Hawaii diamond head

Diamond Head, located on the eastern edge of the Waikiki coastline, is a famous volcanic crater and is a recognized landmark in Hawaii. Diamond Head, which translates into Russian as Diamond or Diamond Head, sounds like Le'ahi in Hawaiian and means "forehead (lea) of yellowfin tuna (ahi)". The crater got its English name in the early 18th century when British sailors saw calcite crystals sparkling in the light and thought they had found diamonds.

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1. This wide saucer-shaped crater was formed during a single explosive eruption.

2. Diamond Head - part of a whole complex of craters that arose as a result of the eruption. Collectively, they are known to geologists as the Honolulu Volcanic Ridge, a consequence of the eruption of the Koolau volcano. The volcanic Honolulu Range was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions that created many local "landmarks", namely Mount Oahu's, including Punchball Crater, Ganauma Bay, Coco Head, and Manana Island.

3. Diamond Head, like the rest of the Honolulu Range craters, is much younger than the main mass of the Koolau mountain range. While Koolau volcano is approximately 2.6 million years old, Diamond Head is believed by most experts to be approximately 200,000 years old, and the volcano finally died out approximately 150,000 years ago.

4. The eruption, as a result of which the crater arose, was most likely short-lived and lasted no more than a few days. According to experts, it was a powerful explosion. When the crater was originally formed, sea levels are believed to have been higher and the explosion hit the coral reef. Another factor in the formation of the crater could be escaping magma coming into contact with groundwater. The relatively short period of the eruption is thought to explain the symmetrical nature of the Diamond Head crater cone. Since the type of numerous eruptions that formed Diamond Head tend to be monogenetic, geologists have no reason to believe that the volcano's crater will ever "come to life" again.

5. When the United States took over Hawaii in 1898, protecting the harbor became a top priority. One of the main forts, Fort Ruger, was built in Diamond Head Crater. An observation deck was built on top of the crater in 1910 to provide targeted observation, and a four-level underground complex was built within the crater walls as a command post. A 580-foot tunnel was dug through the crater wall to provide easier access to the Fort. The batteries of the guns were located in the crater, as it provided complete concealment and protection from invading enemies. The observation deck and underground complex are now abandoned with the advent of radar, but the remains of the command post are still present along the crater walls.

6. Diamond Head - Now a popular tourist spot and a 1.1 kilometer hiking trail that takes you to the rim of the crater. Signs at the beginning of the trail say the hike takes 1.5-2 hours round trip and recommend that hikers bring enough water with them. The Dirt Road winds its way up the uneven rock, then climbs up 74 steps through a tunnel and another steep climb 99 steps long. Next comes a small illuminated tunnel with a narrow spiral staircase (about 30 steps) that leads to a coastal artillery observation deck built in 1908.

7. In 1975, the Diamond Head Game TV quiz was filmed here, which was broadcast on American television five times a week for six months.

8. The Diamond Head grounds were also used during the filming of the cult American television series Lost, an Emmy and Golden Globe winner. The series was filmed almost entirely on Oahu.

9. The height of the peak is 231 m, the diameter is 1073 meters. The ancient Hawaiians made a sacrifice on its western slopes to the bloodthirsty god of war Ku.

10. On this island is located the capital of the Hawaiian state - the city of Honolulu, a modern metropolis that bizarrely combines the characteristic features of the cities of East and West: the kingdom of glass and concrete, wide highways, impressive skyscrapers and crowds of people in a hurry. While the island may not be ideal for those looking to escape from civilization and spend their holidays in a secluded and peaceful place, lovers of a variety of entertainment and nightlife will be delighted with the variety of choices that Oahu has to offer.

11. The entertainment program on the island includes a variety of forms of leisure, from visiting museums and theaters closer to the Western traveler to exotic ones - Chinese lantern parades and traditional hula dance performances. In Honolulu, gourmets will find a whole scattering of amazing restaurants specializing in various cuisines of the world. Shopping fans will be delighted with the numerous shops and fashion boutiques.

12. And everyone else will appreciate the exceptional views from the local hills, the ideal city beaches and wonderful parks, as well as the amazing variety of local architecture. Among the many cultural and historical sights of the city, the only palace in the USA, Iolani Palace, the former residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, and the local Capitol, whose architectural style stylistically plays with the features of the Hawaiian landscapes, stand out.

13. Almost the entire tourist infrastructure and all the hotels of the island are located in Waikiki, a resort that resembles a cross between Miami Beach and Tokyo. With chic restaurants, enticing cafes, a variety of shops and vibrant nightclubs, Waikiki never sleeps and is always ready to offer entertainment for all tastes. However, in order to feel the real spirit of Hawaii, you definitely need to get out of it: wander through the bustling bazaars of Honolulu's colorful Chinatown, go hiking along one of the Tantalus mountain trails and spend time in Haleiwa, a real surfers paradise.

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