Recognized attraction of Hawaii is located on the eastern edge of the shoreline of Waikiki and is a volcanic crater called Diamond Head.
Diamond Head, which is translated into Russian as a Diamond or Diamond Head, sounds like Le'ahi in Hawaiian means "forehead (lea) yellowfin tuna (ahi)». Crater got its English name in the early 18th century, when British sailors saw the light sparkling calcite crystals and thought to have found diamonds.
This wide saucer-shaped crater was formed during a single explosive eruption .
Diamond Head - part of a whole complex of craters that have arisen as a result of the eruption. Collectively, they are known to geologists as Gonolulskaya volcanic ridge, a consequence of the eruption of the volcano Koolau. Gonolulskaya volcanic ridge was formed through a series of volcanic eruptions that produced many of the local "attractions", namely: Mount Oahu's, including a punchbag Crater, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Manana Island
Diamond Head, like other craters Gonolulskoy ridges, is much younger than the main mass of the mountain range Koolau. While the Koolau volcano some 2.6 million years old, Diamond Head, in the opinion of most experts, about 200,000 years, and finally extinguished volcano about 150,000 years ago.
Eruption a result of which originated crater was likely transient and lasted no more than a few days. According to experts it was a massive explosion. When the crater was originally formed, the sea level is believed to have been higher, and the explosion occurred over a coral reef. Another factor in the formation of the crater could be exiting magma coming into contact with groundwater. Relatively short period of eruption is thought to explain the nature of symmetric cone Diamond Head crater. Since the type of the many eruptions that formed the Diamond Head and tends to be monogenetic, geologists have no reason to believe that the crater ever "come alive" again.
When the United States took over Hawaii in 1898, the protection of the harbor has become a major concern. One of the main forts, Fort Ruger, was built in the crater of Diamond Head. The observation deck was built on top of the crater in 1910 to provide targeted surveillance, and four-level underground complex was built within the walls of the crater as a command post. 580-foot tunnel was dug through the wall of the crater, to provide easier access to the Fort. Cannons were located in the crater, as it ensured the complete concealment and protection from invading enemies. The observation deck and an underground complex now abandoned with the advent of radar, but the remains of the command post is still present along the walls of the crater.
Diamond Head - now a popular tourist destination and hiking route length of 1.1 kilometers, tour passes to the edge of the crater. Pointers in the beginning of the trail say that the campaign takes 1.5-2 hours round trip, and recommend that travelers bring along enough water. A dirt road winds over uneven rock, then climb up to 74 steps through the tunnel and another steep climb up to 99 steps. Next is a small lighted tunnel with a narrow spiral staircase (30 steps), which displays on the coastal artillery observation platform built in 1908.
In 1975 there was filmed television quiz "game Diamond Head", which five times a week for six months, was broadcast on American television.
The territory of Diamond Head was also used during the filming of the cult American television series Lost (Lost), winner of the Emmy and Golden Globe. The series was filmed almost entirely on the island of Oahu.
The height of the top 231 m diameter - 1073 meters. Ancient Hawaiians made a sacrifice on its western slopes of the bloodthirsty god of war Ku.
On this island is the capital of the State of Hawaii - Honolulu city, a modern metropolis, intricately combines the characteristics of cities in the East and the West: the realm of concrete and glass, wide highways, impressive skyscrapers and crowds in a hurry. Although the island is hardly suitable for those who want to get away from civilization and spend your vacation in a secluded peaceful place, fans of a variety of entertainment and night life will love the variety of choices that Oahu has to offer.
Entertainment on the island includes a variety of leisure activities, from a close of western travelers visiting museums and theaters to the exotic - Chinese Lantern parades and traditional ideas with dancing hula. In Honolulu gourmets will find whole scattering of amazing restaurants specializing in a variety of cuisines. Fans of shopping will be delighted by the many shops and fashionable boutiques.
And all the others will appreciate the exceptional views from the local hills, perfect beaches, and wonderful parks, as well as an amazing variety of local architecture. Among the many cultural and historical attractions of the city highlights only in the United States Palace Iolani Palace, the former residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani and the local Capitol, an architectural style which stylistically plays features Hawaiian scenery.
Almost all of the tourist infrastructure of the island and all the hotels are located in Waikiki, the resort resembles a cross between Miami Beach and Tokyo. Here, guests will never be bored, because Waikiki, full of chic restaurants, enticing cafes, shops and a variety of illuminating the vicinity of nightclubs, never sleeps and is always ready to offer entertainment for every taste. However, in order to experience the true spirit of Hawaii, you will need to get beyond it: wander through the bustling bazaars motley Chinatown Honolulu, go hiking on one of the mountain trails Tantalus and spend time in Haleiwa, this paradise of surfers.
