Scenic Places
Historic Hawai'i Landmarks.
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Diamond Head - O'ahu
Diamond Head is most famous volcanic crater in the world which is located on the Southeast Coast of O'ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. The name meant "brow of the tuna" and looking at the silhouette of the crater from Waikiki, you can see the resemblance.

The current name came was given to the crater by British sailors in the 1800's. When they first saw the crater at a great distance, the calcite crystals in the lava rock appeared to glimmer in the sunlight. The sailors mistakenly thought there must be diamonds in the soil.

Diamond Head is a crater that has been extinct for 150,000 years. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit. When the United States annexed Hawaii (illegally see Hawaiian History page) in 1898, harbor defense became a main responsibility. One of the major defense forts, Fort Ruger, occupied the Diamond Head Crater.  A battery of canons was
located within the crater providing complete concealment and protection from invading enemies. An observation deck was constructed at the summit in 1910 to provide target sighting and a four level underground complex was built within the walls of the crater as a command post. A 580-foot tunnel was dug through the crater wall to provide easier access to the Fort.
Kahu O Kahiko Inc. a non-profit organization was founded in 1996. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, and protect Hawaiian historical information. Our intent is to share the knowledge and educate others interested in the future of Hawai'i. We work in the preservation of Hawaiian cultural traditions; by saving sacred landmarks from foreign desecration by promoting, restoring, and protecting the fragile ecosystem of the islands, while also endorsing healthy food, eco-friendly affordable living and life style habits.