Diamond Head

This morning Mom-Mom watched the girls again (thank you!) so James and I could hike the Diamond Head Crater. It isn't a strenuous hike, but having to carry two kids would have made it a lot more difficult, because you know they'd barely make it to the base before they got tired of walking!






The crater was home to Fort Ruger which was built over a hundred years ago for the purpose of defending the harbor of the newly annexed territory of Hawaii, and it is currently used as training grounds for the Hawaii National Guard. There is an observation deck constructed at the summit and an underground complex built within its walls, and the cable system used to transport materials as well as the tunnel used to enter the Fire Control Station are still intact and part of the trail.




Also part of the trail are two sets of steps: one set of 74 that leads to the tunnel, and another steep set of 99 that leads to another small tunnel and a spiral staircase inside the observation platform.




The hike, the stairs, the final duck out onto the observation deck, it was all worth it for this, the breathtaking 360° view.









Because of its distinctive appearance, Diamond Head is apparently one of the most famous craters in the world, not to mention one of Hawaii's most recognized landmarks, and to witness it up close and see the remarkable view was definitely an experience to remember.