GUNUNG · Amerika Serikat (Hawaii)

Diamond Head

Lēʻahi / Diamond Head (Hawaii: "dahi ikan tuna")

Information

Elevation: 232 m
Country: Amerika Serikat (Hawaii) (US)
Location / Range: Honolulu Volcanic Series, southeast coast of Oʻahu Island (near Waikīkī and Honolulu)
Mountain type: Volcanic tuff cone of the Honolulu Volcanic Series — an iconic crater on the southeastern edge of Waikīkī, Oʻahu
Volcanic?: Yes — volcano
Coordinates: 21.2597, -157.8118
Difficulty: Easy–moderate — a short paved, stepped trail with a few steep sections, tunnels, and stairs; suitable for careful general walkers
Best Season: Possible year-round; most comfortable in the morning before the heat (open 6:00–16:00, last gate at 16:00). Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, as the trail has almost no shade
Permits & Rules: Visitors from outside Hawaii must make an online reservation in advance at gostateparks.hawaii.gov; the entrance fee is around USD 5 per person and USD 10 for parking (Hawaii residents are free)
Hazards: Hot, intense sun with no shade, a crowded trail, steep stairs and a narrow tunnel, and surfaces slippery when it rains. It is not technical terrain, but dehydration and crowding are the main risks

Description

Diamond Head, called Lēʻahi ("tuna's brow") in Hawaiian, is a 232 m volcanic tuff cone and ancient crater that defines the Waikīkī skyline on Oʻahu. Formed by a phreatomagmatic eruption thousands of years ago, it is now one of Hawaii's most popular tourist hikes, protected as Diamond Head State Monument. The Diamond Head Summit Trail was built in 1908 as part of Oʻahu's coastal defence system: from the crater floor it climbs steeply via concrete stairs, a tunnel about 68 m long, and a 1911 fire control station to the summit. From the top, hikers get a panorama of Honolulu, the Waikīkī coastline, and the wide Pacific. The hike is fairly short — under 1.3 km one way with about 170 m of gain — but the steep stairs and lack of shade still make it feel challenging for some. Out-of-state visitors must now reserve entry and parking.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Diamond Head Summit Trail

Mudah–sedang — pendek tetapi menanjak tajam lewat tangga dan terowongan

±1,5–2 jam pulang-pergi

Satu-satunya jalur resmi ke puncak Lēʻahi, dibangun pada 1908. Dari dasar kawah, jalur menanjak sekitar 1,1–1,3 km satu arah dengan kenaikan sekitar 170 m, melewati jalur beton berkelok, dua rangkaian tangga curam (sekitar 74 dan 99 anak tangga), serta terowongan sepanjang ±68 m menuju bekas pos kendali tembak 1911. Puncaknya menyuguhi panorama Waikīkī, Honolulu, dan Samudra Pasifik. Pengunjung non-penduduk wajib reservasi masuk dan parkir.

Source

Climbing Experiences

Diamond Head accounts consistently describe a short but steep climb from the crater floor to the Lēʻahi summit, via steep staircases, a dark tunnel, and old military installations. 4K vlogs show the trail end-to-end with the Waikīkī and Honolulu panorama from the top. Official state-park sources confirm the reservation requirement for out-of-state visitors and gate hours. Many recommend arriving early to beat the heat and crowds, and carrying water and sunscreen given the lack of shade.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.