January 14th, 2008
MY FAVORITE HIKE ON OAHU
A hike to the summit of Hawaii’s most famous natural landmark, The Diamond Head Crater, yields a view that money can’t buy. The ancient Hawaiian’s originally named it "Le ahi", which means "brow of the tuna," and supposedly you can see the resemblance-assuming you know what a tuna’s brow looks like. It turns out the word "Le ahi" can also be interpreted as "place of fire" and the ancient Hawaiians used it as a place for worship and human sacrifice. Legend has it that fires were lit along the summit to guide canoes traveling along the shoreline. Today, The Diamond Head Lighthouse", built in 1917, provides a visual aid for navigation.
The name "Diamond Head" was dubbed by British sailors in 1825 who mistook its calcite crystals for diamonds. Its Hawaii’s most famous landmark, having appeared in countless television shows and movies. Its the world’s best known extinct volcanic crater. Located on the island of Oahu, next to Waikiki, Diamond Head’s summitt offers breathtaking views of Honolulu in one direction and of the Pacific Ocean on the other.
The hike is only moderatley difficult. Its a good idea to wear sturdy shoes and bring along sunscreen, water, a hat and of course a camera. Enter the crater from Fort Ruger, through the Kahala tunnel. The Diamond Head Trail is 1 3/4 miles to the rim and takes about 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.The first part of the hike is deceptively easy: 10 minutes on a fairly flat nicely paved path. But then the trail turns rocky and uneven, gradually becoming steeper as it zig zags up the barren, stoney stopes. Another 15 minutes brings me to the first lookout, with views of the eastside of Oahu and $10 million beachfront homes. The US Army recognized the value of Diamond Heads sweeping vistas for reconnaissance purposes, and built a fort here in 1909; hence the presence of bunkers and obsolete military equipment.
A jaunt up the stairway brings me to a 225 foot long tunnel cut into the mountainside. More stairs follow, but the panoramic view from the top is my reward. Out comes the camera. Breathtaking, lush and humbling, its a unique glimpse of paradise. Its a view money can’t buy, but a little legwork will.
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