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Great hike for the whole family!! My kids are 7 and 9 and were able to do this hike. There are great spots to stop and take in the view on your way up. You have to make a reservation before going or else you will be denied entry. The crowd control is great because it doesn't get as busy now. Bring lots of water and snacks and have a great hike!
A lot has changed since I did this hike 4 years ago. Lots of improvements. We parked at the KCC farmers market and walked to the entrance of the park. They expanded the sidewalk so you can now safely walk to the park entrance. Apparently you have to sign up to reserve a spot to hike. We got there around 9am and the time we reserved was 1pm but they told us it was ok to hike now. The man that was helping us with our registration was super friendly. He even yelled bye to us when we finished the hike. The cost was $5 a person or free for Hawai'i residents. This system was much faster than the old machine ticket version. The hike wasn't too crowded. It seems they also added a new easier option to get to the top without the 99 steps. Beautiful view at the top. I like all the changes that make the hike much more enjoyable.
We took the Waikiki trolley to the trailhead, which already felt like a scenic little adventure, and I'm so glad we booked our timed-entry tickets ahead. The hike was a mix of shaded stretches, steep moments, and that fun tunnel that makes you feel like you're in a movie. The views at the top are breathtaking, and wandering through the interior of the old bunker was surprisingly cool , especially discovering that unadvertised exit! It's such a rewarding hike with views that stay with you.
Beautiful hike. Very scenic. The path is well groomed/paved for the most part. There's a cool tunnel and lots of stairs towards the summit. At the top there was a pill box and look out points left over from the military. Wasn't too long, but wasn't too short either. I'd consider the hike a little harder than beginner just because of the stairs and heat. Pro tip: Go in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. Bring lots of water. Alooooooha!
I like this hike. Always have, always will.. I guess. It's fairly easy for adults and doable for the little ones. Entry & parking in their lot (first-come first-served basis) is free for Hawaii residents. Just make sure you have your HI ID / driver's license cause the person at the toll booth will check. Non-resident? ...or no more Hawaii ID? It's $5 per person Children 3 and under are free Parking fee is $10 For commercial vehicles, it varies *You need to make a reservation (see link below) The only accepted form of payment is credit card https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead All the information you need can be found here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/ My husband left our $55 Stanley water bottle in the restroom by accident. I called the number that's on Google and their website to see if anyone turned it in. Unfortunately, no one did but it's okay cause it has lead and that number is wrong. If you need to contact the visitor center, the correct number is 808-954-8795 Toll booth 808-734-8922
Absolutely recommend. When I'm Waikiki, why not get in a little hike. The park opens up around 6am, costs $5 which you prepay online the night or two days before. The hike isn't intense, but definitely is steep and gives you a decent workout. I needed that after all the shaved ice I've been eating. Once at top, the views are amazing. Took a little less than an hour to get to the top and a little less time to get to the bottom. There were young and old making the hike, so if you want a great view of the island, you must give it a try. We took plenty of water and glad we did. We also took longer sleeve shirts, but shortly within our adventure, we took them off and went with our tshirts. Would definitely do it again!
Advanced reservations are required to access the hike! We were lucky to get same day walk-in tickets but we had to park a little further. The hike itself is pretty easy, the heat just makes it exhausting. Definitely bring a hat and lots of water if going on a sunny day. The view is nice but I wouldn't do this again. The best part is getting your Hello Kitty merch at the end of your hike!
Came here with the fam and we made it to the top and down in 45mins. I almost killed my kids but they made it. You have to make sure you arrive on time for your reservation because parking is limited. Make sure you wear your sunblock and hat. The view from the top is beautiful and breathtaking. Worth the trip
It took me an hour round trip to complete the hike with plenty of stops for pictures. It is an easy enough of a hike for all levels of fitness to complete. As long as you are able to go up a few flight of stairs then you can do this walk. It is a gradual incline up for 15 -20 minutes then about 10 flights of stairs broken into a few sections. The view is pretty but if you really enjoy hiking then they are more challenging and rewarding Hines to do on the island with even better views
What: hike to the summit of Diamond Head. Level: this was difficult for me. I'm no hiker and I don't exercise much, so I was huffing and puffing and had to stop at every break area. Luckily there are benches along the way. The trail is paved flat, then unevenly and steep uphill inclines, then stairs, then a tight tunnel that feels like the line at Disneyland's Indiana Jones ride, then metal stairs, then more metal stairs, then you reached the summit! Around 200 stairs total. If it were to rain I think it would be pretty slippery and treacherous. Time: took us about 2 hours round trip. Cost: $5 per person, reservations required. Buy online. Getting there: we took The Bus and from the bus stop it is a 20 minute walk uphill to get to the entrance. Tip: there are clean bathrooms and bottled water vending machines before you start the trail.
It was a hike up to the top but the views were amazing and to say I made it was even more amazing. The trail starts off easy enough but at places it does get a little rough. Hand rails are provided! There are also places where there are stairs I suggest using the outside ones they are shorter and less steep! Also take some water with you. We had a great hike.
A must do in Waikiki! **Non-hikers or out of shape like me please read** It's a short hike, some well paved, but it gets tiresome. There are many spots on the trail to stop and rest, I suggest take advantage in the shade if possible. When you get to the Long set of stairs pictured (after previous stairs and tunnel) GO LEFT. You don't have to go up the long daunting set of stairs but rather go left and take that way. Paved and much easier though there are still stairs, it's a difference maker on that final stretch especially on a hot day when you think "am I gonna make it"? I've done it twice and made the mistake and did the long stairs the first time. You'll be glad you did this and and it will be worth it. The views are spectacular and so rewarding. It's really a Hawaii must do, and you can. Bring water and comfortable shoes. Non residents are $10 for parking and $5 each to hike. You must make reservations online.
Highly recommend this hike on a day you want to break up your vacation & get some exercise in!! You now need to make a reservation for a slot time & pay for parking/entrance. I know the entrance was only $5 each. The hike took us almost 2 hours round trip because we took lots of time taking in the views at the look out. This was one of the most stunning hikes I've ever done and was not too challenging. Even my parents in their late 60s were able to complete it. There are so steeped steps, dark tunnel, and high terrain. Definitely not too challenging!!
Finally checked Diamond Head off my Hawaii bucket list! The hike was fun, the views were incredible, and seeing Waikiki from the top was unforgettable. Definitely worth the reservation and the climb. Please check out my video here: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8sKPx1H/ read more
I definitely recommend this hike. If you're looking to do something with your family, this hike is not too steep. Very doable for all ages. But also not recommended if you have a health condition, with restrictions. Before you arrive, you need to make a reservation on their website. It's more convenient because you can pay for the parking on there as well. When you receive your email confirmation, it will give you a once use QR code. You will get this scanned in the entrance and it will cover you for parking. NOTE: when making reservations, you will select times slots. Morning slots do fill up first, so put that into consideration if you were planning to do this hike. Right across from the visitor center they have the restrooms. These restrooms are the cleanest restrooms I've ever seen. They even have changing stations for mom's with babies. Sinks also have soap and water. The outside of the bathrooms, they have water fountains, and water dispensers for you to fill up your water bottles. Me and my sister did this hike and the time slot we got was for noon. The sun is out! I suggest you carry your sunblock with you while on the hike because you will need to reapply as you keep moving upwards. The sun is out and you will feel it. This hike is also nice because it has designated resting spots with benches in case you need to pull over get a drink and catch your breath. Somewhere towards the top, you will reach a huge flight of stairs. That's very steep, if you like a challenge, the stairs will lead you closer to the top. But if you take the left path, that's a pathway with rails. That is completely doable, for the slower hikers, like myself. And on the bright side, the left side path does come with a view. When you are all done with your hike, they have some very cute souvenirs at the visit center. Very cute hello Kitty merchandise as well, if you are a fan. ALSO!! GET A SWEET TREAT! on the far right next to the visitor center there are two food trucks parked that sell shaved ice, and Dole whips!! I had a great experience! I'm so happy I get across this hike off of my list. read more
Great hike for the whole family!! My kids are 7 and 9 and were able to do this hike. There are great spots to stop and take in the view on your way up. You have to make a reservation before going or else you will be denied entry. The crowd control is great because it doesn't get as busy now. Bring lots of water and snacks and have a great hike! read more
A lot has changed since I did this hike 4 years ago. Lots of improvements. We parked at the KCC farmers market and walked to the entrance of the park. They expanded the sidewalk so you can now safely walk to the park entrance. Apparently you have to sign up to reserve a spot to hike. We got there around 9am and the time we reserved was 1pm but they told us it was ok to hike now. The man that was helping us with our registration was super friendly. He even yelled bye to us when we finished the hike. The cost was $5 a person or free for Hawai'i residents. This system was much faster than the old machine ticket version. The hike wasn't too crowded. It seems they also added a new easier option to get to the top without the 99 steps. Beautiful view at the top. I like all the changes that make the hike much more enjoyable. read more
We took the Waikiki trolley to the trailhead, which already felt like a scenic little adventure, and I'm so glad we booked our timed-entry tickets ahead. The hike was a mix of shaded stretches, steep moments, and that fun tunnel that makes you feel like you're in a movie. The views at the top are breathtaking, and wandering through the interior of the old bunker was surprisingly cool , especially discovering that unadvertised exit! It's such a rewarding hike with views that stay with you. read more
5 months ago
Beautiful hike. Very scenic. The path is well groomed/paved for the most part. There's a cool tunnel and lots of stairs towards the summit. At the top there was a pill box and look out points left over from the military. Wasn't too long, but wasn't too short either. I'd consider the hike a little harder than beginner just because of the stairs and heat. Pro tip: Go in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. Bring lots of water. Alooooooha! read more
2 years ago
I like this hike. Always have, always will.. I guess. It's fairly easy for adults and doable for the little ones. Entry & parking in their lot (first-come first-served basis) is free for Hawaii residents. Just make sure you have your HI ID / driver's license cause the person at the toll booth will check. Non-resident? ...or no more Hawaii ID? It's $5 per person Children 3 and under are free Parking fee is $10 For commercial vehicles, it varies *You need to make a reservation (see link below) The only accepted form of payment is credit card https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead All the information you need can be found here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/ My husband left our $55 Stanley water bottle in the restroom by accident. I called the number that's on Google and their website to see if anyone turned it in. Unfortunately, no one did but it's okay cause it has lead and that number is wrong. If you need to contact the visitor center, the correct number is 808-954-8795 Toll booth 808-734-8922 read more
3 months ago
Absolutely recommend. When I'm Waikiki, why not get in a little hike. The park opens up around 6am, costs $5 which you prepay online the night or two days before. The hike isn't intense, but definitely is steep and gives you a decent workout. I needed that after all the shaved ice I've been eating. Once at top, the views are amazing. Took a little less than an hour to get to the top and a little less time to get to the bottom. There were young and old making the hike, so if you want a great view of the island, you must give it a try. We took plenty of water and glad we did. We also took longer sleeve shirts, but shortly within our adventure, we took them off and went with our tshirts. Would definitely do it again! read more
Advanced reservations are required to access the hike! We were lucky to get same day walk-in tickets but we had to park a little further. The hike itself is pretty easy, the heat just makes it exhausting. Definitely bring a hat and lots of water if going on a sunny day. The view is nice but I wouldn't do this again. The best part is getting your Hello Kitty merch at the end of your hike! read more
Came here with the fam and we made it to the top and down in 45mins. I almost killed my kids but they made it. You have to make sure you arrive on time for your reservation because parking is limited. Make sure you wear your sunblock and hat. The view from the top is beautiful and breathtaking. Worth the trip read more
It took me an hour round trip to complete the hike with plenty of stops for pictures. It is an easy enough of a hike for all levels of fitness to complete. As long as you are able to go up a few flight of stairs then you can do this walk. It is a gradual incline up for 15 -20 minutes then about 10 flights of stairs broken into a few sections. The view is pretty but if you really enjoy hiking then they are more challenging and rewarding Hines to do on the island with even better views read more
4 years ago
What: hike to the summit of Diamond Head. Level: this was difficult for me. I'm no hiker and I don't exercise much, so I was huffing and puffing and had to stop at every break area. Luckily there are benches along the way. The trail is paved flat, then unevenly and steep uphill inclines, then stairs, then a tight tunnel that feels like the line at Disneyland's Indiana Jones ride, then metal stairs, then more metal stairs, then you reached the summit! Around 200 stairs total. If it were to rain I think it would be pretty slippery and treacherous. Time: took us about 2 hours round trip. Cost: $5 per person, reservations required. Buy online. Getting there: we took The Bus and from the bus stop it is a 20 minute walk uphill to get to the entrance. Tip: there are clean bathrooms and bottled water vending machines before you start the trail. read more
It was a hike up to the top but the views were amazing and to say I made it was even more amazing. The trail starts off easy enough but at places it does get a little rough. Hand rails are provided! There are also places where there are stairs I suggest using the outside ones they are shorter and less steep! Also take some water with you. We had a great hike. read more
A must do in Waikiki! **Non-hikers or out of shape like me please read** It's a short hike, some well paved, but it gets tiresome. There are many spots on the trail to stop and rest, I suggest take advantage in the shade if possible. When you get to the Long set of stairs pictured (after previous stairs and tunnel) GO LEFT. You don't have to go up the long daunting set of stairs but rather go left and take that way. Paved and much easier though there are still stairs, it's a difference maker on that final stretch especially on a hot day when you think "am I gonna make it"? I've done it twice and made the mistake and did the long stairs the first time. You'll be glad you did this and and it will be worth it. The views are spectacular and so rewarding. It's really a Hawaii must do, and you can. Bring water and comfortable shoes. Non residents are $10 for parking and $5 each to hike. You must make reservations online. read more
Highly recommend this hike on a day you want to break up your vacation & get some exercise in!! You now need to make a reservation for a slot time & pay for parking/entrance. I know the entrance was only $5 each. The hike took us almost 2 hours round trip because we took lots of time taking in the views at the look out. This was one of the most stunning hikes I've ever done and was not too challenging. Even my parents in their late 60s were able to complete it. There are so steeped steps, dark tunnel, and high terrain. Definitely not too challenging!! read more
This hike is one of those that you just have to do if you're in Honolulu. Everyone else thinks the same thing... it's definitely crowded! If you're staying along Waikiki Beach, you'll see the famous Diamond Head mountain (ex volcano). Technically you can walk to Diamond Head Park from Waikiki, but when we typed it in our maps, there was no walking path available. We therefore caught an Uber for a 10-minute into the park and got dropped off at the park entrance. Even if you have a car, I'd maybe recommend taking an Uber because I've heard that the parking lot fills up super early in the morning. You also have to pay $5 to park, so mind as well just take a $5 Uber. It costs $1/person to do the hike. This hike and is doable for almost anyone. There is a set path and you can go at your own pace. We hiked it in early March, so it was only about 70 degrees and was windy. Even with that lower temp, we were sweating by the end, so definitely be prepared for that! There's a set path for the entire way, which is flat and made out of dirt. Towards the end of the hike, you have to go up a set of steep stairs and then walk through a tunnel to get to the very tip top. The views at the top were beautiful and I loved seeing the beach go on for forever. The water was so incredibly blue and we were thrilled to be there. This hike is the most crowded that we did on our trip, so there are a TON of people at the top. Be patient and know that it will take a few minutes to move around and get a great photo of the view. The hike round trip probably took about an hour and a half - not bad! read more
This is a great hike to get some exercise while staying in Waikiki and to get some great views of Waikiki. We actually started the hike from the beach and walked to the entrance. Once we got our tickets and our pineapple drinks, we headed up the crater. Once we started the hike it took about 25 minutes to get to the top, because of the number of visitors. It is definitely better to get an early start. I would say it is an easy to moderate hike, depending on how fast you go. It's definitely something you should check off your list while in Oahu. They also have a dole whip stand. read more
3 years ago
Great experience!! Highly recommend to do this hike be ready to experience a hike of no other!! Take plenty of water and a granola bar, oh and wear comfortable shoes read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
Best hike ever with thousands of my closest Ohana. LOL The crater is big you really don't get the full Comprehension until you see it in person. There is a fee of dollar to get in. Inside I'm telling myself as I look up to the top of Diamond Head what have I gotten myself into as my heart starts racing my legs are shaking and I haven't even started the hike yet!!!! Well off we go, the trail is quite nice, not difficult at all, then the incline starts not to to bad I thought. Then I see all these people sitting on benches out of breath tell us to take breaks. Crazy out of shape people I'm thinking to myself. Then the nice pavement turns to rocky uneven slippery in some sections. Did I mention the incline got steeper. My breathing is becoming more laboured from the humidity and the climb up Diamond Head. People going passed me going back down telling me I'm doing good You're almost there. To myself, I wanted to tell them to shut up, I'm dying here. I just smile and thank them. I now get to the stairs that seem to go forever!!!! Now I have to stop drank and drank water! Feeling better I took on the stairs and stairs and when I thought I Concord them there's more!!!! I made it to the top!!!!! What a view!!! Well worth it!!! The steps are 703.556 give or take above sea level. I would have posted more pictures. That would take the fun out of the picture you'll take when you finish the hike. What I do recommend is going early as possible it gets very hot later in the morning and afternoon. That's only if you don't want to be with your thousands of closest Ohana. LOL. Don't bother taking a car, parking sucks! -Take Da bus or trolley -Book a tour bus that drops you off and picks you up. -Uber read more
3 years ago
I'm giving The Diamond Head Hike 5 stars even though I was unable to make it all the way to the top :-(. The reward is the amazing view of Waikiki so as my friend said "Totally worth it!" This is in no way a hike for beginners so if you are going to attempt this hike, make sure you have good sneakers or hiking shoes on (I was in flip flops) and of course BRING WATER! You will be hiking on pavement as well as uneven rocks and when you get closer to the top I hear there are stairs. The entire hike is on an incline however, there are rest stops along the way up. The hike is 1.6 miles round trip but rigorous. My friend made it all the way to the top and even he said it got a lot harder after I dropped out midway. There were several people that did not make it so I didn't feel so bad and I'm glad I made the attempt. Start early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy great scenery, cute little mongooses everywhere and lots of pineapple flavored treats at the bottom of the volcano. It's $10 to park and $5 per person entry. Guided tours available as well. Just give it a try. read more
6 years ago
The views from the top were unbelievable. Definitely a fun hike. Don't forget to bring cash for the entrance fee which is $5 for visitors. Round trip to the top and back took about an hour including stops along the way for pictures. Lots of steps and inclines so be prepared for a workout on the way up. After the hike we enjoyed an Açaí fruit bowl at the food truck. It was amazing, and made for a perfect ending to this fun hike. read more
5 years ago
Fun hike! It was moderate, good work out nonetheless. Recommend to wear hiking sneakers/boots as the switch backs are rocky. Don't be lazy and take the stairs to the very top! Beautiful view! read more
It would have been 5 stars but the trail at 6 am was packed. The tour buses, limos, just brought a ton of people. We were in the long line of cars at 545. The line did go pretty quickly. There are just lines of people hiking up and some super slow who would not get out of the way. I guess unfortunately you have to be a little rude and just past them on the side. Other than that, it's a beautiful hike and great scenery at the top. read more
8 years ago
Nice easy hike up. The road is paved and easily accessible. 5 bucks to get in with your car. Come early as the parking gets full or else you park at the bottom and walk up. The views are amazing here! You'll see the skyline of Honolulu and Waikiki beach at a distance and the horizon Ofcourse. You'll also see KoKo head and Molokai island. Only downside is, it's very touristy and it gets crowded. read more
Beautiful, breathtaking views!! You'll go through a tunnel by vehicle before you reach the park. Parking is $5 and you can park in a medium sized parking lot at the base of the hike. The hike can be accomplished with relatively general footwear. I even saw people wearing sandals although i certainly wouldn't recommend those! The hike is a mix of dirt and concrete walkway and it can be a bit strenuous in parts but is not overwhelming! There are stairs that get you to the top for the best overall views or you can stop and go back down if you need to. read more
This is a short and fun hike north of Waikiki. I'd say it's a must-do for anyone visiting Waikiki. Take a Lyft to get there for about $7. It costs $1 cash per person to get in. Once in, there are public restrooms and a little gift shop. The hike is paved and has handrails. It's quite steep, but when we went there were literally 80 year old grandmas in flip flops walking up it. So pretty much anyone can make this hike. My only complaint was that it was very crowded. We had to wait behind lines of people on the trail which was sort of annoying. But if you go with the expectation that there will be lots of people and you might not get to hike at the pace you want to, it's fine to just enjoy all the crowds. read more
9 years ago
This hike is really busy, we had to lineup for parking. Entry is $5/car. Took us about 25mins to walk up, a little bit of an elevation. I think it's only 750feet elevation. View is incredible. Wear runners though, wouldn't recommend flip flops or sandals. read more
7 years ago
4 years ago
7 years ago
The Diamond Head Hike was worth every single step you take and every staircase you climb. Go early in the morning to beat the heat and to get parking - it fills up quickly. You can pack water (if you have kids, pack water), but it's doable without. $5 per car, $1 per walk in. Wear sunglasses. Pineapple stand at bottom, cute gift shop, decently clean bathrooms. First 0.2 miles is paved, the rest is not. Multiple different staircases, some straight up, one spiral staircase. A few different routes you can take if you want to avoid some of the difficult staircases. Pack food for after because you'll be hungry! Took me (20y/o girl) and 35y/o mom about 1 hour 15 min to go up, take in the view, and come back down. read more
5 years ago
Go early morning or it will be packed and you will not find parking! Hike starts easy but then you hit the stairs and you will cry. Take it easy and enjoy the beautiful views when you get to the top! Grab a pineapple drink on your way out! So delicious! read more
8 years ago
Beautiful easy hike. When you get to the part with the stairs take the step set up and the easier ones back down. It's easier to get out of the battery this way. Can get sort of crowded. When you're done get a smoothie at the truck below! They are really fresh. read more
7 years ago
The most amazing view I have seen, people did not discourage me from hiking. Some reviews said it's hard, that people need to be in better condition to do this...etc.... I told my husband that Circle Tour was not enough for me to view what I wanted to experience. So the day before we left we took a Lyft to Diamond Head. Make sure you have proper shoes, water, and energy to hike. No way you can get lost, it's a straight point to the top! Take your time if needed but do this, dont be discourage you wont regret it. My 12 year old was a bit exhausted but he made it and said, "Mom you made a good decision" it's worth it. It's a one time opportunity, that's how I see it. You dont need a tour for this, save your money for the Coco, pineapple, shave ice after the hike....enjoy it read more
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More info about Aloha Diamond Head Hike
Waikīkī, HI 96815
Waikiki
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