Bring the Kids: Diamond Head

If you've been to Oahu, you've no doubt seen the giant crater on the East side of Waikiki, famously known as Diamond Head. The lookout at the very top was once used by the United States Military because of the panoramic views it gave to support defense of the island. Now, its an impressive landmark on the island with a hike that is open to the public.

Much like our hike to Manoa Falls, we heard that Diamond Head was "the easiest hike on the island". Well, unlike our hike to the falls, I didn't believe it this time! Instead, I mentally prepared for a tough, uphill battle with kids.

They really like to throw around that "easiest hike on the island" phrase, guys.

If you burn easily, just run away from this hike. It's about a thousand degrees out. Not a cloud in the sky. This hike has NO SHADE. None. There are a couple of spots on the trail where a nice wind hits you, but it just isn't quite enough to cool you down. It feels like you are climbing Hells mountain.

Our Experience:

We went early. The park had just opened, and there was no parking. We had to wait in a line of cars for fifteen minutes before the parking guy ushered us into a spot. No big deal. Better than having to walk a mile uphill from where everyone else was parking.

The path is uphill (obviously) the entire time. Don't expect a nice evened out spot to give your calves a rest every now and then. It starts out paved, wide, and easy. Then you get to the actual path going up the side of the crater. The sun is blasting down mercilessly on you as the path becomes a narrow sliver of dirt full of big rocks. Again, not too bad. But just remember, you are about to be on this rocky uphill path in the sun for another hour.

There are a few little spots where you can pull off the path and sit and rest for a moment. We took all of those opportunities since I was baby-wearing and my 3 year old daughter was walking it all by herself. We stopped to catch our breath and hydrate, but didn't stay any longer than that took.

I'm not ashamed to say that by the time we got to the tunnel, I was dying.

The tunnel is barely lit enough for you to see your feet, and we tripped a few times. My tall husband also nearly knocked his head a few times too! So watch out for that, tall folks.

Anyways, when you come out of the tunnel, you have a choice to make. You can go to the right, which is an extremely steep staircase with 99 steps (I'm talking STRAIGHT UP with narrow steps), or you can go to the left, which is just a little bit more path that wraps around and leads you to a lower lookout.

Let me remind you, I was dying.

We chose to go left.

If we had gone right, we would have had yet another set of stairs after the steep ones to get to the top lookout. I'm sure the top lookout had a spectacular view, but honestly, after seeing photos from the top and comparing with the view we had from the lower one... It's about 95% the same.

So, out of shape moms like me, if you want the view but aren't sure you can make it - just do the lower lookout. I also wasn't comfortable with my daughter being on those steep steps. Don't push yourself in the heat of the sun. Stay safe for you and your kids!

Would we do it again? Honestly? Probably not. You can get the same view from other, easier to access areas of the island. But you know, its Diamond Head! You've got to do it, just to say that you have! Bringing the kids was no problem. A little bit exhausting if you are carrying one, and a little bit worrisome if you have a little firecracker that likes to RUN the path (like my daughter), because she slipped and tripped on the rocks quite a few times and scraped her knees. So I definitely recommend having someone along with you to help you out with carrying water/kids!

MISTAKES: 
+ Using the wrap instead of the front carrier. We got so soaked with sweat that the wrap just kept stretching and expanding and I was basically carrying my baby in my arms by the time we got to the top.
+ Letting our daughter put her shoes on by herself. She forgot to put socks on. She got a massive blister and Daddy had to carry her the last half of the hike on the way down. Other than that though, she was such a trooper!

TIPS:
+ Absolutely wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes. This is no place for flip-flops.
+ Bring water! You will definitely need to hydrate on this trail!
+ Obviously bring a camera. You've got panoramic ocean and island views awaiting you at the top.
+ Don't go alone. I had my husband, and I am extremely grateful for it! He made sure our daughter didn't fall off the side of the crater, carried the water, and was able to carry our daughter back down when she got her blister. I personally couldn't have done this hike without him.

Finally, don't forget to hit up the shave ice stand at the bottom when you are done! It really helps to refresh you after that hot hike! (make sure you have cash on you - they don't take cards!)

To see our experience of Diamond Head, check it out on our Vlog!