I’ve been blessed to be able to visit Hawaii a few times over the years. Each time I go, I feel refreshed and renewed and inspired. God has been able to use the most mundane things to teach me and show me lessons I need to share with others. The hike up to Diamond Head is a perfect example of one of His lessons for me.
Diamond Head Crater is a stunning volcanic landmark that has captured the attention of visitors from the beginning of time. Ancient Hawaiians first named the extinct volcano Le’Ahi for its strong Ahi-Tuna-fish brow like appearance.
Later in the 1800’s, British sailors were fooled by the glittering stones that are embedded at the top of the crater. No diamonds were discovered, but Le’Ahi received its new name “Diamond Head”.
The Diamond Head trail itself was originally built in 1908 by the US Army, and used for many decades as part of the Fort Rugur military base. Artillery cannons, cement bunkers and an observation deck were built on the summit of the Diamond Head Crater.
Diamond Head Trail is one of the most rewarding Oahu hikes, offering amazing 360-degree views when you reach the top. Hiking Diamond Head might first appear to be a challenging all day climb, but it really only takes about 40 to 60 minutes to reach the 760-foot summit. There are some steep sections including narrow stairs, but the panoramic views you will be rewarded with once you reach the top are amazing.
When you first start heading up the trail, you feel energized and ready to tackle anything that comes along. The road starts out easy and paved.
I got this, no worries. Why did I think this was going to be hard?
Then you realize you’re short of breath because the paved road is heading into a rather steep incline.
No worries, I’ve got my lucky running shoes, sunscreen and water.
Then before you know it, the road isn’t paved anymore at all. It’s rough and rocky and filled with divets that you have to carefully step around if you want to stay on your feet.
Now the path gets steeper and steeper and has all kinds of switchbacks. It’s nearly impossible to see very far ahead of you but you know this is the right way because there is no other path.
Finally, just when you think your lungs may explode from the steep incline, you turn a corner and there they are….steps! Seemingly miles and miles of staircase taking you to the top of what promises to be the most amazing adventure and view.
Along the way, sometimes you pass people who are slower than you. Sometimes people pass you that are faster, more in shape and don’t even appear to be out of breath!
When you get to the top you realize the stories were all true. The view is breathtaking. The sweat and ache in your body from working so hard are quickly forgotten as you take it all in. All you can think about is the fact that God created all this out of nothing.
After soaking in the view, it’s time to head back down the way you came. You think this is going to be so easy! Downhill all the way. As you head down you realize the path is just as steep going down as it was going up. It’s easy to get cocky about the fact that you’re passing folks who haven’t made it to the top yet.
But get too comfortable and sure of yourself and you slip on the path. It’s actually easier to fall coming down than it is going up. You loose focus, you think you’ve already hit the goal so now you’re just coasting.
But the walk down can be just as rewarding as the walk up. There’s a totally different view to take in. Different faces to greet and cheer on as they huff and puff in the opposite direction of you. You can give pointers, tips for making the trip up easier, more manageable.
And then as you get closer to the bottom the road finally levels out and it’s paved again. Now you’re reminded of how much your body aches from what you put it through.
But in the end, you make it down, get a shave ice and sit as you watch others just beginning the trek and those that have completed it like you. Those just beginning have the same excited flush to their faces that you had; those who are resting after completing the hike have an exhausted flush to their faces. You realize that everyone is there to do the same thing; tackle a hike knowing there are amazing vistas at the summit.
Here’s the lesson I learned: It doesn’t matter where you are on the path of life. Each step you take is important. Each site you see is beautiful and another memory to add to your collection. Our life is filled with difficult challenges, a few smooth pathways and lots of hard work. But the pay off will be beyond brilliant if we don’t give up: time in eternity with the God who created the universe yet loves each of us so much that He payed the ultimate price for us to experience it with Him.
And the very best part of living is understanding and knowing that we’re not in this alone. Just like that hike up Diamond Head, God is in the going up and the coming down.
Don’t be afraid, for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encourage! Be strong! – Daniel 10:19
