Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head state monument is a dormant volcanic crater which is located in Honolulu on the Oahu Island in Hawaii. The monument lies a few meters from the Waikiki, and it is a very significant site, since it has undergone a lot of criticism history. There was also a battle between the conservationists and developers. In the year 1959, tourists visited Waikiki Beach, which was in between downtown Honolulu and the Diamond Head (Pager, 2010). Due to the huge numbers of tourists visiting Waikiki beach, Diamond Head became an attractive place for real estate development, and the buildings blocked the monument from being clearly seen. This became a battle between the developers, who wanted to continue constructing tall building in the Diamond Head and the conservationists who wanted to maintain a clear view of the monument.

The Hawaiians strongly believed that the volcano was a forbidden place, where they were not supposed to visit (International, 2009). They did not therefore visit the monument, neither did they build their houses on top of the monument. Their houses were built on the walls of the mountain, where they could be able to live peacefully without affecting the creator. On the other hand, the monument is usually visited by more than 3,000 people on a single day, thus improving the social relations between Hawaiians and the tourists (Pager, 2010). Moreover, the Hawaiians have become socially friendly people, hence welcoming and interacting with the visitors at ease.

The cost of driving into the park with your own car is $5, while the cost of walking is $1, but taking a bus ride through Diamond Head costs $2.50 for every individual. Hiking into the crater costs $1 per person (International, 2009). These figures are very significant as they explain the amount of revenue which the monument is able to collect each and every year. This monument has consequently created employment opportunities for Hawaiians, thus improving their living standards, thus leading to economic growth. The state government of Hawaii has also benefitted, since tourists from different parts of the world visit the monument, thus improving the relations between the state and people from all over the world (Pager, 2010).

The site is very important, as it enables the visitors to clearly view different parts of the state of Hawaii (International, 2009). The hike to the monument is also enjoyable, since one gets to walk through two tunnels, which have very long stair cases (Pager, 2010). In addition, before reaching the monument, there is a look out, where someone can stand and have a natural view of the different area in Hawaii.

                     

 

 

                    

 

The monument is strategically placed between the Waikiki beaches, making even more attractive, since tourists visiting the Waikiki beach can also visit the monument (Pager, 2010). My visit was very enjoyable, as I enjoyed the hike, and seeing the beautiful natural scenery of Hawaii. In addition, I had an experience of climbing the tall stair cases and walking through the tunnels before reaching the top of the monument. Prior to visiting the monument, I did not have a clue of how the crater looked like or how enjoyable the hike could be (International, 2009). I believe that the monument is very significant for geological studies and tourism activities and it should therefore be preserved. The crater provides more than just a natural scenery, since it shows the beauty of the Hawaiian terrain which is very beautiful.

Reference

                        International, B. P. U. (2009). Hawaii investment & business guide. Place of publication not identified: Intl Business Pubns Usa.

            Pager, S. (2010). Hawaii. Guilford, Conn: Globe Pequot.