The History Of Diamond Head Lighthouse - Honolulu - Hawaii
When Captain James Cook explored the Hawaiian Archipelago in the late 1700’s there were no aids to guide his ship. In Hawaii nowadays, there are numerous contemporary aids like buoys and radio signals to assist current ships. One of them is the Diamond Head Lighthouse situated near Diamond Head Beach.
Diamond Head Lighthouse is one of the most famous lighthouses in the Pacific Ocean, and it's located on the Waikiki Coastlines. To this day the lighthouse still welcomes travellers coming from both east or west visiting the spot at Diamond Head.
The story of Diamond Head Lighthouse
Diamond Head, located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, was named after the glittering calcite crystals that sailors mistook for diamonds. Despite the fact that it did not contain any actual diamonds, the name stuck; however, two ships were grounded there in the 18th century, which is probably why it was decided that a new type of light needed to be shone. In 1899, after considerable wrangling, Hawaii's territory government put aside $2,500 to build a south-facing lighthouse tower.
Diamond Head Lighthouse, which is constructed 147 feet above sea level, is a shining beacon on the horizon, guiding ships towards Waikiki Beach and providing a warning to those who might be approaching Honolulu. It’s also worth noting that this lighthouse can be seen up to 18 miles away. Prior to the Coast Guard's merger in 1939, Diamond Head Lighthouse was manned by the superintendent of the 19th Lighthouse district.
Today, the Diamond Head lighthouse overlooks one of Oahu's most famous surf locations, visited by both experienced surfers and beginners. The surrounding region is also popular with runners, hikers, and anybody looking to take in a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. A narrow grassy spot atop Diamond Head's cliffs is ideal for watching a sunset or observing the diverse talents of the surfers below. It is interesting to notice that the lighthouse also serves as the finish line for the Transpac Yacht Race, which starts thousands of miles away in Long Beach, California.
