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Diamond Head Beach

(Not Yet Rated)
Diamond Head Beach 0:0

Address

3400 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu , HI 96816

Hours

Every day Never Closes

Review

Most people think of Diamond Head as the long crenulated ridge of the great extinct volcano that dominates the southern skyline of Waikiki and Honolulu. Below the summit however, where the steep slopes of the crater meet the sea, is a series of narrow little beaches. The first of these that you will encounter, as you travel south from Waikiki, is Diamond Head Beach. Appropriately named, it sits directly below the incredible viewing area from the crater’s summit. From this lofty perch, directly below, you can easily find the brilliant red and white lighthouse. Look just to your left (south) and you’ll find Diamond Head Beach. Looking more closely, most of us will prefer binoculars; you’ll almost certainly see some wind and wave surfers bobbing about, close to shore.

This very beach or one close by, is the likely location where British sailors in 1825 first encountered the sparkling crystals of calcite that they poetically or mistakenly referred to as Diamonds; eventually giving the modern name to this beach and the park and crater above you.

Through a break in the wall, find a steep, unpaved and sometimes difficult trail; follow it down to a narrow strip of land. The highway, Diamond Head Road, is well above you and its sounds and congestion are soon lost in the lapping or possibly pounding of the waves. Not an easy tourist location, you’ll generally find local and more experienced recreationist here. Wind surfing, boarding, and body surfing are great to watch but the rocks, coral, and open sea exposure make it a bit tricky to enjoy these activities. But what a treat this meeting of cliffs and sea can provide. On blustery days you’ll be likely to get doused from the crashing surf. On calmer days you may find an eclectic collection of swimmers and fishermen. Those idyllic days will also bring out the snorkelers who like to cruise close to the coral and rocks to find views of the undersea marine life, but only when they’re sure a rogue wave won’t dash them up against the rocks. For those wishing to remain dry or at least above the waterline, the tidepools here are excellent, showing less disturbance and more wildness than other areas.

Not the kind of beach for everyone, but still and all a special feature of Diamond Head that the main crowds don’t even know exist, much less visit.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 5/8/2009

Directions

From Waikiki, drive or walk southeast on Kalakaua Ave; at Diamond Head Road, turn right and continue a short distance. There’s pullout parking past the lighthouse.

Map

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