We'd heard how busy and how hot it could be in the crater so we took an early morning tour, to miss the crowds and the main heat of the day. Even so, by the time we got there (about 7:30) quite a few visitors had already arrived before us.
Looking back at the crater from about half way up.
With such far-reaching panoramic views Diamond Head (or Le'ahi to use it's hawaiian name) was purchased from the King of Hawaii by the Federal government in 1904 as a strategic point for coastal defense.
The trail to the summit was built by the U.S. Army in 1908, with gun emplacements, stairways, tunnels . . . all to defend the island of O'ahu from attack, but no artillery was ever fired during a war.
These concrete landings once holding winches, now are used as viewing platforms.
About 230 feet of tunnel, which made lovely echoing sounds
Stairway to . . .
I had hoped we'd reached the top with the previous stairs - but was met with a spiral staircase . . .
Hold on to your hats, it's windy at the top.
I like my electronic media as much as any one . . . During all the time I was at the summit this fellow didn't once look up, so I couldn't resist.
By about 9 o'clock, as we were on our way down, the hoards were coming up!!
BTW the lovely lady in the green top waving was our guide, Rhiana - I hope I've spelt her name correctly, as it's a bit of a guess, but without her gentle conversation our knowledge of Hawaiian culture and history would be much the poorer.
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