderate in exertion but is certainly worth the breathtaking, unparalleled view of the entire west side of the island, from Waikiki to Koki Head
Source: Hawaii Web, Inc.
About Kapiolani Park
Home to the famous Waikiki Shell
Kapiolani Park was created by King Kalakaua in the 1870's. This beautiful 500-acre park is listed on the State's Historic Register as many of its exceptional trees date back over 100 years. Kapiolani Park is the site of historic Diamond Head, the famous Kodak Hula Show, the world renown 42-acre Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Shell, home to many outdoor concerts and shows, the Sunday Art Shows, the Tennis Courts, the Soccer Fields, the Archery Range, and even a 3-mile jogger's course, which encompasses part of the Honolulu Marathon Course.
Local families and tourists alike enjoy the shady picnic sites and open grassy areas perfect for sporting events. The Royal Hawaiian Band provides free concerts every Sunday afternoon in the Kapiolani Bandstand.
Source: Hawaii Web, Inc.
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