1. Diamond Head State Monument

1. Diamond Head State Monument

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Honolulu, HI

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Diamond Head State Monument

4.5 (2.2k reviews)
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Ask the Community - Diamond Head State Monument

Do you need reservation?

Yes. They limit the number of people allowed in the park and so a reservation is required for both parking and entry for visitors. If you are a resident of Hawaii a… 

Where do I make the reservation?

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/

Is this Fort Ruger trail open?

Yes it is always open. This trail is located outside of Diamond head and goes along the perimeter of the volcano, facing Kapiolani community college.

Is this hike stroller friendly?

I wouldn't say so. There's a small concrete portion at the bottom you could go up and back but the majority is unpaved, hills, gravel, steps, etc.

Trying to make the sunrise but gates don't open till 6. How do I get in before then?

Go there in October when the sunrise is after 6:30am.

When on a weekday morning does the parking lot get full? Will it be hard to get parking at 9am on a Friday?

There's always people come and go, you should be fine getting a parking. The whole trial takes only about an hour and half mins :) hopefully this helps

Do you have yo pay to get in? Parking?

Yes. But there is an area before where you can park but there is a small walk in fee

How long is the hike from start to finish? How many minutes does it take?

It'll take you around 45 minutes round trip. But if you want to take a casual hike and enjoy the scenery as well as takes pictures up there, then expect it to be 1.5 hr… 

Is this kid friendly for 2 and 5 year old? Thank you everyone for the responses! Much love Yelp…

This is not a stroller capable walk, you will most certainly need to carry your 2yo most of the way. There are many stairs, as well as a number of very uneven walking surfaces. If your 5yo is strong and adventurous, they will LOVE this trek since it… 

Are leashed dogs allowed on this hike/trail?

Hello Jessica, As far as i know, there are no pets allowed except for service dogs.

Is this hike good for a Kids/12yr old?

Is your 12 y/o normally physically active? The "hike" into the crater isn't tough BUT be aware if you're going to hike to the summit. Lots of stairs or you can take the newer pathways up. Personally, I've had bilateral knee surgery several years… 

What are the hours for the trail?

I know they stop letting people in at 4:30pm and the gates close at 6pm.

How much does it cost? I was wondering should I go through trip advisor and pay 35 per person

That's a rate tour companies typically charge with transportation. Admission to the trail and park cost $1. I believe parking is $5. I usuallly take public transportation because multiple bus lines stop there because of the community college across… 

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Review Highlights - Diamond Head State Monument

Reservations are necessary so make sure you secure those prior to going (I've heard they can turn you away).

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Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

4.8
(173 reviews)
3.7 mi

Visiting Pu'u Ualaka's State Park is on my top ten favorite things to do in Honolulu. The Park…read moreoffers spectacular views of the entire Southside of the Island. I travelled up Mount Tantalus to the Park yesterday with my daughter. We travelled through beautiful dense forest at the Park entrance. At the highest overlook, we could see everything and more from Diamond Head out to (and beyond) the airport. We could see all of Honolulu. I felt like we were on top of the world! Plaques offer fascinating overviews of the history and geology of the landmarks below. We could even see inside the famous tuff cone, Punch Bowl! Nearby is the first macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The overviews are paved with railings and easily accessible. The Park offers picnic areas with a couple pavilions and picnic tables. There is a charge for non-resident parking of $7 that can be paid electronically. Resident parking is free. Parking is limited, but there are several parking areas. We had no trouble finding parking mid week. Warning signs tell guest not to leave valuables in the car. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is only two miles from downtown Honolulu (maybe a couple more miles to the top). The Park is an easy 5 star and worth a visit.

Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers some of the best views of the greater Waikiki and Honolulu area…read more It's well worth the drive up for the panoramic vista that stretches from Mānoa all the way to Diamond Head, and out toward Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor. The park officially closes at 6pm, but I've walked in after hours before to enjoy the city lights, and the views are just as impressive at night. It's a bit off the typical tourist path, so it doesn't get overly crowded. Highly recommended if you want a different perspective of Honolulu.

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Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

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Mānoa Falls Trail

Mānoa Falls Trail

4.4
(1.3k reviews)
5.4 mi

This is a great little hike that is not difficult at all. The trail seems mostly maintained for the…read moremost part. It was raining when we went, so it got super muddy, but that is to be expected and was totally fine. My only real disappointment was that you cannot actually get into the water to swim anywhere along the trail or at the falls. Also, be aware that they charge for parking, though they do offer a military discount if that applies to you. Overall, it is a nice, accessible walk through nature, just do not bring your swimsuit expecting to dive in.

Service- 3 stars Ambiance- 5 stars…read more I usually hike this trail once a month to put myself out in the jungle and get away from concrete and I love it every time. This trail is located deep and all the way in Manoa valley- past the gym, Manoa elementary school where the road becomes pretty much a one lane street until you get around to the stop where you pay the attendant. I think this part is what disappoints me the most is because kama'aina still have to pay to hike this trail. Geez. If you are kama'aina, you have to present your ID to the attendant where you will have to pay $4. Not sure what the cost is for tourists or non-residents. There are lots of spaces to park when you past the attendant. You have the option to park at your first right past the old Treetops restaurant or further down. There is a restroom and little convenience shop if you want to purchase a souvenir, ice cream, water, etc for your hike. This trail can get super muddy and dangerous after rainfall so I would use caution if you choose to hike during wet season. There are big rocks you will have to step over all throughout the trail so be sure to go with proper hiking shoes with good grip. The waterfall at the very end isn't much but a good little reward as a picture opportunity. Folks can no longer go into the water due to leptospirosis. I highly recommend visiting this spot if you're a hiking person and nature lover!

Photos
Spectacular!
Spectacular!
Water fall behind me and my boo 3
Water fall behind me and my boo 3
Lonely self

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Lonely self
Lulumahu Falls

Lulumahu Falls

4.5
(360 reviews)
6.3 mi

A beautiful day for a hike! Every time I do this hike it's a little different. Today the waterfall…read morewas cold and bracing and there were a lot of people hiking the falls. We started out around 8:45 AM and by the time we reached the waterfall, it was getting full of families and pairs of hikers. I recommend go early to skip the crowds. The hike itself isn't too technical and there are only a few places where you have to step up high over a rock or scramble through a stream.

Here are clear and concise directions for this hike!!…read more Main parking off Pali hwy. Entrance is easily visible. You'll enter the bamboo forest. Within the first 50 feet it will split into a Y trail, take the left path. If you go straight you'll likely end up in the bamboo section for 20-40 mins. If you do not exit the bamboo area within 10 mins, you're lost. You'll exit the bamboo area through a lifted/broken section of the fence. Walk uphill onto the paved pathway. This will open onto a wide valley. You'll pass a large bridge structure. Follow that till road till you get to the supply shed structures. Look for a small concrete stairway in the trees. Stay left mostly, and look for pink ribbons. Pass the old fenced off pool looking area. Once you hit the rock/mud path (approx 10 mins) there's a hard right turn down into the main river area. A large tree has fallen so you'll need to spot the ribbons, and climb over this tree. If you pass this fallen tree by mistake, the trail will seem oddly difficult and dense. You'll need to turn around. Walk until you see the man made rock wall with a small waterfall, and walk across this to the other side. Follow the ribbons up the path and you'll need to cross the river 3-5 more times after this. Keep looking for clear open paths. There's two ways you can continue after that point so don't worry. (One way is just more difficult) Before the waterfall there's a larger section of rocks you'll have to climb over. Main takeaways: You will have to walk across slippery rocks several times. It is muddy. It's not that difficult but can be dangerous at some parts. If you don't see a pink/orange ribbon for more than 5-10 mins at any time, you are likely lost.

Photos
Lulumahu Falls
Lulumahu Falls
Crossing through the stream - hopping on the rocks

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Crossing through the stream - hopping on the rocks
Makiki-Manoa Cliffs Hike

Makiki-Manoa Cliffs Hike

4.3
(38 reviews)
3.8 mi

Did this amazing hike again starting at a different location with an alteration due to a closure of…read moreone section of the trail. I love the combination of this trails because the variety of beautiful views, landscapes, type of surfaces. Dense lush rainforest to dryer areas with a variety of foliage. Started at the Makiki Arboretum trail, taking the loop to the right on the Maunalaha Trail. This section will get the blood flowing as you climb upward over a very rooted trail. Once you arrive at an area with metal benches there is an intersection of multiple trails. Take Makiki Valley Trail to the Right. After a short hike take the Moleka Trail to the Left. The Moleka trail becomes the Manoa Cliff trail which you stay on for a number of miles. If you struggle with narrow trails with drop offs this section may not be for you. There are beautiful views of Manoa Valley from the trail. Some sections of this trail can be muddy. In the past Hike once you go through the gate the Manoa Cliff trail takes a sharp turn to Left at Intersection of other trails. In our case there was a recent landslide and there was a warning sign not continue on the Manoa Cliff Trail. No problem we took Pauoa Flats Trail until we reached Kalawahine Trail and took a Left on it. Take this trail until you reach a paved road, take a right down the road until you see the next trailhead, Nahuina Trail which zig zags its way down. When you come to Makiki Valley trail go left. When you reach Kanealole take it to your right. This trail will take you back to trail you started on. Since there are so many different trails to do this loop I suggest using Alltrails download. We clocked over 10 miles. I'd rate it as intermediate. Bring plenty of water, I carry crampons in case there are muddy slippery areas. Would not do if heavy rain or strong winds expected.

Afternoon hike at Manoa Cliff, Kalawahine, and Makiki Valley Loop…read more Great trail, awesome views. Best if you can download the map as you loose service in several areas of the trail. My trail map also showed I hiked 7.3 miles and my husband stated 6.4, but either way it is long. Just be ready for a good long hike. We started in the rain so yes mud was around, and yes places were pretty slippery. But all in all not too bad to get around. Just wear good hiking shoes. Conditions: bugs, muddy, easy parking, great views, dog friendly, well maintained, wild flowers

Photos
Son son and mommy
Son son and mommy
Mommy and son son
Mommy and son son
Makiki-Manoa Cliffs Hike

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Diamond Head State Monument - parks - Updated July 2026

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