The Volcanic Landmarks of Oahu, Hawaii – Part 2, Punchbowl Crater

Punchbowl Crater is a product of the Honolulu Volcano Series.  It is a tuff cone that was formed 75,000 – 100,000 years ago from the ejection of hot lava through cracks in the old coral reefs which, at the time, extended to the foot of the Koolau Mountain Range.  Like Diamond Head, it is considered monogenic, meaning it was a…

The Volcanic Landmarks of Oahu, Hawaii – Part 1, Diamond Head

Diamond Head is probably the most iconic landmark of Oahu.  You see it everywhere – from the beach, from your hotel room, on post cards, on travel brochures, in movies and television shows.  It is known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi, most likely from lae’browridge promontory’ plus ʻahi ‘tuna’ because the shape of the ridgeline resembles the shape of a tuna´s dorsal…