Great ways to see Diamond Head
While Hawaii is known for its clean and beautiful beaches, it is surprisingly volcanic in origin, making the number of volcanoes in the archipelago almost comparable to that of the beaches. Each island is made up of at least one primary volcano, and some even have more than one. But this is not something to be afraid of. In fact, because of these volcanoes, a spectacular and iconic volcanic formation was created–the Diamond Head.
What is the Diamond Head?
If you are looking for sightseeing tours in Hawaii, hiking to the Diamond Head should be on your list. The Diamond Head is a volcanic cone on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and the most popular Hawaii State Park. Geologists estimate that this 350 acres crater was created about 400,000 to 500,000 years ago during the Ko’olau Volcano’s rejuvenation-stage eruption. The name of this crater was coined during the 19th century when the British soldiers who visited the area thought that the sparkling calcite crystals on the beach nearby were diamonds.
This tourist spot is called Lē‘ahi, which means brow of the tuna, by native Hawaiians. The name is in reference to the cone’s ridgeline, which closely resembles a tuna’s dorsal fin. This picturesque view serves as a backdrop to Honolulu’s skyline as it soars high above Waikiki. Furthermore, Diamond Head offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu you would undoubtedly love to see.
The Diamond Head also holds a deep historical significance for Native Hawaiians as this site was once home to a luakini heiau. The luakini heiau is a ceremonial structure dedicated to offering worship and sacrifices to the war god, Ku.
Ways to see Diamond Head
Without a doubt, there are many fun things to do in Hawaii, and trekking towards the Diamond Head is just one of them. This moderately difficult walk allows you to glimpse this beautiful crater’s history and geographical views of this beautiful crater.
There are several ways to see the Diamond Head, including hiking, biking, and riding a helicopter. The two may offer a different experience, but it is guaranteed that you will be gifted with stunning views and unforgettable memory.
Hiking in the Diamond Head
Visiting Diamond Head has become included in the list of many must-do activities of most travelers when they visit Hawaii and Go Hawaii Tours can assist you with that. Go Hawaii Tours specializes in Oahu Island excursions, and their Hidden Gems of Oahu tours to Waimea Botanical Garden and Byodo-In Temple offer a stop to the Diamond Head-Amelia Earhart Lookout. This location is known for the gathering site of the bystanders who watched Earhart as she made her first solo aviation journey from Hawaii to North America. This is the first stop of the tour and a great way to start the day which is followed spectacular views of the southeastern coastline of Oahu and the rest of the island. You may check Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden/ Waterfall or Hidden Gems of Oahu with Byodo-In Temple for more information.
The Diamond Head Summit Trail is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, but you will be required to start your trek at 4:30 PM. As for the attire, hikers are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, may they be walking or athletic since you will be walking a great distance. The trail will roughly take around two hours, minus the time you might spend as you take in the beautiful sceneries. It would also be ideal to wear sunscreen and a hat as the humidity, and direct sunlight can cause skin damage, such as sunburn. Contrarily, you might also want to consider bringing a light jacket in case of strong winds or occasional rain showers. Furthermore, you can bring some snacks or packed lunch as there are no food stalls along the hike.
For safety protocols, hikers should remain on the marked trail. The Diamond Head has a dry terrain that is susceptible to corrosion as loose rocks and sand-like soil has eroded over the years. Pets are also not allowed to join the hike unless they are service animals.
Biking Tour
If you enjoy biking, this one is undoubtedly for you. The tour will start in Waikiki as tourists pedal towards the crater entrance. You will also see other highlights such as the zoo, an aquarium, and the Diamond Head Lighthouse as you go along.
Once you pass through the tunnel that will lead you inside the Diamond Head, you can either choose between checking out some of the cafes and adjacent neighborhoods or go ahead and start hiking to the summit.
If you want to experience this but are not that fond of power biking, there are e-bikes available for you to rent. Their price can be about $79 per adult and $49 per youth.
Riding a Helicopter
Suppose you do not have the luxury of time to hike or ride a bike, or maybe you just want to relax and not engage in a tiring activity. Is it still possible to see the Diamond Head? The answer is yes. There are tour operators who offer helicopter tours that can bring you to the places you want to visit.
Evidently, helicopter tours can cost you more than hiking or biking, but if you have the money to splurge, you might as well book this tour. After all, a vacation is about you having a relaxing and enjoyable time.
With the numerous spectacular views in Oahu, it is no wonder why there are a lot of helicopter tours, and one example is what Go Hawaii Tours offers to their clients. Aside from the mentioned hiking tour earlier, Go Hawaii also offers a Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour where you can enjoy the beautiful sights of the Diamond Head from above. By booking this excursion, you can visit more Oahu tourist destinations aside from the Diamond Head, such as Pearl Harbor, the valleys of Nuuanu Pali, the cascading waterfalls of Mount Olomana, and so much more. For more information about this tour, you can check Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour.
Booking a local Hawaiian tour operator
As mentioned, a vacation is supposed to make you feel happy and relaxed. That is possible if you hire a tour operator like Go Hawaii Tours.
Go Hawaii Tours is your local tour operator that vows to embody the Aloha spirit wherever we go. We have dedicated ourselves to delivering memorable experiences for our clients. We also offer various tours that you can choose from. This way, you will have more options on where you should spend your well-deserved getaway.
So before you hop that plane to Hawaii, why don’t you check out our tours first through our website at www.gohawaiitours.com. We promise to give you the best Hawaiian tour you can ever experience in your lifetime.