Battery Harlow was one of the many batteries of which Fort Ruger operated during the early 20th century. Fort Ruger began in April 1907 with the construction of Battery Harlow. Construction for Battery Harlow was finished by March 1910. Battery Harlow was constructed using reinforced concrete embedded behind the outer slopes of Diamond Head Mountain. Battery Harlow is know for being a massive structure. (Ref: http://www.hawaiianencyclopedia.com/1900--1950.asp)
Three large bunkers were constructed and built in 1910. These three large bunkers were separated by "courtyards" that served as platforms. Stored in these "courtyards" were eight 12-inch mortars. 8 x 12" M1890M1 Motars at Battery Harlow were designed and aimed to fire within a range of 8 miles reaching both Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. This was done in effort to protect the island of O'ahu (Oahu) from enemy attacks by Imperial Japanese Navy. (Ref: http://www.diamondheadhike.org/militaryhistory.html)
Battery Harlow operated from 1910-1943. Battery Harlow was retired by US Army in 1943. The artillery was dismantled in 1950.
Battery Harlow has served as a set for scenes from movies and television shows.
In December 2018, KITV News announced the Department of Land and Natural Resources wants to open Battery Harlow as the pedestrian-only entrance into Diamond Head Mountain. (Ref: https://www.kitv.com/story/39685661/state-wants-to-make-improvements-diamond-head-state-monument)
Currently as of today, Hawaii National Guard uses Battery Harlow for storage and is still restricted to the public. Access via hiking trail is closed.
Battery Harlow is located at Diamond Head Road & Makapuu Road, Honolulu, Hawaii, US 96813.
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