Diamond Head Hike: A Complete Guide to Hiking this Famous Trail in Oahu
The Diamond Head hike is one of the most popular and easy hikes on Oahu.
It’s a great way to see beautiful views of Oahu’s south shore, and it’s not too difficult for beginners.
If you want to take in some fantastic views but don’t have much time, this is the perfect activity!
This trail will give you an up-close look at a lot that Honolulu has to offer. Plus, if you’re looking for something fun and easy to do with your friends or family, then this should be right up your alley!
Before we get started, here is some important historical information about Diamond Head. Feel free to use the table of contents to skip around.
History of Diamond Head
Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu and is known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi.
Diamond Head is believed to have been formed between 400,000-500,000 years ago. It is part of the system of cones, vents, and shield volcanoes that are collectively known to geologists as the Honolulu Volcanic Series—eruptions from which built much of the island of Oahu 3 to 4 million years ago.
Diamond Head is a defining feature of the view known to residents and tourists of Waikiki alike. The crater, which today is a State Monument, was originally purchased by the Federal government in 1905 so that it could be used as a defensive military base. While it was completed and ready to defend Oahu during WW1, not a single piece of artillery was ever actually fired from Diamond Head during the war.
The “Diamond” name comes from when western sailors thought the crystals from the rocks on the slope of the crater were diamonds. Since then, it’s been referred to as Diamond Head.
Diamond Head Parking
There is paid ($10.00 per vehicle) parking available on site. Residents with a Hawaii State ID do not need to pay the fee. Please note that there is also an additional $5.00 admission fee per person to enter the hiking trail.
As a note, the onsite parking lot fills up quickly, and it’s limited. I would suggest arriving early or late in the afternoon to ensure you have parking. Please note that the above note only applies to residents if visiting on or after May 12, 2022. This won’t apply to non-residents since reservations will now be required.
Taking the bus or shuttle/Uber is also another option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking.
Note: Payment is through credit card only, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Diamond Head Reservations
If you plan to visit Diamond Head on or after May 12, 2022, reservations will be required. The state land officials announced that visitors can start making reservations online beginning on April 28, 2022. Reservations can be made within 14 days of your scheduled visit. We recommend making your reservations 14 days out to ensure you get your desired day/ time slot.
If you are a Hawaii resident, you do not need a reservation.
According to state land officials, these new rules were put in place to control congestion, on hiking trails, damage to the environment and infrastructure, and heavy vehicle traffic.
Diamond Head is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Hawaii with thousands of visitors each day. In 2019, Diamond Head received a record 6000 visitors per day.
I know most of us are not big fans of reservation systems but in this case, it makes sense. Reservations will ensure that visitors are spread out across the day and the park will be less congested.
Click here to make your reservation.
Diamond Head Hours
The hike is open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Gates close at 6:00 pm, so make sure to be out of the park before this time.
If you plan on getting there late in the day to avoid crowds, we recommend getting there at least 15 minutes before 4:00 pm. One time we got there around 4:00 pm, and we were turned away.
Also, Remember hours might change depending on when you go and current events, so always check the Division of State Parks website to confirm.
How to get to Diamond Head
There are multiple options to get to Diamond Head.
Drive there yourself: This is our favorite way to get around the island of Oahu as it gives you the flexibility to do whatever you want at whenever time you feel like doing it. Having a car allowed us to explore the windward side of Oahu and so much more after hiking Diamond Head.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi: If you don’t feel like driving or don’t have a car, these are all great options to get to Diamond Head.
Take the Waikiki Trolley: This is an excellent option if you don’t want to worry about parking and is also a great way to see Waikiki and some of the other areas on the island.
Take the Bus: Bus #23 goes from Waikiki to Diamond Head. This bus will drop you off at the bottom of the Diamond Head State Monument stop. It’s a short walk from there to the start of the trail.
Diamond Head Trail Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: About 1.6 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 452ft
Route Type: Out & back
How Long Does it Take: 1-1.5 hours round trip
Highlights of the Trail: Gorgeous views of Waikiki and the south shore of Oahu
Hiking Diamond Head Trail
The Diamond Head trail is a top hike in Oahu that takes you around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete depending on how fast you hike and how often you stop to enjoy the gorgeous views.
This is one of Oahu’s most popular hikes, so be prepared to share the trail with many other hikers and tourists.
We have hiked many trails in Oahu, and Diamond Head is one of the most touristy locations we have ever hiked.
In my opinion, I think it tops the famous Lanikai Pillbox Hike and the Koko Head Hike in terms of traffic.
The Start of the Trail
The start of the trail is located a few feet from the parking lot. It starts right after you pass the security officer.
It starts out paved, easy to follow, and is a great way to warm up for the rest of the hike.
Don’t let the beginning of the hike fool you; it gets a bit steeper and is not fully paved after the first few hundred feet. Don’t let that scare you though, as Diamond Head is still one of the easiest hikes in Oahu. Just pace yourself, take your time, and enjoy the views along the way.
One of our favorite things about this hike is that it’s perfectly marked so that you won’t get lost. It’s also an out and back hike, meaning that the same way you got up is the same way you will have to come back down. This makes everything so much easier.
The trail is also very well maintained, so you don’t have to worry about anything else and can just enjoy the hike.
The Middle Section of the trail
The second part of the trail is where the hike starts to get a little steeper. You will begin to go up some steeper hills and some stairs.