Diamond Head is one of the most recognizable landmarks in travel.
The opening credits for both the original and re-boot of "Hawaii Five-O" feature Diamond Head rising from the ocean.
When you think about it, the Hawaiian name Lēʻahi makes more sense. If you like sushi or seafood, you know ahi means tuna. Add that lae means promontory, and it translates as a raised mass of land shaped like a tuna projecting into the ocean.
The origin for the name Diamond Head came from English Sailors in 1825, who arrived about 800 years after Hawaii's Polynesian founders. The English saw calcite crystals shining in the sun at a nearby beach and thought they were diamonds.
Like most island hoppers, history was not top of mind when we arrived in Honolulu.
Had Hanauma Bay been open the day we arrived, we probably would have returned there, but it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and that was Tuesday.
We decided before arriving on Oahu to get a closer look at Diamond Head on this visit, hiking to the top. To avoid overcrowding, advance reservations are required, so Julie took care of that onboard.
Near the port, we caught an Uber to Diamond Head State Monument.
The amiable local behind the wheel knew exactly where to drop us, at a small lot just outside of the parking gate where cars waited in queue. At the welcome shack, we decided to splurge for a guided audio tour ($5 above the $5 entry fee), so we ended up learning some history as we hiked up the trail created in 1908 as part of Oahu's coastal defense system.
The original Hawaiians used Lēʻahi as a lookout point for spotting approaching boats. Modern warriors recognized the defensive advantages of the perch atop Diamond Head, installing batteries of guns to repel approaching enemies.
Much of the foliage is non-native, because so many plants thrive with Oahu's sun, rain and rich soil.
Panoramic ocean views approaching the summit are well worth the price of admission, both monetary and physical.
We were blessed with a full rainbow from our apex view. The rainbow glowed in the sky for a good 15 minutes, the entire time we looked out in that direction from different perspectives at the summit.
The hike is neither a stroll around a typical city park nor overly strenuous for anyone in reasonably good health. If you think you might be able to do it, then you likely could.
Hiking downhill is always easier than going up, We left the park gates to catch a number 2 bus to the modernized International Marketplace in Waikiki. While it lacks the funky charm and bargain prices of the old days, a fair analysis would call it beautiful in its own right, certainly it fits right into a chic city internationally known for its shopping districts and restaurants.
We had an old favorite in mind for lunch, so we rushed through to get to Duke's Canoe Club on Waikiki Beach.
One of the fun things about returning to a favorite port is revisiting tried and true places. We were seated at a perfect corner table with a view of the beach, the ocean and Diamond Head. I ordered Duke's Cheeseburger along with Lahaina Haze IPA, while Julie went with a pulled pork sandwich.
After our delicious lunch, we rented a couple of lounge chairs and an umbrella from Aloha Beach Services to settle in for the afternoon. You don't need to be constantly stretching boundaries with new experiences to enjoy yourself.
Simply relaxing on the beach, cooling down occasionally in the 76 degree ocean water, is an important part of any Hawaiian vacation.
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