The Historic Lighthouse on the Slopes of Lēʻahi Crater

By Lexington Smith

As you drive along Diamond Head Road on the south shore of Oʻahu on the southern edge of Waikīkī, the lowering sunset hits your eyes and tints the view with an orange haze. Bikers fly down the road as runners trek up it. To your left, Lēʻahi, an extinct volcanic crater and tuff cone, calmly rests, absorbing the last light of the day. To your right, waves break over a world under the sea. Surfers are rinsing their boards and couples are watching as the sun sets. As your eyes navigate through the trees, a white figure stands. The sun beams through its glass panels and its red roof brightens. There stands a lighthouse established as Diamond Head Light which was first lit July 1, in 1899. The present square concrete tower was built in 1917.

In 1825, British sailors approached the cliffs of Lēʻahi. Light sparkled from the slopes and the sailors, spotting the clear calcite crystals, believed they had discovered diamonds and named the crater Diamond Head. As more travelers began to come to Oʻahu, Diamond Head became an integral point to report incoming vessels. On the night of October 2, 1893, the SS Miowera hit the shallow reef just off the shore. The captain had mistook the position of Diamond Head Crater. Similarly in 1897, the steamship China also ran aground. According to the Hawaiian Historical Society, this was the catalyst prompting the building of the original structure to guide incoming vessels and prevent their harm.

The first version of the lighthouse was a 40-foot iron tower that emitted light 160 feet above the water. The great light was only supported by four posts leaving its structure vulnerable to heavy winds. After critique from the Committee of Public Lands, it was noted that sailors will be dependent on the light meaning the structure should stand tall forever no matter the weather conditions. The original tower was reconstructed to strengthen it replaced by a second version in 1917 utilizing stone and cement rather than solely iron. It’s light source was also changed from oil vapor, which had resulted in several accidents to prior lighthouse keepers, to electricity. The iron pillars within the lighthouse could naturally age without risking the integrity of the structure because the stone and concrete would still hold the beacon of light high. Additionally, a cast iron stairway was added inside the lighthouse replacing its original position on the exterior.

The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.* The lighthouse today stands 57 feet tall. It holds the memories of stormy nights, sailors’ hopes, and an overall appreciation of the beauty of Lēʻahi  Alongside the cliffs of Lēʻahi Crater, it stands as a familiar and majestic icon witness to various activities and people from many walks of life.

*While the National Register for Historic Places nomination was submitted to the National Park Service in 1977, additional information was requested and the updated nomination was approved to the National Register in 1980. View the nomination and additional documents here. 

Sources:
https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Organizations/District4/
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2017/07/27/hawaii-news/diamond-head-lighthouse-marks-centennial-of-service/
https://www.us-lighthouses.com/diamond-head-lighthouse
https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=140

Original drawing at top by Lexington Smith.

Lexington Smith is a Junior at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa studying Environmental Design in Architecture with an interest in historic preservation. She enjoys drawing and learning about history and enjoys solving puzzles, sailing and spending time outdoors in her free time.

Images of Diamond Head Lighthouse Then and Now