Diamond Head is the most famous volcanic crater in the world. It is located on the South-east Coast of O'ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The anciet Hawaiians named this crater Laeahi. The name means "brow of the tuna" and looking at the silhouette of the crater from Waikiki, you can see the resemblance.

The current name came was given to the crater by British sailors in the 1800's. The British soldier saw the crater at a distance and the calcite crystals in the lava rock appeared to glimmer in the sunlight. The sailors mistakenly thought there must be diamonds in the soil. Diamond Head is a crater that has been extinct for 150,000 years. It is much older than Hanauma Bay. The Diamond Head crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit.

The United States annexed Hawaii in 1898. One of the major defense forts was Fort Ruger which, occupied the Diamond Head Crater. A battery of canons was located within the crater providing complete concealment and protection from invading enemies.

An observation deck was also constructed at the summit in 1910 to provide target sighting and a four level underground complex was built within the walls of the crater. This was used as a command post. A 580-foot tunnel through the crater wall was dug to provide easier access to Fort Ruger.

The military also built an observation deck and an underground complex. It was abandoned with the use of radar, however evidence of the old command post is still present along Diamond Head Trail. The trail is paved almost the entire way but is steep in certain areas.

There are two sets of stairs when you clinb the crater. One step of stairs has 99 steps and the other, 76 steps. There is also a 225-foot unlit tunnel. It is best to bring a flashlight and water for this hike. Slippers should not be worn because the trail can be slippery. The hike is classified as easy to moderate in exertion but is certainly worth the breathtaking, unparalleled view of the entire west side of the island, from Waikiki to Koki Head.

It is best to schedule this hike early because there is no shade and it becomes very hot in the middle of the day. The trail from the bottom to the rim is about 1 3/4 miles long. The only bathrooms are at the bottom of the park. It takes about 1 and 1/2 hours to go to the top and back.

At the foot of Diamond Head lies one of Hawaii's cherished treasures...Diamond Head Theatre. What makes Diamond Head Theatre special? Well, first, Diamond Head Theatre has the distinction of being Hawaii's oldest performing arts center. With that long history comes a professionalism - Diamond Head Theatre produces top-quality musicals and plays for over 40,000 theatre-goers each season. With its large stage, yet intimate seating, Diamond Head Theatre is the perfect place for locals and tourists alike to have up-close and personal experience of live theatre. There's nothing like it! Welcome...