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Facts about (Diamond Head State Monument):
Overview ofDiamond Head State Monument- Facts,Trivia,and Historical Information :
Diamond Head State Monument protects and preserves the tuff cone formed by subterranean explosions thousands of years ago. This site has been designated significant by many cultures on the island. The Hawaiians used the summit for human sacrifices. The United States used it as a strategic arms position. Today the site offers recreational attractions.The Hawaiian name for Diamond Head is Leahi. In Hawaiian legend, it is said that Hiiaka, sister of the fire goddess Pele, gave Leahi its name because the summit resembles the forehead (lea) of the ahi fish. Another translation is fire headland and refers to the navigational fires that were lit at the summit to assist canoes travelling along the shoreline. Today, the Diamond Head Light, built in 1917, provides a visual aid for navigation. In the late 1700s, Western explorers and traders visited Leahi and mistook the calcite crystals in the rocks on the slope of the crater for diamonds. Thus the name Diamond Head came into common useage.The pronounced seaward summit, deeply eroded ridges, and ovoid-shaped crater are evidence of Leahis very dynamic geological history. The creation of Oahu began around 2.5 to 3 million years ago with volcanic eruptions from 2 shield volcanoes. Leahi is believed to have been created about 500,000 years ago during a single, brief eruption. The broad, saucer-shaped crater covers 350 acres with its width being greater than its height. The southwestern rim is highest because winds were blowing ash in this direction during the eruption.Today, Leahi is the most recognized landmark in Hawaii. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968 as an excellent example of a tuff cone.
Services,Activities,Amenities,Attractions in (Diamond Head State Monument):
Restrooms, vending machines, lunchwagon/food, trash cans, trail, lookouts, interpretive signs, brochure/species list, drinking water, picnic area, bus accessible.
Contact Information:
Address:Oahu District, Hawaii State Parks, P.O. Box 621, 1151 Punchbowl Street, 131 , Honolulu, HI, 96809
Phone No:808-587-0300
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