This story was originally published on Aug. 16, 2021. While many of us know Hawaiʻi’s natural wonders by the names they’ve been given in modern times, it is much less likely to hear them go by their original names, the ones bestowed upon them by the Native Hawaiians. And those names are so much […]
Every year, we invite our readers to cast their votes for their favorite places across the Islands—including surf breaks. Here are the best surf spots on O‘ahu, according to our readers. Whether this is your first time in the lineup or you’re already shredding, you’ll want to check out these Oʻahu surf breaks. 1. Waikīkī
At a glance, Leʻahi (Diamond Head) amazes visitors and locals with its raw beauty and natural splendor. And the same can be said for many Hawaiʻi landmarks, like Kukaʻemoku (ʻIao Needle) and Mokoliʻi Island. But behind the visual appeal, many of the landmarks hold historic and cultural value to Native Hawaiians, often being important figures
Oʻahu is the most popular island with visitors of all the Hawaiian Islands—and there’s a reason why. OK, there are tons of reasons why. Known as the Gathering Place, Oʻahu is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to about 1 million people—that’s over two-thirds of Hawaiʻi’s total population. In pre-COVID 2019, 60% of
With its striking ridges, panoramic views and historical hiking trails, Lē‘ahi, also known as Diamond Head, is among Oʻahu’s most prominent features. More than 3,000 hikers visit the volcanic cone every day to climb the 1-mile trail to its summit. Travelers to Oʻahu this summer should know that beginning on May 12, 2022, the state
Be sure to plan your Diamond Head State Monument hike around these upcoming closures. The monument—hike included—will be off-limits to visitors and locals on October 28 and 29, reopening briefly then once again closing from November 1-5. The closures will be in service of providing demolition crews the time and space to remove two structures—a
Oʻahu is considered by many as the surfing mecca of the world. From the heavy-duty breaks located on the North Shore—which has even been given the flashy nickname of the “Seven Mile Miracle”—to the pristine fun-sized surf on Oʻahu’s southern shoreline, there’s plenty of surf to go around. And while there are hundreds of surf spots on
UPDATED, March 9 2021: Starting March 15, Diamond Head State Monument will be open six days a week, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Wednesdays. Quietly, and without much grandeur, Diamond Head State Monument reopened on Dec. 18, 2020 after being closed for nine months. The hike, and its views, remain unchanged
If you’ve seen a postcard of Waikīkī, there’s a pretty good chance Lēʻahi, more commonly known as Diamond Head, will be in there somewhere, showing off its epic ridges and, after a good rain, lush foliage. The volcanic crater is open to visitors—more than 3,000 people hike here every day, making this one of the
Get a birds-eye view of Honolulu from the top of Leahi. Photo: Getty Images EASY Leahi, more commonly referred to as Diamond Head, isn’t just for admiring from afar. In fact, hikers can trek to the top of Leahi via a trail built in 1908. The hike is short, at just under a mile to
When thinking of Oahu’s surf, a few images come to mind. The throaty barrels at Banzai Pipeline. The dangerous, shallow reefs of Rocky Point. The large, gargantuan waves of Waimea Bay. But really, from the North Shore to Honolulu’s south coasts, there are surf spots geared toward all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Check
Day One Wake up with the sun at the summit of Leahi (aka Diamond Head). Its moderate, 1.6-mile jaunt up the famous summit will give you a bird’s-eye view of Waikiki, Honolulu and West Oahu. Skip the food vendors at the park, and drive to local favorite Waiola Shave Ice for your reward—a round of
