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Diamond head is synonymous with Waikiki and really all of Hawaii so a visit to the crater and top of the lookout is a must stop. The hike itself is more like a walk uphill. If you are in even average shape this should be no problem. It takes about 20 minutes each way with steps at the end. If you come at a busy time you will need to wait for slower people in some sections as it is hard to pass. The view from up top is amazing and well worth it.
Vacationed in Hawaii (4/29-4/3 2026) so of course we had to hit up the beautiful island trails! Diamond Head was on our list so we booked it in advance since you need to make reservations. We did it all through Groupon to get picked up from our hotel and dropped off as well. The trail is definitely a popular hot spot for tourists but we didn't mind the crowd. We did an early one to see the Sun rise, though by the time we got there the sun was out already. Totally okay. Water was provided by our tour guide. He gave us some history on Diamond Head and then dropped us off and gave us 2 hours to explore before getting picked up. Thank you Jonah from Fun Hawaii Group! Aaaand we were on our way! Paths were clean and clear of overgrown plants for the most part. My wife and l hike regularly so we didn't feel the hike was bad at all. Weather was perfect (it rained on us a bjt too which was unexpected but fun) and it wasn't a long hike either. There are steps involved which we enjoyed for the added cardio! When we made it to the top it was breathtaking! The views of the ocean and the mountains were beautiful! Still find myself looking at photos. It was truly magical. We were in paradise!
One of the most stunning hikes in Oahu! Took about 45 min or less to get to the top and is about beginner to medium level hike with certain parts a bit rocky to get over. The views of Diamond Head crater once at the top are amazing! We booked the parking and entry two weeks in advance for 10am-12pm slot and arrived on time with plenty of parking. They have a small visitor center with souvenirs such as hello kitty and Pochaco along with magnets and stickers. There are tables in the grass to rest and picnic at too. On the Saturday we went, there were two food trucks in the side area!
Good little hike. Not Necessarily paved, but more like rock. Potentially slippery when wet. Plenty of stairs leading into a narrow, dark tunnel. If youre claustrophobic, might be a little rough. More stairs to get to the tippy top but a relatively easy hike for an experienced hiker. Nice views at the top.
If you're a tourist then you have to reserve a 2 hour section of time to come here and hike it. We did the 8am to 10am time slot and really enjoyed it. We thought it would be much harder than it ended up being. It was strenuous but very short, it took about 30 minutes with stops. There was a good amount of birds including lots of Mynas, Blue-billed White-Terns, White-rumped Shamas, Common Waxbills, Red-crested Cardinals and more. The trail started to get really packed around 9am which made it slower and more cramped in the tighter areas. There is a shop at the base which has lots of Hello Kitty Items. The views were fantastic and I would highly recommend coming here.
This was such a beautiful hike to experience on a beautiful sunny day! Being in the middle of the crater was super cool as well! I will say, it was slightly more challenging than I anticipated. There are many portions with steep stairs and inclines. But, even with those, it is doable for all kinds of people. I would recommend wearing a hat and sunscreen cuz it is pretty hot. A little windy as well. The hike took about 30 minutes with a slow to moderate pace. That is including stopping and taking some pictures. When at the top, we took more pictures and then made our way back down. Overall, it was about an hour.
According to a brochure I received, Lē'ahi (Diamond Head) is a tuff cone that is believed to have been formed about 300,000 years ago from a single, brief eruption. Long before, the creation of O'ahu began around 2.5 to 4 million years ago with volcanic eruptions from three volcanoes. Diamond Head derives its name from early western traders who mistook calcite crystals on the crater for diamonds. It's a 0.8-mile one-way hike to the summit. We spent two hours round-trip and took a lot of pictures. The hike is mostly uneven and a little steep, but there are handrails if needed. You can see many sweeping views, including the lush crater interior and the southeastern O'ahu coastline. Luckily, it wasn't too crowded when I visited, so I had enough space and time to savor the beautiful views. It was very windy when we reached the summit, and I had to ensure my cap didn't fly out. While hiking in February, it was warm but not too hot. Thankfully, the hike was neither tiring nor long. Non-resident visitors must have a reservation to enter Diamond Head, and it's easy to book online.
Diamond head trail is a short steep hike from inside the crater floor up to the crater ridge. The 360 views from the top are gorgeous. The first portion of the hike is on a paved pathway, followed by a well groomed rock pathway. After the first lookout, will be the first set of steps followed by a low lit tunnel. After the tunnel you have a choice, right to go up the 99 steps and the spiral staircase or left to the landing followed by a gentler incline and then steps. You can tackle both from either direction as it is a loop. It's a total of 1.6 miles roundtrip and a great hike to start the day. Locals don't need a reservation with ID, but visitors do. It's a popular hike, so expect alot of people unless it's midweek or low season for visitors.
Mrs. Picante and I visited Diamond Head during our recent visit to Honolulu/Waikiki, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Once we realized that our hotel was only about three miles from Diamond Head (and since we didn't have a rental car), we decided to walk from our hotel to the State Monument. We made reservations and paid a day or two before our trip, and set out around 8 AM on our walk across Honolulu. In the end, that turned out to be one of the best decisions we made during our trip. Along the way, we saw all the things that make Honolulu wonderful and terrible: beautiful birds and plants growing alongside the Honolulu Zoo; a homeless guy literally smoking crystal outside an elementary school; a beautiful young couple in their wedding finery taking pictures with a photographer between rain showers... it was all the good stuff that you miss when you take an Uber. The walk to the entrance to Diamond Head was, indeed, uphill. This turned out to be a theme for the day (did I mention it was uphill?) As we gained altitude outside the park, we got some great views of the Oahu coastline to the north. We turned into the long tunnel carved right through the side of the crater. Inside, the climate and the plants were more arid than I thought they would be. The dry grass broken up by the occasional plumeria tree or ginger planting framed the jagged crater edge above, cut sharply against the cerulean sky. We made a brief stop at a small gift shop to grab a sticker, then started up the paved pathway, noticing people far up the side. Step by step, we made our way along the path with lots of company. The path was steep in places, and plenty of folks were taking their time to catch their breath. All the hard work of the uphill hike was worth it at the top-- incredible views of the Waikiki coastline. The walk back helped us build a healthy appetite, and we ended up at Lulu's Cafe for like the third or fourth time of the trip. I earned that Loco Moco and craft beer.
We made a reservation for 8:00 to walk the Diamond Head trail and it was a great morning workout. There were parts that were steeper and more difficult, but I saw lots of fit people doing it with ease (not me, of course!). Even at 8 it got really hot at times, so if you can manage to get here by 6, you'd be better off. Be sure to have close-toed shoes and bring water! A hiking stick might help as well because there were lots of uneven areas. The staircases almost did me in... over 90 steps! Once you get to the top, though, there's a nice view and the bunker is nice and cool! The only negative part of this experience was that it was very crowded. I guess it's one of the major activities for visitors to Oahu, so there's no getting around it!
A top sight in Oahu. You have to make reservations ahead of time online to get parking for entry. They also have a shuttle bus from the bottom of the hill. I recommend driving if pay. It's quite an uphill and uneven hike so make sure you have good walking shoes. There is a small visitor center that's just a booth with some information and souvenirs. There are some food trucks and one is dole so you can try a dole whip if you can't make it out to the dole plantation. There are some amazing views of the city and coast from the top.
Climbing Diamond Head is a must-do if you are healthy enough. I climbed again this morning. I like to get 6:00 am reservations because the climb is cooler and I get great sunrise views. Diamond Head is a Hawai'i State Park. I had to make reservations five days prior to get the 6:00 time slot with parking. Parking is $10 for 2 hours and the entrance fee is $5/person for non Hawaiian residents. Reservations can be made from the Park's web page. It takes about 25 minutes to hike from the parking lot to the top (if you don't make a lot of stops). I only carry my phone (camera), but water might be helpful. Good sneakers are a must, especially if it has rained. It was dry today when I climbed. There was a friendly crowd making the hike, today. The path gets uneven about halfway up. But the views are magnificent - the ocean, Honolulu and the mountains. Breath taking beauty as far as the eye can see. Plaques describe the geology of the Diamond Head tuff cone. The structure has importance to early Hawaiians and during the 20th century as a look out post during times of war. War look out post can be seen on the trail. We saw a mongoose on our journey back down, which is a heck of a lot easier than on the way up! There is a Visitor's Center with gift shop and rest room facilities near the entrance to the trail. You can reward yourself after the trek with a pineapple whip or other treat from several food trucks near the trail. I think the hike would be difficult with small children. There are picnic tables if you bring snacks.
9 months ago
A 5 star hike on Oahu if u make a reservation, are in decent shape, bring water and wear shoes, especially if it rains. Sprinkles happen! At 8am, it was already hot and busy with people single file on the trail. Definitely doable- 30mins up and a little quicker going down + time for enjoying the view. Footpath is an uneven slightly rocky surface with rails, but the difficult part is the stairs. U can do it! Reservations are needed, parking spot can be reserved, but is very limited. No parking at Kapiolani Com College, a few parking spots at the lookout point before the tunnel,but paystation wasnt working. There is parking along the neighborhood streets, by Diamond Head Theater, but it adds to your walk.( Visit nearby Fort Ruger Market for drinks and ono food.) Easier to bus or uber. read more
Good workout - yes. Fun to do with friends - yes. Nice, nature hike - no. This is a must do hike when in Honolulu, but it is very touristy and crowded. During the "off" season (January), it wasn't as bad, but there's still lots of people. Most of the hike is either paved or stairs, and there's lots of switch backs, so it wasn't too strenuous, but for sure, it's a workout. It only takes about 1/2 hour to reach the top, and once there, people congregate and won't leave. There are some really nice views from top, so yes, it's worth the hike. Down below there's a nice grassy area with some picnic tables and plenty of trees for shade. Make sure to make a reservation online before entry, otherwise, you cannot enter. It's only $5 per person, so well worth the visit. read more
This is a must do hike for those outdoor lovers. It's a do able hike; but can be challenging... inclines; uneven pavement; narrow tunnel; stairs. It's a good workout for anyone. Wear tennis shoes and bring a bottle of water. * Make reservations prior to coming here; makes things a lot easier* The views are worth it and breath taking. Lookout points aren't that big; so sometimes have to wait your turn. read more
Mark the notch on the vacation belt and just do it. Here are the do's & dont's: Take the earliest trolley there to beat the line for driving and parking. Much more fun there and open air refreshing on the ride back. Bring bottle water, light backpack if you got it ~ it gets hot and tiresome carrying them by hand. Hiking path ~ sure, some can do it in flipflops but why brag about enduring the pain? Undulating steepness, narrow at times, cobbled here and there. The annoyance of the immense crowds makes this a challenge. Wear athletic shoes and be comfortable sure-footed. Bathrooms at the bottom but not at the top so be prepared. Epic views for selfies and be mindful that a line is waiting to take pictures too. read more
1 year ago
Sadly, this was closed for construction when we tried to hike up. This is something on the bucket list for next time because who wouldn't want to hike up a volcano?! The view from where we could go was beautiful though! Only not giving it 5 stars because there was nothing online saying they were going to be closed that day. We only had a limited amount of time during our layover and we would've picked a different place to go if we had known ahead of time. read more
A beautiful hike! Definitely recommend going before the sun comes out, otherwise you'll definitely feel the heat. Very rewarding and beautiful view once you finally get to the top. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE! We saw people getting turned away for not having reservations. read more
My wife and I were so glad we got to do this hike (thanks to my cousin getting us reservations). Reservations are necessary so make sure you secure those prior to going (I've heard they can turn you away). It's about $10 for parking and $5 for entry so try to carpool too. Our group's reservation was from 6-8 am and we arrived at the entrance right around 6 and there was already a line of cars to get in. The hike isn't super hard. Lots of uneven pavement, stairs, inclines, and even a narrow-ish tunnel. Great exercise before the sun comes out. The views at the top/near the top make it worth the journey. Very glad that we were able to make this happen and would do it again. read more
Diamond Head State Monument is one of the top attractions on Oahu and for good reason. Not only is it one of the top attractions, it's the top hike in town. On my last day in Honolulu, I made my way to Diamond Head on a Saturday afternoon. Don't be like me and plan ahead. You have to have a ticket (for a small fee) to enter. You can do so on their website. I didn't have a ticket but luckily, I was able to purchase one online right then and there and get in without a wait. Diamond Head is on military property and that's what it started out as before it became open to the public. As you enter, there's a small gift shop and some bathrooms. You can purchase an audio guide if you'd like to learn more about the history of Diamond Head. I didn't but wish I had. Even without an audio guide, there are opportunities to read on your hike where you can learn. I'm a hiker and I'd say this is a moderate-easy hike. There's some incline and some stairs. You'll go through a tunnel. And it can be hot depending on when you're there without much shade. There are tougher hikes on Oahu and there are kids who do this hike so that should tell you everything you need to know. It's an enjoyable hike with spectacular views of the island once you get to the top. Not only spectacular but iconic views that you see in pictures. I'm happy I went on my last day in Oahu as I was able to see Honolulu from a helicopter level to end my trip. A fitting way to do so. read more
Must see excursion in waikiki! For all levels of hiking. Families, kids and older adults will be able to make this "hike". Very slow incline with steep steps only at the end ~50 steps. Great views at the top. Make sure to reserve online a week before to ensure you get a spot! read more
3 months ago
If you're visiting Oahu and not a resident make sure to reserve a spot online about a month in advance because they will not let you in due to how crowded this place can get. I really enjoy doing this hike whenever I visit Oahu. It's fairly easy and short with great views. There are restrooms at the bottom of the hike with a small gift shop as well. It is usually always very busy with tourists so that would be my only gripe. If you're looking for a little more of a local and less crowded hike, I would recommend pillboxes in Lanikai. read more
2 years ago
When visiting Hawaii, there's often an expectation to book expensive activities, but I'm here to tell you that the Diamond Head hike is an incredible experience that's both affordable and memorable. All you need to do is reserve your tickets onlind in advance for a time slot that works best for you. We chose the 9-10 AM slot, which was perfect for beating the midday heat. For our group of four, the tickets cost just around $20. We also took an Uber from Waikiki to the trailhead, which cost about $15-$20 and was super convenient. If Ubers are busy when you're ready to leave, no worries; there are taxis waiting at the entrance. The hike itself was relatively easy, even for our two sons, ages 8 and 10. They loved the adventure, from the scenic views to exploring the WWII bunkers and the sense of accomplishment from reaching the summit. We completed the whole hike in about an hour. If you're traveling with kids, consider turning it into a full day of fun! After the hike, we took another Uber to the nearby aquarium and then walked over to the Honolulu Zoo. It made for a perfect day of nature and animals. Diamond Head is a must do activity in Oahu which is aan affordable, family-friendly, and packed with unforgettable views! read more
We took the #2 bus in from Waikiki, which dropped us off at the bottom of the hill, approximately a half mile walk to the entrance of Diamond Head. You'll walk through a tunnel, which exits you to the inside of the crater. Pre registration is required, with a $5 fee due at the time of registration. We had a 1 hour window from 9am-10am to enter. During peak seasons, expect it to be very busy. Restrooms, picnic benches, and a small visitor center are available before you start your hike. Although it's only a .o8 hike to the top, we found it to be at a a moderate level, with uneven rocky paths, steep inclines, and lots of stairs. We saw many people struggle, which slowed everyone down. Passing someone can be difficult with tightly spaced paths and large crowds. There are many spots on this hike where you'll be in very close quarters with many people. With all this being said, the views at the top were absolutely gorgeous! Take a minute to appreciate the views and to take some beautiful pics. My suggestion, go early to avoid crowds and the heat. Wear sunscreen, appropriate footwear, and don't forget water and snacks. read more
Make sure to get your reservations and check list off your list. The walk is pretty uneven, with a steady climb up and there are stairs, wear a good walking shoe. It is crowded but worth the memories and views. Also, please make sure you bring water!!! I have seen visitors get helicoptered off the top, and you do not want this to happened to you. So just take your time and stay hydrated. It does get hot. Also, watch out for your hat at the top the wind will blow it off. read more
1 year ago
Gorgeous hike at 6 am in May. Definitely recommend going at 6 am because of the heat. There isn't a ton of cover from the sun. The entire hike took us about an hour from start to finish. You need to make a reservation ahead of time. I have a fear of edges so sometimes I struggle with hikes that have steep stairs at the end. I was able to do this height if that helps anyone else who has a bit of anxiety! read more
If you are visiting Oahu, Diamond Head is a must-visit! We arrived at around 7 in the morning to do this hike through Kaimana tours. There seemed to be plenty of parking available during this time so in hindsight if I ever do this hike again I would park our rented car here instead of opting for the group tour hike. Since we were limited to 2 hours for our tour, we tried to hike as fast as we could (while taking a couple breaks on the way to take photos). It took about 30 minutes for us to reach the peak. Once we were there, there was a lineup to take photos at the top platform. It was very windy at the top so be aware in case you are wearing a loose hat. Since it was early in the morning it was still quite comfortable weather for hiking. The view of the ocean and the island was incredible! The hike itself is not very challenging but if you are going with elderly or small children, just exercise a bit of caution as it might be a bit tough as they gradually go up (the paths can be uneven as they are not paved of course) and there is a dark tunnel to go through before heading a couple flights of stairs to the top. Wish I was able to catch the sunrise on this hike! This hike provided the best views on our trip. If you decide to go, try to go early as possible to avoid crowds and the heat. read more
This is a must for your to-do list in Honolulu! It has amazing views of Waikiki beach as well as some of the other islands if the weather is right! I would consider this an easy hike. It's 0.8 miles and it took us an hour and a half RT with several stops for pictures. There's an intersection where you can go right for stairs or left for the scenic route. If you choose the stairs it will be the hardest part of the hike. We chose the stairs up and took the scenic route back down. It's recommended that you reserve a time for the hike, doesn't need to be too far in advance we did ours the night before! It's $5 per person. There are a few options for transportation but Uber/Lyft worked perfectly for us both ways. We started the hike just after sunrise which was perfect. Not too too many people and finished before it got too hot. read more
Intermittent rain caused us to not hike up to the summit of Diamond Head (Lē'ahi). Let me rephrase; intermittent rain, full stomaches, and laziness caused us not to hike up to the summit of Diamond Head. So instead, you will enjoy my pictures of being in the crater and beginnings of the trail as if we were legit hiking to the summit. That's all I can offer. Oh, and make reservations to visit online. All of what you need to know is on their website https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/ It goes without saying, check the weather and dress appropriately. Like, if you're planning to hike, don't wear flip flops. That sort of thing. read more
a new year, a new resolution, a new sunrise! was told it's hard to get reservations for the mornings but was pleasantly surprised when I saw slots available, a day before my planned visit, and quickly secured the 6-7am timing via online booking. worked backwards and set my alarm for 4.30am! water, snack, lulus check! early to bed and hydrated accordingly. bus #2 a short walk away and in less than half an hour i was at the foot. still dark it was at 6, so some might want to consider an extra torch. as for me, i adapted my night vision. fear not as others will also light the way as you'll never walk alone here! ;) just follow like i did as there are definitely others out there! the initially easy evenly paved slope will gradually give way to meandering uneven path and ultimately steps. the initially crisp chills gradually inverts with layers of warmer air, your body also warms up as you ascend and most who were armed with jackets will eventually not need them at the summit. the compacted line of hikers as you climb also contributed to a comfortable ambient temperature nearer to the top. the crowd, a good mix of races and ages, all gunning to see the light of day! if you thought you were early, there are others earlier! definitely broke a sweat but the end justified the journey! the 360° panorama afforded at the peak, even the crowd can't block out! for those who seek that perfect shot, a risky venture over the railings helps but it's definitely not for the faint hearted! slowly but surely, light defeats darkness.... the view bathed in a gentle volcanic mist that tinted the sun red at dawn. the heart calms, the breathing smoothens, the sweat subsides. with great reluctance, the descend begins.... a reverse order of events accompanied by light instead of darkness. a new year, a new sunrise, a new resolution! p.s. do check out kcc farmers' market at the foot as a reward for your successful hike completion! read more
1 year ago
We hiked Diamond Head with our two young kids and it was a great experience. Make sure you reserve a spot and parking a month before your visit. The trail was easier than expected, totally doable for school-age kids. We made it all the way to the top, explored the bunker, and took the spiral staircase down which added a fun twist to the hike. The views from the top are awesome, and the trail has some cool features like little caves and tunnels. We saw people of all ages and abilities making the climb. 100% recommend. It's a fun and manageable adventure with a big payoff at the top! read more
Came up here for our training. It was a beautiful morning and a wonderful sight to look at. Sunrise was golden! We got to train in the bunkers there. It wasn't too bad or as harsh as I thought it would've been. I actually enjoyed myself and had a lot of fun! Thank you to my hubby for coming along with me too! I love you Myko! Although you did piss me off! HEHEHE KIDDING! He did so much better than me. I'm so glad he was my partner. This kind of stuffs comes so natural for him. For me, it's so frustrating because I'm not so in tuned like he is, so, I don't really pick up that quick. But once I know or I learn, I tend to stick to that and try to follow what was taught or shown. Im just glad I dragged him along for this CERT training. lol! Now we're BOTH Certified! Yay!!! read more
2 years ago
This hike is pretty easy and good for beginners. Unfortunately, there are no shades anywhere on the whole hike. The view is beautiful from the top. Make sure to take water with you! read more
One of the most scenic trails in the Honolulu area with magnificent vistas. Non-Hawaiian residents need reservations. Be prepared for a continuous feed of people. Many lookout areas on the ascent. The summit has jaw dropping views. It's also notable that one is inside of a volcano crater. Great historical importance as a military installation dating back to WWI . Much of the mountain was perforated with pill boxes. You can go into some of the passageways and connect to the trails. Drones are prohibited. Great hike read more
9 months ago
Amazing views, but just like any viral place it's packed full of tourists. Overall it was worth the hike. Go early because it gets really hot! Luckily there are bathrooms at the bottom. read more
Hiking a volcano in Honolulu, Hawaii... This is a must for visitors because it's an unusual activity when you're on vacation. You can go home and tell everyone that you went inside of a volcanic crater! I did this hike at least twice in the past: A long time ago, I took my cousin's daughter from San Francisco when she attended summer school at Iolani... Many years ago, Joie, Jules, and I did this hike. I can't remember much... that's why I went again on 4-1-24... FEES: out-of-town visitors must make a reservation online and pay entrance and parking fees Residents must show their ID to get in FREE - yes! Admission and parking are free for Kama'aina!!! Remember to bring water, wear a visor, and use sunscreen! I saw one barefoot guy, a few people with dress shoes, and some wore flip-flops. The trail starts out smooth and paved, then inclines into jagged rocky, uneven surface with some loose gravel here and there. After the first set of stairs, the tunnel has low lights, so flashlights aren't needed anymore! To reach the summit, it's recommended that hikers go to the left, then up the metal stairs - instead of going up the 99 concrete steps. The path loops around so that the 99 steps lead you down to that point of separation. The views are great; the fresh breeze was appreciated; and the slightly overcast day was a blessing! read more
Great place to come for a total body intense workout. The stairs seem to be endless. LOL!! I tapped out very close to the top once I saw that spiral staircase. I couldn't afford to take more pics or pics while hiking. I needed every bit of my energy and breath. Many people come here. The Hawaii sun is BRUTAL!! I darkened a few shades and sunburned to where my skin started to peel. I'd be interested in doing this again on my next trip to Hawaii. read more
If you are staying in Waikiki I highly recommend spending a few hours hiking Diamond Head. Remember to get a pass beforehand. Parking is limited, but we rented e-bikes and were able to get there and "park" easy peasy. The beginning of the hike is paved and then goes into a clear path slow incline switch backs. its good for beginners and makes a nice loop. Note: when you get to the top crawl into the fort and take the spiral staircase to complete the loop. It felt wrong so we ended up missing out. read more
2 years ago
The iconic landmark on the island of Oahu: DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT. Add this to your bucket list to earn some bragging rights. "I climbed to the top of that crater!" Entry & Parking reservations are now required for non-residents. I paid $15 total for 3 of us to enter by car and hike the trail. It was my umpteenth hike here, but it was a first for my niece and her husband. The goal was to watch the sunrise from the summit. We started at 6:30am and reached the top by 7:00am. Probably would've been sooner, but with others on the trail and photo taking in between, we still made it in good time to enjoy the sunrise. The restrooms and a tiny souvenir shop are available at the trailhead. There are no facilities at the top, so plan ahead. Be sure and stop to smell the plumeria! read more
We were planning on making it before the sunrise but didn't work out. Being locals we get in for free and do not have to pay for parking. Everyone in car has to show IDS to prove we are all Hawaii Residents. We headed up the uneven cement trail making our way up the trail which also had handrails. It was early but the exposed trail was already growing warm and already had a lot of tourist traffic. Make sure to bring water. Once we were closer to the top we went through a short tunnel and start climbing stairs finally to the top. It was busy. The views were nice 360 degree of mountains, Honolulu, crater and the ocean. read more
9 months ago
Well worth the hike! A very doable but challenging hike. Took around 1 hour and 15 minute round trip, including extra time to bird watch and enjoy the views. Lots of stairs but the summit views were amazing! read more
You must make a reservation online to do this hike. Be sure to book in advance! I booked a few days in advance and was unable to get any morning times so I opted for the next best thing which was the 12-2pm time slot. I bought both two entries and parking in my booking. Upon arriving, we got our tickets scanned by the park ranger booth. You must arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reserved time since the park ranger said our parking would expire exactly at 2pm. They did have bathrooms and refreshments available. The hike starts out on a paved pathway but then turns into a rocky trail. Please do your feet a favor and wear athletic shoe wear for this. It goes up at an incline consistently thoughout and there are a few sets of long stairs to trek up. The heat was intense the higher we got up but the views were spectacular once you've reached the very top. You can see the ocean and city so clearly from a bird's eye. It was neat to see the bunkers they used too for the military. Take small breaks as needed and don't forget to bring water! The views are worth it. This was a a harder hike than mokapu'u lighthouse trail in my opinion, so I'm glad I did that one first before diamond head. It took us about 1.5 hours to complete and head back to our car. read more
Certainly any trip to Honolulu needs a visit to this famous site of amazing geology. Diamond Head State Monument is just about the most famous landmark in Hawaii. It's the highlight for sure of Waikiki. Famous for its use in photography, especially on calendars and postcards that let people show off where they've been. This is crazy that it used to be an active volcano, but now people are on top of it, making duck faces and posting selfies. A lot of the island of O'ahu was created by its eruptions. It's been for than 150,000 years since the last one. This means hiking it will be pretty safe. Of course it's always important to be prepared before going. There's bathrooms and water fountains at the base, along with some food options. Getting up it can be hard but it's also fun. There's two sets of stairs, so there's lots of stepping. Also there's a tunnel that was used by the military. The Birkheimer Tunnel is another one that's currently used by the State Civil Defense Agency, interesting stuff. It takes about 30 minutes or so to get to the top of it. There's views of the islands of Lanai and Molokai. It got its name when British sailors noticed the sparking calcite crystals on the beach and crater. The federal government built some structures allowing the use for coastal artillery defenses in the 1930s. Then after the Pearl Harbor attack, they built more as well as foxholes and pillboxes. A lot of these are still here. The entire site was later made a monument. For sure it's a must visit for tourists, even if they just want to party on the beach. It's open from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. The entrance is at Diamond Head Road and 18th Avenue, where there's bathrooms and usually food trucks. read more
More info about Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head Rd
Honolulu, HI 96816
Diamond Head
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(808) 587-0300
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http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
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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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
Review Highlights - Diamond Head State Monument
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Diamond Head State Monument - parks - Updated June 2026
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