Carlton Kramer, vice president of marketing for Pacific Historic Parks, grew up on Oahu, with Diamond Head as a constant backdrop. Recently, as he hiked up the crater while listening to the new Diamond Head audio tour, he was amazed at how ill-acquainted he was with the iconic volcano.
“I kept saying to myself, ‘I didn’t know that,’” Kramer said. “The audio tour gives hikers an insider’s understanding of the fascinating stories of Diamond Head, surrounding its history, legends, geography, plant and animal life and breathtaking scenery.”
Although millions of feet walk the 1.6-mile roundtrip trail each year, Pacific Historic Parks added the audio tour so that visitors and locals get more from their Diamond Head adventure, Kramer said.
“Due to how narrow the path is, it’s almost impossible for tour escorts to brief visitors during a guided hike,” Kramer said. “The audio tour provides a whole different experience and, as a bonus, when visitors reach the 761-foot summit, they know what they are looking at.”
Clients pick up the audio tour player and map for $4 per person at the Diamond Head Visitor Center, near the crater entrance. Numbered trail markers correspond to each part of the narration, which includes compelling commentary by experts and music inspired by the setting.
Like Kramer, I was entertained and enlightened by the audio tour, despite having climbed Diamond Head dozens of times. For newbies and repeaters alike, it offers greater appreciation of a beloved attraction.
The Details
Diamond Head Audio Tour
www.pacifichistoricparks.org
