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Published on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 23:04

Written by Ana Ravedutti

This week's blog is about an amazing hike I did. Hawai‘i's most famous landmark, Diamond Head, it offers a wonderful panoramic view of Honolulu and Waikiki situated on southeastern O‘ahu. 

This trail is known for its spectacular coastal views and military history. The Diamond Head State Monument has over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater. In Hawaiian language Lë‘ahi (Diamond Head) is a large tuff cone which was formed by a short series of explosive eruptions some 300,000 years ago creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the early 1900s.

The trail to the summit of Le'ahi was built in 1908 as part of O'ahu's coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The trail is steep with many stairs and it’s considered a moderate family hike. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. I finished in 45 minutes, it was agreat hike! Aloha