Running Diamond Head Volcano

#Running_Diamond_Head_Hawaii

Hours are 6.00am to 6.00pm with a $10.00 per vehicle or $5.00 per person if you walk in or arrive via bus, taxi, trolley or in my case.......running 😅

Thank You Google Maps in explaining my trek for this latest adventure

Diamond Head was a site of reverence & worship for the early Native Hawaiians with religious ceremonies plus sometimes (unfortunately) animal or human sacrifices,
 which was the norm for those times
Moving forward; thanks to many local activists who stopped the development of this area into residential buildings, hotels & even a tramway to the top of the crater with the preservation & establishment of Diamond Head as a historic site 

In 1904 Diamond Head was bought by the US Government (for $3,300) then turned into a military base (Fort Ruger) with areas of the volcano being carved out for bunkers & batteries
Then the trail & tunnels were built to allow the soldiers to reach the various lookouts & outposts which was all part of the islands coastal defense system
Finally the US Military transferred control to (then territory) Hawaii in 1955 which became a US State four years later 

Some of the 560 vertical feet to the top but certainly feels like a whole lot more, so do i need to say this
Proper Footwear & Hydrate

As you can see there is not a lot of natural cover from the sun, so wear a hat plus lather up on the sunscreen as they say its a 90 minute roundtrip journey, but with crowds that timeline maybe optimistic

As i sit on Waikiki Beach relaxing, you cannot help but notice Diamond Head
Volcano (named after British Sailors in the 1800s who thought the calcite crystals in the lava rocks were diamonds) overlooking the island of Oahu & on the Pacific Ocean

Now I've been told by the locals that the trail (1.1km /0.6 miles) to the rim is manageable for the average person, but when i said  i was going to run it they rolled their eyes

Being me, upped the ante to say i was tacking on the 4kms (2.4 miles) from the hotel to the trail just to make things a bit more interesting 😃

As i do not consider myself the average person jajajaja

I leave the next morning early to avoid the heat & tourists with the run to the trail as a non-event.

But then as you start on the trek to the top your footing consists on everything from volcanic dust, some concrete steps (70+ & 90+) few tunnels then finally a spiral staircase to an old military bunker at the summit (with great views of Waikiki and Pearl Harbor......yes i brought my camera 😁)

 I must admit it was tough & i wouldn't recommend it to anyone who isn't fit, but the next day back at my favorite watering hole i raised my glass towards one of natures marvels & gave her a toast 👍 in presenting me with a another challenge to overcome.

Good to go early to avoid the crowds as its the most popular hiking trail in Hawaii plus you get to do a slow walk into history & get a glimpse from its geological & military past

The route starts in the parking lot (crater floor) which most of the walkway is paved concrete, but sections of the trail do include uneven & steep areas plus as you seen long stairways

Some of the trail to the summit from Fort Ruger was through these underground passages nicknamed the Mule Tunnel
 It was because of those animals which provided the transportation of some of the materials while other heavier goods where hoisted by winch & cable

One of the many fortifications you will encounter plus amazing views along your hike plus please note;

A) No mountain bikes are allowed
 B) Stay on the marked trails
 C) No dogs allowed in Diamond Head Park
D) No open fires 
E) Over 25 people in a group a hiking permit is required