Diamond Head Park, Honolulu

Diamond Head, located near the eastern side of Waikiki's coast, is a famous Hawaiian landmark recognized for its scenic hiking route, impressive coastal views, and rich military background. The Diamond Head State Monument covers over 475 acres, including both the inside and outside areas of the crater.

About 300,000 years ago, Diamond Head was formed from a massive volcanic eruption, which propelled ash and fine debris into the air. These materials eventually settled and solidified into a type of rock known as tuff, shaping the crater visible today. The park's trail allows visitors to see this geological feature. The area's flora and fauna were mainly introduced between the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The Diamond Head trail, built in 1908 for coastal defense, is a challenging 0.8-mile hike, ascending 560 feet from the crater's base. It reveals geological and military history, starting with a concrete path and leading to a natural tuff terrain with switchbacks. The journey includes a 225-foot lit tunnel to the 1911 Fire Control Station at the summit, vital for artillery fire direction. At the top, historical bunkers and a 1917 lighthouse provide panoramic coastal views, with potential humpback whale sightings in winter.

In 2000, the State Parks Division built an interpretive kiosk at Diamond Head to offer visitor services and display information about the crater's history and natural features. With daily visitor numbers exceeding 3,000, Diamond Head is a highly popular destination. The kiosk, renovated in 2014 through a partnership with Pacific Historic Parks, provides not only visitor services but also a place to buy souvenirs and memorabilia related to Diamond Head.