“Brow of the tuna” is the ancient Hawaiian name for what we know today as the Diamond Head. Here we stand at the entrance to Newport: South Diamond Head Park entrance Monument. It is a place where history whispers and nature captivates. Diamond Head is one of Oahu’s most stunning natural features. Diamond Head formed about 300000 years ago during a single explosive eruption.
Now, take a moment to appreciate the sheer magnitude of the crater. Diamond Head served as a military reservation and defense system along the Hawaiian coast. The U.S. Government built Fort Ruger on the surrounding land in 1905.
British soldiers first used the term Diamond Head in the 19th century. They saw sparkling calcite crystals on a nearby beach. They assumed the stones were diamonds. The name Diamond Head stuck.
Imagine hiking the Diamond Head Crater. The Diamond Head Crater offers the most popular hike in the area. You can climb the summit trail after entering the crater through the Kahala Tunnel. Once you have handled your parking, you can begin the 1.6-mile round trip hike. You’ll take a dirt trail up a series of switchbacks. These bring you to a tunnel and a set of stairs with 99 steps. These lead to a WWII-era bunker. Ascend 54 more steps to reach the crater’s rim. The rim offers panoramic views of Oahu.
Diamond Head provides you with beautiful views year-round. Many people prefer to visit the site in the spring and winter. They avoid the heat of summer and the inclement weather of autumn.
You can explore Diamond Head Crater with a tour. You can use a guide or a self-guided audio tour. This provides information about the volcanic tuff cone. You and your family can enjoy a relaxing picnic after you climb to the summit. Rest on the rim of the volcano and enjoy the stunning view.
Remember to bring water to avoid sunstroke on the Diamond Head trail. Bring snacks if you’re hiking but not picnicking. Wear good walking shoes to protect your feet and ankles.
An entry fee applies to all visitors to Diamond Head. The location charges $5 for visitors arriving on foot. You can pay $10 to bring your vehicle and leave it in the parking lot.
The unique profile of Diamond Head sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail. It is also known for its stunning coastal views and military history. The trail to the summit of Lēʻahi was built in 1908. It was part of Oʻahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8-mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous. It gains 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor.
At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline is stunning. During winter, you might spot passing humpback whales.
The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:00 p.m. The gates are locked at 6:00 p.m. daily. All visitors must be out of the park by this time.
As you stand here at the Newport: South Diamond Head Park entrance Monument, let the spirit of Lēʻahi fill you. May your visit be filled with adventure, discovery, and the aloha spirit.