Steps and Skyscrapers

Looking for a good way to begin summer break, we headed to Diamond Head. We've been here almost a year and hadn't yet hiked the most famous scene of Waikiki. We headed out from the house and were at the park by about 8 AM. Perfect. Not too early and not too hot. As we began the hike, LD chatted away at my back and I shifted her body weight on my back praying a Hail Mary silently under my breath that I was going to make it to the awesome views awaiting me all the way up at the tippy top of Diamond Head.


Diamond Head reaches an impressive 760 ft summit and is around 3, 500 feet in diameter. Known the world over for dominating the end of Waikiki Beach, many visitors and locals alike enjoy the thrill of the hike and reaching the top of this old volcano crater. Feeling the climb of Mt. Fuji all over again, I paced myself and kept a steady gait up the initial pathway which quickly changes to a very narrow series of switchbacks that traversed the steep incline of the crater. Just when you feel like you are almost to the top, reality rears its ugly head...in order to get to the pristine coastal views, stairs must be climbed. Much better than a work out that the stair stepper can provide you in a gym, we began our ascent up the stairs. At one point, you must go through a tunnel to reach the last set of stairs...99 of them to be exact. These stairs kicked my tail as I carried LD up them. My thighs were burning, by butt ached, and my calves were on flames. LD continued her chat and DF S kept all of our spirits high.


The groaning muscles was all worth it for the incredible view from the top of one of the old pill boxes. It seemed as though we could see forever. The skies were a crystal blue and the sea the brightest and most brilliant blue hue with mighty ships and sailboats enjoying the calmness. We took a lot of pictures up at the top. The way down was easier than going up and all of our legs felt a little like tubes of jelly from the strain they had experienced on the way up. It was an amazing hike. All 271 steps, dark tunnel, and endless switchbacks of it.