We left the hotel shortly after 7 am to visit the
Diamond Head State Monument. The park gates open at 6 am. We decided to leave early to do the climb before it became too hot and also to try and avoid the crowds.
 |
| Diamond Head |
The walk along Monsarrat Avenue continued into Diamond Head Road until we came to the park gates and then walked along the path until reaching the tunnel into the park.
The tunnel led us into the crater.
After paying the $1.00 entrance fee we were able to explore the park. As there has been so much rain recently everything is green. We looked around this area and then time to start the climb to the rim.
 |
| View of crater from the lookout |
The volcano forming the crater probably erupted 300,000 years ago. The
land forming the present park was purchased by the United States
government for military use in 1904 with fortifications being built
from 1908.
The first section of the path has been concreted and is therefore easy to climb however the main section of the path is dirt and stone and has been eroded in parts. It is therefore necessary to tread carefully in this part of the climb. Some sections have rails that help. It is also necessary to remember to keep to the right (not to the left as in Australia).
The path zigzags up the side of the crater. Originally the path was used by men and mules carrying equipment required for building the Fire Control Station at the summit.
A staircase consisting of 74 concrete steps leads to a 225 foot tunnel. There is then a steep staircase, another tunnel and spiral steps taking you through sections of the Fire Control Station. However, turning left takes you to a different set of stairs that are easier to manage. This is the route we took.
From the top there are great views of Waikiki and the sea and also of the park where the cricket matches were played.
Views over the crater show the sea on the other side of Diamond Head.
 |
| Robin at the summit |
We then began the climb back down to the floor of the crater which was a much quicker journey than the climb up to the summit.
 |
| Looking back to the summit |
 |
| Final stretch of path |
We took two bottles of water with us for this expedition and once back on the crater floor took time to rest and eat the bananas we had brought with us - we left the hotel before having breakfast.
We were intrigued by the warning signs throughout the park, especially the one for falling rocks. Fortunately ours was a safe adventure.
Back through the tunnel we were provided with another view of the area.
As we began the walk back to the hotel we were passed by trolley buses taking passengers to and from the park.
Near the boundary of the park we found the remains of what must have been part of the gate into the military complex.
The tunnel led us into the crater.
After paying the $1.00 entrance fee we were able to explore the park. As there has been so much rain recently everything is green. We looked around this area and then time to start the climb to the rim.
The first section of the path has been concreted and is therefore easy to climb however the main section of the path is dirt and stone and has been eroded in parts. It is therefore necessary to tread carefully in this part of the climb. Some sections have rails that help. It is also necessary to remember to keep to the right (not to the left as in Australia).
The path zigzags up the side of the crater. Originally the path was used by men and mules carrying equipment required for building the Fire Control Station at the summit.
A staircase consisting of 74 concrete steps leads to a 225 foot tunnel. There is then a steep staircase, another tunnel and spiral steps taking you through sections of the Fire Control Station. However, turning left takes you to a different set of stairs that are easier to manage. This is the route we took.
From the top there are great views of Waikiki and the sea and also of the park where the cricket matches were played.
Views over the crater show the sea on the other side of Diamond Head.
We were intrigued by the warning signs throughout the park, especially the one for falling rocks. Fortunately ours was a safe adventure.
Back through the tunnel we were provided with another view of the area.
As we began the walk back to the hotel we were passed by trolley buses taking passengers to and from the park.
Near the boundary of the park we found the remains of what must have been part of the gate into the military complex.
No comments:
Post a Comment