Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu in 2024 – (Lēʻahi) Summit Trail
Have you heard of the Diamond Head Crater hike on Oahu?
I’m guessing you have! It’s one of the most iconic hikes in Hawaii and easily the most popular hiking trail on Oahu, even among locals like me!
You get to hike in the old volcanic crater!
Since I moved to Oahu, I’ve hiked this trail quite a few times, and it never gets old!
There’s so much history behind Diamond Head. I love seeing the military bunkers at the top, and the panoramic views from the summit always blow me away.
You can see the entire Diamond Head Crater, Waikiki town, and the Pacific Ocean!
So, if you’re hoping to add this trail to your Oahu itinerary, I’m the girl for you!
This no-nonsense guide has absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Diamond Head, from getting there to entrance fees, parking, how to make reservations, an overview of the actual trail, and my expert insider tips!
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Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
General Information
Diamond Head, also known as Lē‘ahi in the Hawaiian language, is one of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks.
Before we get into all the details for planning your visit and actually hiking to the summit of Diamond Head crater, this is one place where knowing some background and history of the area makes you appreciate it THAT much more.
What Is Diamond Head?
🌋 Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone on the island of Oahu.
It sits near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline and is visible from Waikiki Beach.
This makes it the most recognizable volcano in Hawaii.
The volcanic tuff cone was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single explosive eruption.
This type of volcano never erupts again, so visitors are not at risk.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Is Diamond Head a real diamond?
The name “Diamond Head” is from the late 1700s, when Western explorers mistook the calcite crystals in the crater for diamonds.
Lē‘ahi (Lay-ah-hi) is the Hawaiian name for the crater, which translates to ‘brow of the ahi fish (tuna).’
It comes from the crater’s shape, which looks vaguely like a Tuna fish when looking up at it from Waikiki.
Short History of the Trail
The main attraction at Diamond Head is its hike to the summit. This is why everyone comes here, and it’s equally beautiful and interesting!
It’s why everyone comes here!
Military History: The 0.8-mile trail was constructed in 1908 as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system.
Batteries were also built throughout the crater to hold artillery, and at the summit, they built a Fire Control Station in 1911.
It remained restricted to military access for most of the 20th century until the government designated it a Hawaii State Park in 1976 and opened a small portion of the crater to the public.
Today, you can walk the same trail these soldiers did years ago and visit historic bunkers, batteries, and pillboxes at the summit.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Can Diamond Head still erupt?
Diamond Head is considered an extinct volcano, meaning it is not expected to erupt again. It last erupted about 150,000 to 200,000 years ago, and there has been no volcanic activity since then.
For more information on Hawaii volcanoes, check out the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website.
Is there anything inside the Diamond Head?
Besides the popular hiking trail and beautiful coastal views, Diamond Head has old military bunkers, tunnels, and lookout points built by the U.S. Army for coastal defense.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Entrance into Diamond Head State Monument
The current entrance into Diamond Head State Monument is also incredible.
Shortly before WWII, the military dug the Kahala Tunnel through the side of the crater to make it more accessible, and this is still the entrance tourists use today!
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Planning Your Visit
One of the best parts about Diamond Head is how accessible it is from Waikiki.
But since it’s such a popular tourist spot, it requires more planning and preparation than your average hike.
Opening Times
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The closing time shows when everyone should be OUT of the park. So, you must start hiking by 4 p.m. to ensure plenty of time to get back down from the summit by 6 p.m.
🎫 Entrance Fees
Hawaii residents can enter Diamond Head State Monument and park for free. All we have to do is show our Hawaii ID.
However, non-Hawaii residents must pay $10 per vehicle + $5 per person to enter the park.
Just entry: $5.
You must also make a reservation in advance and purchase your tickets online. There’s a processing fee of $1-2, and they only accept credit cards.
If you cancel more than three days in advance, you can apply for a ‘partial refund.’
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
How to Book Tickets
In order to actually book tickets for Diamond Head State Monument, you have to make a reservation on the Hawaii State Parks website.
Although I don’t have to do this anymore as a local, I did the first time I visited Diamond Head, and it’s pretty straightforward.
You simply select whether you want Parking+Entry or entry only, then select your desired time slot.
The available time slots in the reservation system depend on your ticket type.
If you’re bringing a vehicle into the crater and need Parking+Entry, you’ll select from a few 2-hour time slots. Then, you must show up within the first 30 minutes of your time slot.
These are typically every 2 hours:
- 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
- 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
On the other hand, if you don’t need parking, there are 1-hour time slots every hour between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., followed by a 30-minute slot from 4:00 to 4:30.
You can show up at any time within your selected time.
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Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Getting Here
Diamond Head is one of the easiest places to visit on Oahu, especially for those staying at a hotel near Waikiki Beach (90% of you).
Still, you have several options to get to Diamond Head.
🚗 Rent a Car – Driving around Oahu is the best way to travel (especially if you rent a Jeep). I always use Discover Cars for car rentals on the islands. You can check their rates here.
🚕 Take a Taxi – Public taxis and Uber are both available on Oahu and can take you to Diamond Head for about $30. You can also reserve a private shuttle with hotel pick-up/drop-off.
🛵 Rent a Moped – After trying a couple of different providers on Oahu, I now only use Hawaiian Style Rentals. They’re the most professional and easiest company to work with.
🚌 Public Bus – One of the most affordable ways to get around Oahu is by public bus. You just need to get a HOLO bus card, load it with some cash, and take Route 2/2L from Waikiki to Diamond Head. (Note – This drops you off near KCC Farmers’ Market, so you’ll have about 1 mile to walk until you reach the trailhead).
🚃 Take the Trolley – The Waikiki Trolley Pass is my favorite transportation hack for getting around the city easily and without breaking the bank. The Green Line goes all the way to Diamond Head Visitor Center.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Parking and Transportation
I’ll admit that making reservations and parking at Diamond Head State Monument can be confusing.
There seem to be way more hoops to jump through here than at other hikes around Oahu.
So, here are all the details in plain English to help ease your mind!
Parking
The parking for the Diamond Head Crater Hike is actually inside the Crater.
You pass through Kahala Tunnel, and shortly afterward, there’s a large parking lot next to the small visitor’s center and public restrooms.
Since parking is by reservation only, you should always be able to find a spot, even if you come later in the day.
But if you are struggling to find a spot, there’s more parking outside the crater (just be prepared for a longer walk to the trailhead).
Who Needs a Diamond Head Parking Reservation?
Hawaii residents can enter and park for free with a valid ID.
Non-residents must make parking reservations in advance. Parking costs $10, plus $5 for each person inside the car.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Can you walk to the Diamond Head Hike from your hotel in Waikiki?
Yes, walking to the Diamond Head hike from your hotel in Waikiki is possible, but most people don’t.
The parking area is roughly 3 miles from the center of Waikiki Bay (I’m using the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue as a reference point).
So, if you want to walk all the way from Waikiki, I’d plan 1-2 hours of walking to the Diamond Head Trail, followed by another hour to reach the summit (a total of 2-3 hours each way).
💦 To combat the heat, wear a sun hat and cool clothes, and don’t forget your sunscreen and this Water To Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water in Oahu.
🚊 Waikiki – Diamond Head Shuttle
The Waikiki – Diamond Head Shuttle (a.k.a. Green Line) runs every 60 minutes.
Diamond Head is the 4th stop, and the shuttle is expected to arrive at Diamond Head at the 57-minute mark from 7:57 until sunset.
Other stops include Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu Zoo, Prince Waikiki (Ala Wai Boat Harbor), Hale Koal Hotel, and Ka La’i Waikiki Beach.
Here’s the complete Waikiki Trolley Map and Timetable.
🎟️ If you only need access to the Green Line, day passes are $19/adult and $12.75/child.
🤑 But most of the time, it’s a better deal to purchase a one-day, four-day, or seven-day pass.
This gives you unlimited rides on all three trolley lines, so you can explore more of the island once you’re finished with the hike!
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Hiking the Diamond Head Summit Trail
Now, let’s discuss the hike itself, including the hiking stats, facilities, and what to expect on the trail!
Diamond Head Crater Trail Hiking Stats/Details
It’s always helpful to have a snapshot of the “stats” before I go hiking.
- Length: 1.6 Miles (2.57 km)
- Elevation Gain: 560 feet (171 m)
- Type of Trail: Out-and-Back trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Facilities: No (only at trailhead)
🗺️ Also, here is the Official Trail Map in case you’d like to download it before you go!
Where is Diamond Head Crater Hiking Trail?
As I mentioned above, the hiking trail actually starts INSIDE of Diamond Head Crater, which I found extremely cool.
A tunnel leads into the crater, from which you can access the Visitor’s Center, parking lot, and trailhead to the summit. Diamond Head Summit Trail is also the only official trail in the State Park.
🗺️ Diamond Head Trail Map
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Diamond Head Summit Trail
When people talk about the Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu, they are referring to the Diamond Head Summit Trail.
This is the only trail that leads to the top of the crater and, to my knowledge, the only hike within the crater.
I’ve heard people say that it’s a relatively easy hike, but I always tell people it’s moderate.
The final sections have pretty steep stairs, with over 150 steps and very little shade. The Crater also blocks any breeze until you reach the summit, so you’ll certainly break a sweat.
Still, the trail doesn’t take much more than 60-90 minutes to complete, and there are a couple of benches and lookout points where people can stop and rest along the way.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Hiking the Diamond Head Summit Trail
The initial 0.2 miles of this trail are paved, partially shaded, and wide enough for people to pass one another easily.
But that doesn’t last long.
Once the trail starts uphill, it becomes an uneven dirt path and increasingly narrow. By the midway point through the hike, there’s only enough space for two single-file lines.
The trail gradually gets steeper, making 7-8 switchbacks before reaching the first designated lookout point and the final section.
This final section starts with 74 yellow steps and a 350-foot tunnel (which is only about 6 feet high and even more narrow).
Once you come out of the tunnel, you’ll have the option to go right or left.
The recommended route is to the left. This path follows a more gradual ascent and has a few more lookouts over the crater that are worth stopping for some pics!
The right path goes straight up 99 stairs to the summit.
I suggest following the recommended route to the left!
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
How hard is the Diamond Head hike?
The Diamond Head hike is steep but doable for most people and takes about 30 minutes, though you might need breaks for water and 📸 pictures.
The climb isn’t too hard, and the amazing views are worth it, with plenty of rest spots along the way.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
On the Diamond Head Summit
Once you climb the final section of the hike to Diamond Head Summit, you’ll be rewarded with a 360º view of Oahu, including the entire Diamond Head Crater, Waikiki, and the ocean.
It’s pretty amazing!
At the top, you’ll also see two helicopter pads and a couple of old military pillboxes.
Believe it or not, the platform where you stand on the summit is built on top of one of these pillbox bunkers.
Once you take some pictures and finish enjoying the view, the way back down is THROUGH this bunker.
To me, this is one of the coolest parts of the trail. I loved ducking underneath and exploring the bunkers.
☝️ You do have to crouch pretty low and duckwalk to get into the pillbox, but once inside, It was amazing to picture what it might have been like to be a soldier stationed here for lookout.
Note: This is not the only way to go down; for your return, you can still use the same path you came in without going in into the bunker.
Then, there’s a spiral staircase leading down deeper into the bunker.
Visitors are blocked off from going up the stairs, but if you go down the steel spiral staircase, you pass more small cells and bunkers (all off-limits, unfortunately).
It almost feels like an underground lighthouse!
The spiral staircase ends at the top of the 99 stairs back down to the first tunnel you passed through on your way up!
Are There Restrooms at Diamond Head?
There are public restrooms at the Diamond Head State Monument visitor center, but you won’t find any facilities or trash cans along the summit trail.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Finishing the Hike
Once you make it back to the tunnel, you simply follow the trail back down the mountains the same way you came.
I know this isn’t the case for everyone (especially if you struggle with knee pain), but hiking back down was much easier than the way up.
Most people take 15-20 minutes to hike back down from the summit to the Visitor’s Center.
However, it might take a little longer if it’s an exceptionally crowded day (on the way back, the trail has been pretty crowded every morning that we’ve gone there!).
That’s because the top of the hike is so narrow that it’s common courtesy to yield to people hiking uphill.
Once you reach the bottom, there’s often a food truck with small snacks and desserts, so treat yourself!
How do I prepare for the Diamond Head hike?
🎒 What to pack for Diamond Head?
Because the trail is sunny, wear sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Light, breathable clothing is great for the heat, and bring a light jacket for the cooler weather.
You’ll need to wear sturdy shoes (if you have hiking shoes or athletic shoes with good grip, even better!), as the trail can be steep. Sandals or flip-flops aren’t a good idea for this hike.
Bring a backpack for carrying water, snacks, and items like a camera or phone.
There are no water fountains on the trail, so be sure to have plenty of water with you. I like to use my filtered Water To Go Bottle whenever I’m hiking.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Guided and Audio Tours
To be honest, you don’t need a tour guide for Diamond Head, and very few are available.
But for some people, having the transportation and tickets taken care of for them is well worth spending a little extra.
I’ve also met people who told me they enjoyed the audio tour, which allows you to learn more about the history of Diamond Head as you hike.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can book a 1 hour 30 minutes Audio Tour + Four-Color Map for just $5.
Diamond Head Guided Tour
The closest thing you’ll find to a guided tour of Diamond Head is this self-guided hiking tour.
🚌 It includes pick-up/drop-off at your hotel and all the park entrance fees, but you’ll still need to complete the hike on your own.
Another option is to book a full-day tour that includes Diamond Head Summit as one of the stops, like this North Shore tour by Oahu Island Experience.
It includes a sunrise hike to the summit of Diamond Head, along with stops at The Halone Blowhole, Tropical Macadamia Nut Farms, Kualoa Regional Beach Park, Kahuku Sugal Mill, and Sunset Beach!
🤓 Why I recommend it: In addition to visiting all the top sightseeing spots, you get to learn about Hawaiian culture tips and tricks from an insider like Stephanie and John (Hawaiian locals). This is priceless.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
🎧 Diamond Head Crater Hike Audio Tour
Along the hike, I remember seeing all these little brown signs with headphones on them and wondering what they were for.
In hindsight, it was obvious! These signs are a marker for people using Diamond Head’s self-guided audio tour.
You can purchase an audio tour voucher for just $5.
Once you arrive at Diamond Head Visitor Center, you can redeem the voucher for a map and an audio device with narration.
🌎 The audio tour is offered in English, Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Korean, or Chinese (Mandarin).
Just be aware that all audio devices must be returned to the office by 3:30 pm.
💁 Note: So many negative reviews are because people thought they were buying tickets to the hike itself. This does NOT get you admission or parking. It’s ONLY the audio tour.
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
TIPS FOR HIKING DIAMOND HEAD CRATER
When planning a hike to Diamond Head, here are some insider tips to help you enjoy the hike as much as possible.
🌄 Get Here Early: Come expecting crowds, even in the morning. As Oahu’s most popular hike, it’s crowded at all times of the day. But your best chance of escaping some crowds is before 9 am.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes: You don’t necessarily need hiking boots, but I would never want to hike this trail in flip-flops or sandals.
💡 PRO TIP: Make sure you have closed-toed shoes with good traction for the uneven, steeper sections of the trail. I also recommend using blister and heel protectors; they worked wonders for me when I used to get blisters during hiking.
💦🧴 Bring Water and Sunscreen: Hawaii is hot and humid year-round, with very little shade toward the top of the hike. A hat is also a great idea!
I personally use and love Water-To-Go bottles, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick in Hawaii.
🛣️ Stay on the Designated Trail: Most of the Diamond Head Crater is still off-limits to civilians, so stay on the designated trail.
🎒 Protect the Environment: Pack everything out (there are no trash cans), keep a safe distance from wildlife, and don’t move or take any rocks or plants. It’s a protected area, and it also helps to keep you safe.
👨👩👧👦 It’s for everyone: One of the best things about this hike is that it’s accessible to so many people. Every time I do it, I see elderly individuals with walking sticks and families with small children!
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
🧳 What To Pack For HIKING IN HAWAII
- Water To Go Bottle
- Mineral Sunscreen
- Blister/Heel protectors
- Bug spray
- Sun hat/Baseball Cap
- Camera
- Backpack/Daypack
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight windbreaker jacket or raincoat Women/Men
- LED Headlamp
- Phone carrier/pouch
- Quick drying towel
- Portable charger
- Running shoes Women/Men
- or Hiking boots Women/Men
Diamond Head Crater Hike on Oahu
Final Thoughts: Hiking The Diamond Head Crater on Oahu
I’ve lived on Oahu since 2021, and 🩷 Diamond Head is still one of my favorite spots! Its magical views of Honolulu downtown, the ocean, and the rich Hawaiian history make it a must-see on Oahu.
If you’re hiking Diamond Head, pack light, breathable clothes for the hot weather. Comfy sneakers are great for climbing, and don’t forget a reusable water bottle, sun hat, and mineral sunscreen!
Enjoy this beautiful hiking experience! Mahalo!
👉 Also, check out some of my other bucket list things to do on Oahu!
Diamond Head Crater Hike: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diamond Head Hike worth it?
YES – Diamond Head is beautiful! The climb is steep, but the views are worth it, with plenty of rest spots along the way.
If you’re visiting Honolulu for the first time, you must see it—you won’t regret it!
As it takes at least 1-2 flights to get to Oahu, Hawaii, you might wonder if the Diamond Head hike is worth it. I hope this article has shown you that it is.
How much does it cost to hike Diamond Head?
Non-residents must pay $10 per vehicle + $5 per person to enter the park + processing fee $1-2.
You must also make a reservation in advance and purchase your tickets online.
What is the latest time I can enter?
Diamond Head Hike is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily. The last entry is at 4 p.m., and the Gates close at 6 p.m.
How long is the hike to Diamond Head Summit?
The trail length is 1.6 miles (round trip) and will take you about 1.5 hours.
How high is Diamond Head?
Diamond Head rises to a height of about 761 feet (232 meters) above sea level.
Can you drive up to Diamond Head Summit?
YES – there is a parking lot right after the entrance to the Diamond Head (right after the tunnel) and the entrance booth. After that, you’ll head up to the crater by foot.
Tip: If you forgot to make a reservation for parking, there are a few spaces available just before the tunnel.
When is the best time to hike Diamond Head Crater?
Sunrise or sunset! Choose a weekday morning to avoid the crowds; the earliest reservation spot is 6 a.m., so while you won’t catch the full sunrise, you’ll still see a beautifully colored sky.
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Can you drink tap water in Hawaii?
YES – you can drink tap water in Hawaii. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply ensures that the water meets or exceeds all federal and state safe drinking water standards, so it’s safe to drink.
💧 However, if you prefer an extra filtration layer, I recommend using a Water-To-Go Bottle to filter your drinking water while traveling.
Do we need visa to travel to Hawaii?
NO, you don’t need a visa to Hawaii if you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from the mainland United States to Hawaii. Hawaii is part of the United States, so domestic travel requirements apply.
If you’re an international traveler, you may need a visa depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
What is the best way to get from the airport to Waikiki?
From HNL Airport to Waikiki you have a few options including a rental car, private transportation, or shared shuttle service.
If you want to rent a car I highly recommend booking it with Discover Cars.
They find both local and international businesses to ensure you secure the most favorable deal!
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I recommend two options for airport shuttle, Roberts Hawaii mini bus and private shuttle service. Both are reliable and reasonably priced services.
These are the best Honolulu to Waikiki shuttle services.
Using these shuttle services is the easiest, fastest, and most stress-free way to get from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki. They offer door-to-door service, making it super convenient.
Your transportation will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to Waikiki.
After a long day of travel, having someone ready to take you straight from the airport to your hotel in Waikiki is the best way to start your trip.
What’s the best way to book my Oahu accommodations?
To find hotels and places to stay in Oahu, try Booking.com, and for hostels, check out Hostel World. If you’re looking at Airbnbs, consider VRBO too, as it might have cheaper options than Airbnb itself.
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