 | | Diamond Head State Monument protects and preserves the tuff cone formed by subterranean explosions thousands of years ago. This site has been designated significant by many cultures on the island. The Hawaiians used the summit for human sacrifices. The United States used it as a strategic arms position. Today the site offers recreational attractions.The Hawaiian name for Diamond Head is Leahi. In Hawaiian legend, it is said that Hiiaka, sister of the fire goddess Pele, gave Leahi its name because the summit resembles the forehead (lea) of the ahi fish. Another translation is fire headland and refers to the navigational fires that were lit at the summit to assist canoes traveling along the shoreline. Today, the Diamond Head Light, built in 1917, provides a visual aid for navigation. In the late 1700's, Western explorers and traders visited Leahi and mistook the calcite crystals in the rocks on the slope of the crater for diamonds. Thus the name Diamond Head came into common usage.The pronounced seaward summit, deeply eroded ridges, and ovoid-shaped crater are evidence of Leahi's very dynamic geological history. The creation of Oahu began around 2.5 to 3 million years ago with volcanic eruptions from 2 shield volcanoes. Leahi is believed to have been created about 500,000 years ago during a single, brief eruption. The broad, saucer-shaped crater covers 350 acres with its width being greater than its height. The southwestern rim is highest because winds were blowing ash in this direction during the eruption.Today the site supports facilities for picnicking and hiking. The trail to the summit of Leahi was built in 1908 as part of the U.S. Army Coastal Aritllery defense system. Entering the crater from Fort Ruger, through the Kapahulu Tunnel, the trail scaled the steep interior western slopes of the crater to the summit. The dirt trail with numerous switchbacks was designed for mule and foot traffic. The mules hauled materials on this trail for the construction of Fire Control Station Diamond Head, located at the summit. Other materials were hoisted from the crater floor by a winch and cable to a point along the trail. The Kahala Tunnel was built in the 1940's and is the public entrance to the crater. |
| |  | | | Facilities: Picnicking facilities are provided at Diamond Head State Monument. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Diamond Head State Monument. Best Time To Visit: Diamond Head State Monument is open year round. Fees: Unknown Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Unknown Directions: Diamond Head State Monument is located immediately east of Honolulu along Diamond Head Road. It is possible to take a bus from the city to this site. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Hawaii State Parks-Oahu District | | 1151 Punchbowl Street, 131 | | P.O. Box 621 | | Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii 96809 |
| | | Phone | | General: (808) 587-0300 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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