"One of the best-known beacon lights in the Pacific, it stands as a sentinel to Honolulu, flashing a welcome to mariners from the east and west.

Built on the side of the extinct Diamond Head Volcano, the original lighthouse structure was erected in 1899, and is surpassed in longevity in Hawai`i by only the Aloha Tower Light, built in 1870.

The original ironwork of the watch room and lantern at Diamond Head are still in use. The present tower, built in 1917, was constructed of reinforced concrete and stands 55 feet high. The original lighting equipment consisted of a 3rd order Fresnel lens and a special multiple-wick kerosene oil lamp, imported from France in 1899.

Built 147 feet above sea level, Diamond Head Light can be seen as far away as 18 miles and has an intensity of 60,000 candlepower. The light shows a red sector to warn vessels away from the reefs off Waikiki Beach.

From 1939 to 1945, this dwelling, together with a small dwelling constructed during this time, served as the 14th Coast Guard District Radio Station. In 1946, the radio station was moved to its present site in Wahiawa, Hawai`i. The large building at the light station was renovated and has been the residence of the 14th Coast Guard District commander since that time. (more on USCG Dist 14)

Diamond Head Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980."

Taken from http://www.holoholo.org/transpac/dhlilght/
Text copyright © 1996 US Coast Guard 14th District

For more information about Hawaii lighthouses visit:
http://www.thelighthousepeople.com/hawaii/