The next time you go to Diamond Head State Monument, the lookout before you head into the tunnel into the parking area, that windy spot where the tourists go to catch a glimpse of east Oahu is Kahala lookout.
Whenever you catch a glimpse of east Oahu, it's a very cool experience. Not as great of a view going up to Diamond Head look out, but it's still a good view to withhold while you're out and about vacationing in Hawaii. Even as a local, its always nice to have that beautiful scenery sometimes. Away from the urban core that is all too familiar with on a daily basis, it's nice to relax and remember what you'd need to do to relax and de stress from the work world. One thing is to explore and rediscover nature. You can do that while coming to the Kahala Lookout. While you're there, see and hike Diamond Head state monument as well. Might as well, seeing is you're pretty much there anyway. Just enter the tunnel and you're all set. While attached to the Diamond Head lookout, you'll very well see tourists snapping photos and taxis parked nearby. I sometimes come up here during my evening runs and weekend Sunday running around the neighborhood and just gaze out into the horizon and reflect at the luck of the draw that I live here in Hawaii. Not many people out there can say that statement, but a million or so call Hawaii currently call home.
The Kahala lookout is conveniently located at the aforementioned Diamond Head State Monument, right across the street from the University of Hawaii - Kapiolani Community College at 4303 Diamond Head Road in east Oahu. The problem with this one is the fact that you would probably need to walk up the hill to get here, other wise, you'd have to drive and park next to the tunnel. Best bet is to do this before the crowd comes to see the Diamond Head state monument. Or better yet, park at the KCC campus and walk on over. It's a short hike for sure, but the view is worth the effort, I think. You may even break a sweat due to the incline. The best part of the Kahala lookout is that it's free. Definitely free, but don't go into the Diamond Head state monument parking lot, or you will be paying at least $3-$5 to park a private vehicle there. Otherwise, it's free, just going to cost you some time and some effort to walk up a relatively steep incline to get to the lookout. Many people pass through the Kahala lookout but rarely see it, because they want to go to the diamond head state monument to get a better view.
The Kahala lookout just teases you for a nice venue, but the diamond head lookout is always the prize for sure. Watch out for the streams of private vehicles and other assorted tour buses and taxis that speed up the driveway every morning till sundown. There's no shoulder to really walk on, so best bet is to watch where you are walking. Many speeders come down the hill from Diamond Head as well. This place does give you perspective, irregardless if you are a resident or a visitor here. That calming sensation when you look out into the horizon, what it feels like to be on top. Granted you'll get that same feeling or more above at the Diamond Head lookout, but at least you won't have to hike up 3 miles to do so. It's a sneak peak of the beauty of oahu and its eastern slopes. If you are here to see and hike Diamond Head, as most of you are, take a break and see the Kahala lookout on your way up. Quite nice and recommended on your tourist guide to Honolulu.
4 stars for the scenery. I can see Hawaii Kai and Koko head from there.
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