Diamond Head

Probably the most famous landmark in Hawaii is Diamond Head, a 1.2 km wide tuff ring near the southeast end of the Island of Oahu. Early sailors mistakenly thought glistening calcite crystals inside the tuff rocks were diamonds, leading to the incorrect name. Diamond Head formed when hot magma rising up a conduit hit ocean water, causing large explosions that threw exploded magma particles (tuff) into a broad ring. During Wold War II tunnels were dug in the soft tuff for look-out posts to warn of possible invasion. Diamond Head is still military property, but is open for hikes and drives to scenic views. Photo by C. Wood.



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