Hiking an Extinct Volcano

My red-eye flight wasn't until 10 pm tonight, so I still had plenty of time for galavanting around Oahu.  I have been to Hawaii many times before and I had not hiked up to the 760-foot summit of Diamond Head crater.  Well this afternoon was my chance to knock it off of my Hawaii to-do list.  Joining Mar and I on our trek up were Mar's bff Lynn, Lynn's husband and daughter as well as Lynn's cousin and fiancee. 

We all met up in the parking lot and set off for the top.  Most of the 1.4 mile trail is paved with several switchbacks.  However, there are hand-rails and benches to assist the weary hiker.  Near the summit, the trail took us through a tunnel.  Some advise to bring flashlights on the hike as the tunnels are not lit.   After this tunnel, we climbed a 173 step stairway to the mouth of a second dark tunnel.  Following that was a circular staircase that led us into the coastal artillery observation platform were we had to sort of duck as we climbed up a short ladder onto a dirt trail.  Several wooden staircases led us up to the very top were the reward was a 360 degree view of the southside of Oahu. 
We all marveled at the various views...Honolulu, Waikiki, Maunalua Bay, Diamond Head Lighthouse, and of course the beautiful southern Oahu coastline.  After chillin' at the summit for a bit, enjoying the cool ocean breezes and of course taking many pictures, we headed back down the trail.  Wow...I couldn't believe it took me this long to do this hike!