Hawaii Trip: Diamond Head Crater Hike

Since Steve got to go on a kid-free adventure the day before, it was now my turn!  And on this day we decided to make the hike up to the top of Diamond Head Crater.  Once again, this wasn't a trip for little legs.  The hike is only 0.8 miles up from the trailhead but it's pretty steep, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The ascent goes from switchbacks up steep stairs and through a 225-foot tunnel. 

I followed Dave all the way up.  I figured since he had a heart attack just a few months back, he'd probably go about my pace (tee hee).  But everyone made it... including my mom who has endured a double hip replacement and just finished chemo and radiation.  She's such an inspiration!

At the summit, you see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai'anae is absolutely amazing and then down the other side you get a great view of the crater itself.

And of course, once we made it back to the bottom we had to take the requisite photos in front of the sign!

It was a great little hike and I would recommend it to anyone that goes to Oahu.  The view alone is definitely worth it.  And don't worry... while I was hiking, the kids had a fabulous time with Daddy at the beach.  Daddy even buried them and gave them mermaid tails. He's the best Daddy ever!