Hiking Diamond Head Trail, Hawaii

My family and I took a trip to O'ahu, Hawaii during the week of April 13, 2008. This was one of the best times to go. The weather wasn't too hot or cold. We took our 2 year old daughter with us. On our last day there we went up to Diamond Head for a hike. We got to the summit at around 2:45pm. This hike takes about an hour and half and the park closes at 6:00pm daily. There are handrails on the trails which you are asked to stay in and proceed with caution. There are areas that are straight up along with tight winding trails which can be dark at times. You should pack a camera, flashlight, good hiking shoes (sneakers worked for us) and lots of bottled water. We parked the car and grabbed our backpack and headed up the crater. There are some great signs about the history of the crater and what you are about to hike at the base.

The trail starts off with a gradually hill climb, which winds and loops back around as you ascend up to the top. There are some great spots to stop and get some pictures. Each view spot is better than the first one. When you reach the winch and cable platform you have officially completed half of the crater. Next there is a 74-step hike to conquer, followed by one of the coolest places in the crater, the tunnel. This tunnel travels for 225 feet. This is where the flashlight comes in handy. They do have some lights and handrails to light your way so if you didn't bring one, no worries. Make sure to take a break at this point. The next part is very hard and will take some time. There is a very steep climb of 99-stairs straight up! No I am not kidding. This one almost did me in with a 2 year old on my hip.