Explore Hawaii: Hiking Manoa Falls (Oahu)
August 26, 2009First Time: A Lovebird as a Pet
September 30, 2009Explore Hawaii: Hiking Manoa Falls (Oahu)
August 26, 2009First Time: A Lovebird as a Pet
September 30, 2009Exploring Hawaii: Hiking Diamond Head
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We head towards the east side of Waikiki for a hike on Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi).
The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. –Hawaii.gov
It starts with a nicely paved sidewalk but then turns into...
Zig zags of uneven terrain.
Here comes that steep staircase & 225-ft tunnel
Winding Staircase
World War II Bunkers
Views of Waikiki from the top
Only a handful of people can huddle for shade while enjoying the stunning views.
This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air… Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s… The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales. –Hawaii.gov
Gold Coast and Diamond Head Lighthouse
At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. –Hawaii.gov
Dry vegetation and we spot the Red Vented Bulbul Bird.
Back downhill we go. Sometimes a food truck can be found for a much needed snack and drinks. Be sure to practice recycling and leave no trace while hiking.
We save our appetite for Leonard’s Bakery for their famous malasadas - a Portugese doughnut without a hole. As Hawaiians say, ‘Ono!