description Diamond Head (Lēahi) Overview
Rising above the eastern end of Waikiki, Diamond Head (Lēahi) is a tuff cone on Oahu, Hawaii, protected as a State Monument. It formed during the Pleistocene, approximately 300,000 years ago, as explosive volcanic activity deposited ash and other fragments around a vent. Those deposits hardened into the rock that gives the crater its broad rim and steep outer slopes. The cone belongs to the Honolulu Volcanic Series.
Its appeal combines accessible volcanic geology with views over Honolulu and the surrounding coastline. The summit trail allows hikers to experience the crater's shape from within before reaching an outlook above the city and ocean. For visitors interested in Hawaiian natural history, Lēahi illustrates a different style of eruption from the flowing lava commonly associated with Hawaii's active volcanoes.
help Diamond Head (Lēahi) FAQ
What type of volcano is Diamond Head?
Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone, not a traditional mountain, formed by explosive eruptions. It was created when magma interacted violently with shallow groundwater, blowing ash and rock into the air.
How old is the Diamond Head crater?
The geological formation was created during the Pleistocene epoch. It is estimated to be roughly 300,000 years old and has been dormant ever since its single explosive formation event.
How did Diamond Head get its name?
The site's Hawaiian name is Lēahi, but British sailors in the 19th century dubbed it "Diamond Head." They mistakenly believed the shiny calcite crystals in the volcanic rock were actual diamonds.
How long does it take to hike to the summit of Diamond Head?
The Diamond Head Summit Trail takes most hikers about 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip to complete. The 1.6-kilometer trail includes steep stairs and dark tunnels before reaching the historic military bunkers at the top.
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