I love to come up to this overlook below Diamond Head to watch the sunrise over the ocean. In fact, it is probably my most favorite thing to do on earth. I generally walk or run from Waikiki, but there is plenty of parking to watch the sunrise. The walk is about 1.5 miles. From the overlook. You can see sweeping ocean views. Early morning surfers try to catch some waves. The waves crash on the shore below. The sun slowly rises and I generally see colorful skies that are picture worthy. Native roosters crow nearby. Tropical plants are in bloom. What a perfect way to start the day! read more

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The Diamond Head lookout and summit trail are located directly on the rim of the Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) volcanic tuff cone on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu. This 500,000-year-old crater was formed by explosive volcanic eruptions and served as a strategic military lookout during World War II, with remnants of these bunkers remaining at the top today. If I meditated, I would imagine this would be a lovely spot to sit down and meditate. Gorgeous views, gentle breezes, and friendly people. With a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and that cawing of birds in nearby trees, you can't help but feel small and insignificant. Mother Earth and Father Sky meet here to rendezvous. read more

Diamond Head Lookout - Diamond Head Lookout. - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Diamond Head look out very nice scenery stop if your going around Diamond Head Crater. Back drop is KokoHead crater and very nice blue turquoise Pacific Ocean . read more

Diamond Head Lookout - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Relatively easy hike with super proper pathway and stairs. Approximately 2 miles-ish round trip, which for us took 1 hour-ish already with plenty of pictures stops. Certainly worth doing for the breath-taking views and moderate effort needed. Go early for more parking spots availability. Also reserve the spot ahead as they could occasionally be busy. Timed-Ticket's $25/adult and parking's $3. Parking's cash only and to be purchased on the spot. read more

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It's safe but now you need to pay money just to go on this hike. I think it's definitely a good one because it's safe but then again everyone also has the same idea so it's overflowing with tourists. The view from Diamond Head is beautiful though and worth the effort. I don't do this one as much anymore but I do recall how beautiful it is on the top as well as the stair master at the top when you think you're done with the hike. LOL read more

Yes there are countless switchbacks but it's one of the best short hikes I've been on - the view of the city and the ocean...can't be beat. There's not a lot of room at the top and your pictures will be sweaty, but it's a top activity to do while you're on the island. Heads up that there's no shade at the top. read more

THE VIEWS ARE EPIC! We were in beautiful Honolulu and couldn't NOT do this hike! Make sure to make reservations as it is required! They give you a 2 hour slot. If you drive in, they are strict about being there your first 30 minutes. They told us we had to be out by the end of our slot. No one checked what time we left, but I understand as parking space was limited. I don't know where people were walking in from but that was an option. We made it to the top and back down during the allotted time. It took about 30 minutes to walk down, but we spent a nice time at the top taking pictures and seeing the beautiful views. So definitely worth the hike, it is gorgeous! Recommended! read more

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Come here for a good view of Honolulu and the islands. Diamond Head Lookout is the top of this famous landmark. It takes awhile to get up but is worth the hike to see far out. About the best place to stop for a rest and look around. The hike up here includes stairs and trails but it's not too bad to be honest. Best to get a ride to the entrance because you'll already be doing a lot of walking up here. It's located at the very top of the crater for the lookout. The views are of course best when the sky is clear so plan ahead for that. For those who are already at the crater, might as well go up a few more feet. It's located 760 feet at the peak. Even see a few of the other islands when the sky is clear. These include the islands of Lāna'i and Moloka'i. Give yourself enough time to get up here. It's about an hour for most people. There's bathrooms and facilities at the base so use these before going to the top. read more

Diamond Head Lookout - Lookout - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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It was my road trip day, so I planned to drive around the island. From Waikiki we drove to east in the morning to avoid the traffic. Diamond Head Lookout was the first stop we stop by to take some pictures. I was excited to see the ocean that so blue and infinity view of the horizon. read more

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Make reservations in advance!! The first time I came to Oahu, I did not realize you had to reserve an entry time in advance, so I missed out. Please make sure you do this if you'd like to do this hike. You can find the information/links through their website. The hike is relatively short, I believe about 1.6-mile round trip and took us about an hour from start to finish. Wear proper shoes, as it can be slippery and muddy. The first part of the hike is all uphill, but they do have some stopping points and lookouts along the way up. However, the higher up you go - the views just get better and better! The main lookout point is incredible and it's what everyone hypes it up to be. I will say, the landing point at the top is smaller than I expected and this hike does get crowded, so I'd recommend going early. Highly recommend checking this spot out. read more

I was skeptic of coming here as this was one of the most visited lookout and knew it was going to be crowded. When I found out that this required a reservation and they actually do cap how many people they let in, that changed my mind and we decided to come for the sunrise. They are strict on who they were letting in and you need a ticket or you'll be turned away. This was the easiest hike I've done, but I just hiked Koko Head Trail the day before, so my legs were noodles and walking up any flight of stairs sucked, which made the hike just a bit harder for me. The views are amazing and there's a bunker at the top. Worth it for the views. read more

made my parents come hike with me here because i think this is the easiest trail xD it has a paved path all the way up with rails so it's not too difficult. plus there's plenty of spots to rest or take photos. long hike but very beginner friendly read more

Diamond Head Lookout - views - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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It was a long, hot hike from the crater floor to the rim but the views were worth it. Wear a hat, drink plenty of water and stop along the way if you need too. You do need to make a reservation for a timed entry. The cost is $2/pp and has a 2 hour time frame for arriving. read more

Diamond Head Lookout - View of Honolulu from the top - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Once you've finally made it to the top of the outlook you'll be treated to beautiful views of the beach/ocean and even the view of the crater below. Once you're inside the park the hike is just under 2 miles out and back with a little over 500 feet in elevation gain. Most of the trail is a smooth path, a few of the areas going through some caves you will be going up stairs. Depending on your abilities walking uphill getting to the top of the outlook can take around 30 mi items to an hour. Before you visit make sure you check out the Diamond Head Monument website for parking into and hiking availability. read more

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Loved loved loved this experience! Although I'm one worn out and sore mama right now!! But it was sooooo worth it. Warning - you are required to have a reservation to visit now!! We were not aware of this until we arrived and was turned away. Went on the website and found entry time for same day of 4-4:30 for the 5 of us. They have 2 options when you book online: (1) entry only and (2) parking and entry. Entrance is $5/pp and parking is $10. Keep in mind you can visit with the entry only ticket, you just have to find parking before entering the tunnel. My recommendation would be to purchase the parking and entry if available. Just makes it a bit easier after being exhausted from the hike to make it to your car. Tips: (1) Come in the morning or the last slot of 4-4:30. Why you ask!? Well to have a breeze and not be in the scorching heat of the day. Our time of 4-4:30pm was nice because we had a nice breeze and the sun wasn't so bright. (2) Pack water! Be prepared that this is a 60-90 minute hike round trip! Prepare because there are no water fountains once you begin your hiking. (3) Go potty before you start your hike. No places to go on the hike. (4) You don't have to climb the 2nd set of yellow stairs. When given the option for left or right - GO LEFT! Easier than the steep flight of stairs to the right. (5) Stop and take it all in!! The sights are just pure beauty! God's amazing creation you can see! Just breathtaking views. We had a beautiful rainbow that appeared once we got over halfway up the hike and stayed with us the entire time! I like to think it was my dad that I lost in September telling me it's ok and to keep going! Not gonna lie that you need to be prepared that this is not and easy hike. Out of my party of 5, only myself and my daughter made it the whole way and to the top. And that was with some stops to rest. But the pain is so worth it once you get to the top and experience the beauty!i read more

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You get really great views of Waikiki once you reach the top of Diamond Head. Very much worth the reward. We made it to the top around 6:50 AM and the sky was just lovely. You could see other small islands from afar. Definitely worth the trek up, just make sure you get reservations and get in early! read more

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A must visit in Oahu. I walked here and back from Waikiki Beach, 7 miles or so on top of the 2 mile hike. It was a moderate hike with moderate elevation. But most people should be able to do it. The view on top is spectacular, worth the less than 1 mile hike up. You can see Waikiki Beach, the lighthouse, the diff volcanos in the distance once you get to the top. I also really enjoyed hiking among the mountain views. Just breathtaking! It gets very hot and sweaty on the hike, so bring a water bottle to fill up at the visitor center just before the hike begins. Walking through the canals before the trail was pretty cool too, as well as the narrow dark tunnel near the end of the hike. read more

Take your vitamins, a sturdy pair of runners, sunscreen and water for this vigorous short hike-- not for the unfit or those who find steep stairs or confined spaces a problem. State Park entrance is fairly walkable from major Waikiki hotels, we set off from in front of the Moana Surfrider around 10am. It took about 40 minutes to arrive at the main gate, via local roads and pathways. You are charged admission of $5 for visitors per person. You need to book in advance, but can book once you arrive if necessary using your mobile device, however, they allow only a fixed number of bookings so you might not secure a spot. There is a rest stop area with vending machines selling water and pop that accept credit cards plus clean restrooms. The trail begins at the rest area and slowly progresses in elevation to an uneven, slightly treacherous rock path on average 2.5-3 feet wide with a handrail on 1 side only. I wouldn't do this hike if it's raining, way too slippery. There are a lot of people going up and down, let's say a lot of heavy breathing in both directions. The last 25% is mostly steep steps and a tunnel. Just before there is an observation plateau where you'll see a pretty good view of Hawaii Kai. The final ascent is challenging, if you are not fit maybe don't do the last part beginning at the tunnel. Once up top, there is a bunker and observation platform. You should wear proper footwear because it's super easy to twist your ankle due to poor path quality. The trip is worth your time if you have a free 2-3 hours. We took Uber back to our hotel, cost was $20. read more

Diamond Head Lookout - View from lookout - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Hell of a hike for a hell of a view. You really have to mentally push yourself for the "viewable" prize. It's absolutely stunning & I wish there was more of this, where we live! Non - Hawaii residents - make sure you make reservation(s) & pay prior to entry. We didn't. So that slowed us down by 20 mins. Service was terrible, so it slowed down the process, even more. Go thru the tunnel for parking only IF you've made reservations. Otherwise, they'll send you out to park in the small lot, prior to tunnel entrance. Multiple stops on the way for diff scenery. Overall, it was great! We loved it! read more

Diamond Head Lookout - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We took a Lyft to get to the tunnel that leads to the trail. We checked in prior to the hike. Most of the hike is on uneven terrain so be careful not to twist your ankle. When you get out of the claustrophobic tunnel, you have the choice of going up the tall, steep yellow stairs or going the long way. We decided to do the tall stairs going up because it's shorter and the long way going down so we wouldn't have to take the stairs back down. You go through a bunker area to get to the top of the lookout. The views at the top were worth the energy expending. I liked that there was a little souvenir shop at the bottom. I went home with a keychain that tells temperature and direction via compass, a Diamond Head Hello Kitty tote bag, and a Diamond Head Hello Kitty keychain. Apparently there's mimosas at the bottom from what I heard from a friend but I didn't see it at the bottom. Definitely take a neck fan or mini fan with you as it gets hot on the trail, SPF, and a hat. All-in-all a good hike for people who don't regularly hike. read more

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So I knew I had to do at least one hike while I was in Hawaii. Also one that's not too hard and I can do by myself. Lol And would you look at that! I had a view of Diamond Head from the hotel I was staying at. Checked how far it was and it was only 1.5 miles away. So I think I found the hike I'm going to do! I was staying at Queen Kapi'olani Hotel and decided to walk that 1.5 miles to the start of the Diamond Head hike. Definitely doable to walk there if you don't want to drive or take an Uber. When I got to the entrance, I didn't know that you need a reservation to get in. So I ended up scanning the QR code at the bust stop and booking a reservation. There is also a $5 fee. So if you can, book the reservation in advance. It's a fairly easy hike. Take your time, watch your step, and enjoy the scenery! Oh yeah! and everyone on the hike is super friendly. Props to the people that were actually running up and down the trail. Lol Would I do the hike again? Umm.. Maybe. There are other hikes I definitely want to check out. But the view from the lookout is just beautiful! read more

We visited Oahu recently and we knew we had to visit Diamond Head. We got our reservations as soon as the date opened up because there is limited availability and they won't let you in without a reservation. Once there, we headed straight up on the hike, not really knowing what to expect. This is a pretty challenging trek, you start uphill and keep on going until you reach the summit. The trail is a combination of paved, rock, and some stairs mixed in for good measure. Along the way there are a few spots to stop and catch your breath and take pictures. At the top, there is a platform to climb onto and admire the views in all directions. The scenery really is breathtaking, with views all around of the island, Honolulu, the ocean, etc. We stayed at the top for around 20-30 minutes just taking it all in. We like hikes where there is a good payoff at the end, and Diamond Head delivers on that point. Well worth the effort to get to the top, highly recommended. read more

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First off, be aware you need a reservation for both entry and parking. If you don't get a parking reservation, you have to park down the road ina separate parking lot anf then walk to the park. It's not a terible walk, but for those who are diabled or have other physical ailments, it can be a problem. Be aware you should pack water/snacks as this is not as easy of a hike as people think it wil be. There are benches and areas you can stop at and when you get to the ttop there is a lookout area with great views. The trail is relatively smooth and there are some stairs and an elevatin change so plan accordingly and just take it easy if you have to. Otherwise, enjoy the walk and the views! read more

An uphill battle with panoramic, scenic rewards! I got a runner's high from climbing up these stairs, so I loved this trail! It's the perfect hike for anyone that enjoys the Stairmaster! The trail is moderately difficult and is 1.6 miles round trip. You will have to climb stairs uphill on a slope to reach the Diamond Head crater summit. Given the loose gravel, steep steps, and uneven walkways, I highly recommend wearing shoes. The route is rather barren, so don't count on shade or wind to keep you cool! It was hot and dry for us. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and AMPLE WATER for EACH hiker. (My 40 oz hydroflask was not enough water for me.) Time your route to begin early in the day to avoid getting roasted by the sun. read more

Diamond Head Lookout - Stunning visuals of the coastline - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The views when you get to the top are incredible. If you like a challenge you must do this. Make reservations early and plan on hiking at least 2 hours. read more

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Super easy hike with great views! It's a dirt path with some rocky areas, some steps, and handrails available. Reservations required! (You could technically get an uber to drop you off without a reservation, but if you plan to park you will need one) The lookout: You'll be able to see the hotels in Waikiki, beautiful views of the ocean and more! read more

My best friend and our kids hiked this area this morning. Spectacular views and gorgeous part of the island. We did six miles round trip no problem. Can't wait to do it again! read more

This is a pretty good hike. I think its about 2 miles round trip. Starts out easy, then gets kind of wicked. Up hill , lots of stairs, a couple tunnels, more stairs then... you make it to the top of the crater with some spectacular views!! Definitely worth it! One of those must do places when in Oahu! read more

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Worth every step to get to the tippy top! When you arrive, do expect the top to be busy because this is the final destination of the hike and the views or phenomenal. Do yourself a favor and help a group out by snapping their photo and I promise the favor will get returned. Feel free to check out the bunker or simply enjoy the views. It is extremely serene! Mahalo! read more

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Super steep - and thankfully short - hike! Less than a mile with the most beautiful views of the island. Better go early because I guarantee there will be a ton of people and you'll be waiting behind some of the slower folks on the steep incline, which is most of the hike. Hike is doable for young kids to older adults granted you're in decent shape. Worth it to get some IG/Yelp worthy shots and burn those extra calories from poke, spam musubis, malasadas and Kalua pork! A must in Honolulu! read more

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I had just finished working out and had started my walk at Ala Moana Park, but I stopped and took a picture of Diamond Head and thought, I should be hiking up there! So I got in the car and drove over. It was a little after 7, and people were walking up and/or walking out since they open at 6 am. Luckily, kaimaaina do not need reservations, so I drove in and scored a parking spot in the front. Took a big swig of water cause I didn't want to carry it, and started walking. There were these three annoying young women who walked up in a row, which was obnoxious and rude. They walked so fast, that I passed them as they were resting. Passed them twice like this, but the really annoying part was in the tunnel when one of them started freaking out. I had a family in front of me, and these idiots behind me. She: I can't breathe....can you hurry up please WTF? Calm da faq down! Now I'm starting to feel claustrophobic because I want to get away from them. She finally pushed her way ahead but it was still annoying. Her so called friends were no help. Some tips: ~It's a rocky trail, so comfortable shoes are best. People with slippahs and sandals struggle and complain ~Bring water ~If you are not in shape, it's going to be a challenge, so I suggest walking stairs at least a week or two before coming to Hawaii. ~Don't dress up. No one cares. Plus you'll be all sweaty at the top. ~Be patient. There are children and some very healthy and strong senior citizens ~Smile when someone looks at you on the trail. You're not in your country so you can be nice. I think the next time, I'm going to go at 6 am! read more

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Hike diamond head for views for days. It's a 0.8 mile walk uphill, and then back down, but if you explore all the lookouts like we did, round trip it's about four miles. We got to the top on a clear day and had a bird's eye view of Waikiki on one side and lush greenery and the Hawaiian islands on the other. Gorgeous! $10 parking and $5/pp entrance fee. There is a free small lot before the tunnel that has maybe eight or so spaces. The last hike is at 4pm and the park closes at 6, so no sunset views to be had at the top. read more

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If you only have time for one hike while you're in Oahu you should definitely make sure this is the one! The hike is about a 1.6 mile round trip and you can take it as slow or fast as you want. Getting there is easy. The cost is $10/car and then an additional $5/person. If you do a taxi/Uber, they charge $2/car. Residents are free. Note that the last entry is 4pm and they close at 6pm. We got there around 3:30pm which made for a semi-hot walk up, but nice and cool walk down. The pathway is pretty paved for the most part and can be done for any age (I saw young children to older seniors). It can get steep at points, but there are lots of benches and places good views along the way. You'll get to the first lookout point about halfway up and the view was amazing! But wait until you get to the very top - it just gets better! I was blown away by how blue the water was and how far out you could see. As you get past the halfway point there is one tunnel you'll go through and a couple of long staircases you'll need to climb, but you can take them at your own pace if you need to. Closer to the top you'll also come across the old bunker which you can explore inside of (pretty cool!). The whole experience up and down took us about an hour and a half - so worth it! Once you get back down to the bottom make sure and stop to get yourself a nice drink or fruit treat at the food truck. Overall a MUST DO for any Honolulu trip :) read more

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Short attention span review- Breathtaking views for free. Located on the Makai (Oceanside) of Diamond Head Crater along Diamond Head Road. It is not inside the crater. Three pull-in parking areas along the waterside to enjoy views of the ocean, black point, and other areas. Beware of car break-ins, easy target for thieves recommend not straying too far from your car. Note: part of the route for the Honolulu Marathon- when you are limping towards the Kapiolani park finish line, the beautiful views might not be on your mind (wasn't for me) When it's a nice day, a nice place to pull-over when walking, driving or bicycling. read more

If you're willing to pay $10/car for parking and $5/hiker, this is a beautiful hike with views of nature and city. One tip is to park for free immediately outside of the tunnel at the lookout and then walk on foot to the trailhead--only adds about 5 minutes! The trailhead attendant really does take 1 ticket per hiker, so paying per person is not optional. If you take a ride share/taxi up to the trailhead, you have to pay $2/car. Hawai'i residents park for free though. The hiking route is quite steep but has benches along the way for rest. Most of the route is well-paved. A few less crowded lookouts have wonderful views along the way, and of course the top of the route has the best view. You can read about native birds, the history of the crater, buy cold coconuts, and visit the gift shop within the crater. It is hot with minimal shade, so bring water! read more

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It's WORTH IT!!!! It's a pain for those who are beginners but anyone can do it! The view is amazing & coming down from the hike is always easier. Would recommend to go the earlier the better. read more

Diamond Head Lookout - Walking down from hike view - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Nice hike with beautiful views. Multiple rest stops for taking in the scenery or if you're tired. You will see folks from all age groups. read more

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Hiking Diamond State Monument during the pandemic! Took TheBus from Hilton Hawaiian Village, on the other side of Waikiki, which dropped us off in front of the Community College on 18th ave, as bus was going out of service for 5 minutes. 20 minute walk up the hill to the Park road entrance, through the road tunnel, to the parking area, all in high humidity 80+ degree heat even at 9am. Road tunnel open 6am to 6pm. $10 per vehicle to park, or $0 per vehicle with valid Hawaii id at the parking lot entrance gate. Green trolley and tour buses not running during the pandemic, so the lot was full by 9:30am on a weekday, with cars waiting in a long line for other cars to exit the parking lot. Must have been locals, as severe rental car shortage causing rental cars rates to skyrocket $200+ per day! Place to fill up your water bottles just outside the bathrooms. $5 per non Hawaii hiker, and $0 per hiker with valid Hawaii id to hike the trail. This is in addition to the $10 per vehicle charge. Ticket machines accepting credit cards only, at the bathrooms, and a bouncer at the trail entrance to check your dated and timed hiker ticket. Ok, slight exaggeration as the ticket checker looked like he qualified for medicare. First part of the hike is gradual paved trail suitable for wheelchairs, let alone strollers. Wife and I are moving slowly, so slowly passed by toddlers! OK, the toddlers were strapped to the backs of a couple walking fast. Paved trail turns into rocky path, uphill with a series of switchbacks. Come here after a rain, and you will be jumping from rock to rock, dodging puddles left and right along the path. Toughest part of the hike, as you need sturdy shoes to cushion the jarring shocks to your knees from landing on rocks. Many hikers wearing Chako hiking sandals, all of them showing off their bright red pedicures, most of them ladies, I assume, as everyone wearing masks! My mask is quickly soaked with sweat, and a wet mask is useless, and must be replaced. Bring at least a half dozen paper masks, as you can't breath through a wet paper or wet cloth mask, as you will discover when the CIA waterboards you! First of three series of stairs, leading to lighted tunnel. Stairs are uniformly six inches tall, making the experience bearable. Hold onto the railings, and don't take slip, as there are no landings between the 74 concrete stairs! The 225 foot long tunnel is significantly cooler in temperature with a refreshing breeze. Mild uphill paved lighted path. 99 concrete stairs with no landings leading to the Fire Control Station closed during the pandemic. Trail takes a loop at the top of the crater rim, with 82 metal stairs with landings on the interior slope of the crater rim. Breezy and cool, with the shallow stairs an easy climb. Lookouts to the light house and the park coast line below. Trail loops back on the top of the crater rim, with 54 metal stairs leading to the summit. Hikers packed like sardines at the top. Short spiral staircase goes to the top of the observation tower, with limited space above. People climbing onto the observation tower roof, despite the prohibitions. No park rangers around to give $130 citations. Going down is a breeze, and there is a food truck and pineapple Hawaiian shaved ice truck there also. Cash only. 210 stairs total, nothing compared to the 800+ stairs on the half mile Mist Trail in Yosemite. And those were uneven, slippery, soaked with water, and up to 18 inches high each, with one misstep leading to a fatal slip into the raging Merced river and waterfalls. Wife couldn't finish that hike ten years ago, but finished this one, and we qualified for medicare 3 years ago! We catch TheBus outside the tunnel right next to the park entrance for the trip back to Waikiki. No green trolley, no tour buses, and no ride sharing from the wifi dead area inside the crater. Last time took a $20 taxi home. At least we didn't get locked into the crater, when the tunnel closes at 6pm! May 25, Hawaii announces it is lifting the mask mandate for people outdoors. Three weeks too late for me! read more

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Great hike with an AMAZING VIEW. Love the time spent at Diamond Head and didn't mind the crowds or heat. Most important thing to remember is to Take some water, hydration is important. 2nd thing - that camera of yours. Dust it off and take it with you. Your phone might be good but won't do it justice. read more

Diamond Head Lookout - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Popular with locals and tourists, Diamond Head Lookout is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise from the south side of the island. On a clear day you can see the island of Molokai. Diamond Head lookout is a scenic spot and not a hike. The hike is located within the crater. There are three half moon shape areas where you can park and look out to the Pacific Ocean. From Waikiki, the third and last half moon parking area is what I recommend. Come early to claim your spot on the wall and enjoy the breathtaking views. read more

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