Diamond Head Crater Hike

I thought I was going to die hiking this trail.

Here’s the description that the Hawaii State Parks website gives about the hike:

Description: The unique profile of Diamond Head (Le’ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

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. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The trail to the summit of Le’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. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai’anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.

560 FEET! It felt like 8.0 miles not 0.8 miles.

There were fat people and little kids just going at it but boy was I struggling! It felt like I was doing lunges the whole way up AND down the mountain. I didn’t take any of my own pictures because my phone was dying but I’ll post some pictures so you can have a sense of my hike last Friday. Overall I had a fun time. It’s good to go out and exercise and these weekly hikes with Mark have been kind of invigorating.

And here’s what it looks like going up and down:

If anyone is looking for a real challenge, this is it!

This week I want to try something less steep and more dense with greenery.

Did you see me on TV?

I actually look okay in the episode. Phew. Thank god. I’ll put up some screenshots when I get them. And for those of you who don’t know what I am talking about, (Yes I am guilty of selfless self promotion), I am on tonight’s episode of Bizarre Foods America on the Travel channel. Go check it out if you haven’t already!

But otherwise, today’s been a long day but a good one for the most part. My headache and semi-cold are a little better too which makes things a little easier.

And since I don’t have pictures of me in the episode I’ll upload these pictures of Tony Parker in the Olympics that Mark found.

Priceless right?

Well back to what’s been happening lately. My family left on Friday but we ended up having a lot of fun with them. We ended up going to the North Shore like EVERY SINGLE DAY but all in all we all had a great time. Lots of good food and relaxation time, just what the doctor ordered.

And then yesterday it was Mark and I’s 1 month marriage anniversary! We only realized it after our hike but that’s okay. We went to Manoa Falls and it was such a fun little outing together. I really enjoyed it and we’re going to go hiking again next weekend.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures! A lot of people were hiking in flip flops and barefoot… There was so much mud and rain and slippery rocks that I don’t know how those people survived. My cowboy boots, on the other hand, took me there and back just fine, especially with the help of my hubby Mark being there for me when my shoes didn’t have any traction.

Yay! Fun times. We also ended up going to Costco and Walmart that day and making care packages for family. I love making care packages and sending mail! Who WOULDN’T want a bunch of goodies in the mail??

Look what they had at Costco though… WANT! Only is the cat is included…OMG Maybe this is the perfect Christmas present for Rolf! Who wouldn’t want to see cute pictures of Rolf in this little cat bed. Which reminds me…my mother sent me more pictures of my little babies so I’ll upload them soon!

Speaking of what I saw at Costco, look what else I saw at Walmart!

Vintage-y looking Cracker Jack boxes! I wanted a box but it only came in a set of 3 so I just took a picture instead. *shrug* Good enough for me.

Oh, not to mention we got Saimin for the first time. Noodles were so so but we had Sweet Potato Tempura and they used Okinawan Purple potatoes and they were delicious! Just like the ones you get at the country fair that just MELT IN YOUR FUCKIN MOUTH! UH! It was ORGASMIC!

I also got some delicious strawberries from Costco! Growing up I’d always eat them with sugar so that’s what I’m doing now. Yum!

I love our Sundays off together!