Diamond Head Trail: How to Hike Hawaii’s Most Famous Crater

Located just outside Honolulu, Diamond Head Crater is a must-do hike that’s full of stunning views, fascinating history, and a deep connection to Hawai’i’s cultural and natural heritage. If you’re visiting Oʻahu, this trail is an absolute must.

I wasn’t sure what to expect on this hike (I half thought it was just a tourist trap), but Diamond Head more than lived up to the hype. Yes, it’s popular, but don’t let that scare you away. There’s a reason it’s one of Oʻahu’s most iconic hikes!

The sweeping views of Honolulu, Waikīkī Beach, and even distant islands like Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi on clear days are beautiful — but it’s so much more than just the views. The trail is full of history, from its deep cultural significance to its military past, and even a brief stint as a concert venue.

Whether you’re here for the views, the history, or just the chance to experience an iconic part of Oʻahu, Diamond Head has something for everyone. This guide has everything you need to know before you go — let’s dive in!

Disclosure: I may earn a commission on shoppable links in this article.

Trail Stats

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Length: 3.1 km (see map)
• Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Elevation Gain: 157 m
• Trailhead: Diamond Head parking lot

Reservations, Fees & Hours

Getting ready to hike Diamond Head? Let’s talk the essentials: how to snag your spot, what it’ll cost, and when you can hit the trail.

From timed reservations to park hours, here’s the everything to help you plan your adventure so you don’t miss out. Because that would sad.

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Reservations for Diamond Head

The first time I hiked Diamond Head in 2013, reservations weren’t a thing. Fast forward to 2023 when Jacob and I visited, we didn’t realize they were necessary until we were already in Hawaii and getting ready to head over. Luckily, we managed to get a good reservation, but it was a close call!

Did you know that thousands of people used to hike Diamond Head daily? The record is 6,000 in one day! It was unmanageable, stopped locals from enjoying the park, and was basically a nightmare for everyone.

However, in May 2022 they implemented a reservation system and showing up to Diamond Head without a ticket means you won’t be hiking (unless you’re a Hawaii resident). So make sure to snag yours online at the State Park’s website.

Tip: Reservations open 30 days in advance and can sell out quickly during peak times. No worries if you didn’t book weeks ahead, though—we got ours just three days before and easily snagged a spot for the last entry.

Timed-Entry Tickets

Diamond Head now uses a timed-entry system which means that when you buy your ticket, you’ll also pick a specific two-hour window for your adventure. It might feel like an extra hoop to jump through, but it’s actually way better than the free-for-all it used to be.

There’s no more elbow-to-elbow crowds and cursing parking. Instead, you’ll have space to enjoy the views, hike at your own pace, and fully enjoy the experience. Plus, it helps keep the trail in great shape and has significantly reduced the number of rescues and medical emergencies.

Honestly, a little planning ahead is a small trade-off for a safer and all-around better hike!

Morning Reservation

If you’re an early riser, I highly recommend trying to get a 6:00 am reservation. The trail is peaceful, the air is cool, and the soft morning light gives everything a magical glow. The bonus? You’ll still have the rest of the day free to explore or lounge by the beach!

Morning is also your only chance to catch golden hour at Diamond Head—sunset doesn’t work since the park closes at 6:00 pm and sunset times vary from 5:45 pm to 7:15 pm. Early entry is the way to go!

We were hoping to snag an early morning slot ourselves to catch golden hour, but thanks to our poor planning, we missed our shot. Lesson learned—plan ahead!

Mid-Day Reservation

Not a morning person? No problem! While most guides will tell you to hit the trail early or go for the last entry, that’s not realistic for everyone—and that’s totally okay. Honestly, if midday is the only time you can manage, go for it!

Don’t let the advice from guides stress you out—Diamond Head is incredible no matter when you hike. Sure, it might be a bit busier and hotter, but that’s a small price to pay for experiencing this iconic trail.

The idea that it’s only worth doing in the morning or late afternoon is ridiculous. Hike when it works for you and enjoy the adventure!

Last-Entry Reservation

The last entry of the day is from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. It starts off a bit busy as hikers head down, but by the time you reach the summit, it’s surprisingly calm—well, except for the summit itself which is always busy.

We went with this time and loved it! It was a relaxing way to end the day and the views were incredible. Just a heads-up—it’s still hot at this time of the day, so don’t skimp on water, sunscreen, or a hat.

Tip: Don’t count on evening golden hour here—the park closes at 6:00 pm sharp and sunsets range from about 5:45 pm in winter to 7:15 pm in summer.

Fees for Hiking Diamond Head

Just a heads-up, hiking at Diamond Head comes with a few fees. While I don’t love paying to hike, I don’t mind when the cost is reasonable and helps preserve the area. It’s really not that different from paying for park passes.

There’s an attendant who checks your tickets and/or ID just before the parking lot inside the crater.

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Non-Hawaii Residents

• Entrance Fee: $5 per person (children 3 and under are free)
• Parking Fee: $10 per vehicle in the crater
• If you’re walking in, you only need to pay the $5 entrance fee

Hawaii Residents

• Entrance & Parking: Free with a valid Hawaii ID

Diamond Head Hours

Diamond Head State Monument is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm with the last entry at 4:30 pm. The gates close promptly at 6:00 pm, so make sure you’ve wrapped up your hike and exited the park by then to avoid getting locked in.

If you have a 6:00 am entry, be ready to wait outside the Kahala Tunnel if you arrive a little early. It’s worth the early start for the cool air and quiet trail.

Getting to Diamond Head

Diamond Head is located in Honolulu and is easy to reach. To reach the trailhead and parking lot, you’ll navigate a narrow single-lane tunnel through the crater wall (called Kahala Tunnel) which is also pedestrian access—take it slow and be cautious.

• Drive Yourself: Parking in the Diamond Head crater is $10 per vehicle and you must arrive within the first 30 minutes of your timed-entry. There are a few free spaces outside the park, but they’re hard to get. Please avoid parking at KCC, the nearby college.
• Public Transportation & Bus: You can take a bus from Waikīkī to the Diamond Head Monument, then hike up into the crater to the trailhead (about 1 mile). Download the “DaBus2” app for routes and schedules.
• Waikīkī Trolley: The Waikīkī Trolley makes a stop at Diamond Head and it’s a chill hop-on, hop-off option (it’s also a great way to see other locations). They have a direct line to Diamond Head.
• Rideshare/Taxi: For the ultimate no-hassle option, jump in a rideshare or taxi straight to the crater. It’s definitely the priciest route, but sometimes convenience is worth it. Here’s a great guide to your options.
• By Foot: You can walk to the trailhead from Waikīkī—it’s about an hour depending on where you start. Make sure to stop by the nearby KCC Farmers’ Market on Saturdays!
• Self-Guided Tour with Transportation: For a stress-free trip, book a self-guided tour with transportation. It covers hotel pick-up, park reservations, and fees.

We drove from our VRBO in Waikīkī and had no trouble parking inside the crater — thank you timed entry! We considered walking, but didn’t want to walk back in the dark. The area felt quite safe, but we don’t like walking in unfamiliar areas at night if we don’t have to.

Tips for Hiking Diamond Head

Diamond Head isn’t just one of Oahu’s most iconic hikes, it’s basically a rite of passage. Even though it’s super popular, it’s tougher than it looks (especially if you’re not prepared). You don’t need to do a ton of planning, but a little prep goes a long way.

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Prepare for the Heat

• Midday can get pretty hot, so make sure to dress to stay cool and comfortable.
• I wore bike shorts with pockets, a bikini top, and a light cover-up—it was super breezy and comfortable, but I really wish I’d worn a hat.
• Don’t skimp on sunscreen, even on cloudy days. I learned the hard way when the back of my legs got fried.

Bring Water

• You can buy water at the trailhead, but it’s better to come prepared.
• Once you start, there’s no water available on the trail so pack a reusable bottle or hydration pack.

Wear Proper Footwear

• Leave the flip-flops behind—this trail has uneven terrain and plenty of steep stairs. Choose trail runners or sturdy hiking sandals instead.
• Every guide out there stresses no flip-flops, but we still saw tons of people hiking in flip-flops. Sure, it’s technically doable, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Check the Weather

• Cloudy days are great. They keep the temps cooler and make the whole hike way more comfortable. Plus, let’s be real, hiking in full sun is pretty overrated.
• Avoid hiking right after it rains—the trail can get pretty muddy and slippery, and you don’t want to spend the entire time trying not to wipe out.

Bring Some Cash

• Souvenirs: The Visitor Center is small, but it has some cool souvenirs.
• Food Trucks: Treat yourself to a fresh pineapple, a smoothie, or another refreshing snack from the food trucks set up around the parking lot. Sadly, they weren’t there when we went, but I hear they’re great!

Hiking Diamond Head: What to Expect

Most people call Diamond Head a moderate hike, but I’d say it’s more moderately easy—Jacob, on the other hand, found it moderately difficult. Ratings are so subjective! That said, we saw everyone from kids to 70-somethings on the trail, so it’s doable for a wide range of fitness levels.

The 3.1 km (1.6 miles) roundtrip trail climbs 157 m (560 feet) from the crater floor to the summit. Even though the elevation gain can be challenging, the paved path, stairs, and rest spots make it a easier. It took us about 40 minutes up and 30 down.

Starting the Hike

The trail starts near the parking lot where you’ll find a visitor center, washrooms, and vending machines. If you forgot water, you can grab a bottle here.

It begins with an easy, flat paved path through dry grasslands and is a great intro to the rugged crater. You’ll probably see some birds hanging out along the trail; please don’t feed them.

Switchbacks

As the trail climbs, it turns rocky with switchbacks zigzagging up the crater wall. The trail is a mix of cracked cement, slick rocks, and dirt. I started feeling the burn about halfway through and cursed those seemingly endless switchbacks. It’s definitely a workout!

We took our time, snapped photos, and soaked in the views. About halfway up there’s a lookout with a stunning view of the crater. The view is wild! The lush, rugged landscape inside the crater feels like a completely different world compared to the bustling city of Honolulu in the distance.

And let’s talk about the switchbacks themselves—they really show just how popular this hike is. At one point, I laughed and called it the “hiker pilgrimage” as we watched everyone slowly zigzag their way up.

Tunnels and Stairs

As you near the summit, you’ll encounter some stairs and tunnels. First up, there’s steep but manageable set of 74 concrete steps. At the top, you’ll enter a 225-foot-long tunnel. It’s cool and fairly well-lit, but can feel a little claustrophobic.

When you come out, you’ve got two options: tackle another 99 steep steps, a 52-step spiral staircase, and another tunnel to the summit or take the flat path to the left for a fantastic crater rim viewpoint and eventually, the summit. Either way, it’s a loop, so you won’t miss anything.

My tip? Head left and save the staircases for the way back—they’re much easier downhill.

The Summit

The summit of Diamond Head has stunning 360° views of the crater, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. Waikīkī stretches out and is framed by lush mountains and sparkling blue waters. It’s so gorgeous!

At the summit of Diamond Head is a historic fire control station and a small observation deck. It can get pretty busy during peak times (but not nearly as bad as it used to) and you’ll likely need to wait your turn for photos. Please be courteous—grab your shots and step aside quickly so others can enjoy the view, too.

Even with the hustle and bustle at the top, the experience is worth every step. The sweeping views of the Honolulu skyline and dramatic coastline are unforgettable!

Historic Fire Control Station

The historic Fire Control Station at the top of the Diamond Head trail dates back to 1908–1910. It was built for coastal defense and used to house observation equipment and plotting rooms that directed artillery fire from nearby batteries. It’s a fascinating piece of Oʻahu’s history.

To get there, you’ll climb a narrow spiral staircase with 52 steps—it feels like something straight out of an adventure movie! It’s a tight fit, especially if there are people ahead or behind you, but is such a unique part of this hike that you don’t want to miss it.

At the top of the staircase, you’ll step onto the lower level of the station. From here, you can either climb up to the observation deck or take the path along the crater rim. Either way, the station offers a peek into the island’s history and some of the most incredible views of Oʻahu you’ll ever see!

The Abandoned Bunker

As you get close to the summit, you might notice an old bunker that looks like it’s just asking to be explored, but it’s not. The area is off-limits. The bunker is part of the historic fire control station and isn’t safe or open to the public.

There’s usually a park ranger at the top keeping an eye on things to make sure hikers stay on the marked paths and out of restricted areas. It’s pretty easy to know where you can and can’t go—as long as you don’t jump fences, you’ll be fine. There are also danger signs everywhere.

The History of Diamond Head

Diamond Head, or Lēʻahi as the Hawaiians call it, is more than just an iconic landmark with a great hike. It was formed by a volcanic eruption 300,000 years ago, plays an important role in Indigenous Hawaiian culture, and served as a vital military defense site.

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Geographical History

Lēʻahi was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single explosive eruption of the Koʻolau Volcano and has been dormant for around 150,000 years. This eruption also formed other iconic craters like Koko (which you can also hike) and Punchbowl.

The southwestern rim of the Diamond Head Crater, which is the tallest part of the crater, was shaped by winds carrying ash during the eruption. Over the centuries, rain, wind, and waves carved the crater into the rugged formation we see today. The coral reef also shields its seaward slopes from further erosion.

In 1968, Diamond Head earned its place as a National Natural Landmark and is celebrated for its striking silhouette and incredible geological history.

The Cultural Significance of Diamond Head (Lēʻahi)

In Hawaiian culture, Diamond Head is known as Lēʻahi. The name comes from the crater’s ridgeline which is thought to resemble the forehead (lahi) of an ‘ahi (tuna) fish. Legend has it that Hi‘iaka, the sister of the fire goddess Pele, gave the crater its name.

Lēʻahi also has an important place in Hawaiian history and culture. High points like this were considered powerful places with a connection to the gods and ceremonies, including sacrifices, were held on its slopes. Its summit was also used as a lookout to spot visitors arriving by sea and helped with coastal navigation.

Hawaiians have long seen the crater as sacred land that embodies the island’s spirit and reflects the powerful forces of nature that formed O‘ahu. It’s also believed to be a place of healing.

Lēʻahi has some interesting history tied to Hawaii’s politics. In 1895, after the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown, a battle broke out on its slopes between royalist rebels and the provisional government. The modern name “Diamond Head” came from British sailors in the late 1700s who mistook sparkling calcite crystals in the rocks for diamonds. Even though the crystals weren’t gems, the name stuck.

Military History

Diamond Head’s military history adds an interesting layer to the hike. In 1904, the US government purchased the crater for $3,300 (roughly $115,000 in 2023) and turned it into a military base.

By 1908, the summit trail was built as part of the island’s coastal defense system and gave soldiers access to lookouts and bunkers. There are five batteries in the crater.

With its elevated position overlooking Honolulu Harbor and the southern coastline, Diamond Head was a strategic outpost. The military carved tunnels into the crater, constructed batteries, and installed bunkers to protect O‘ahu from potential threats.

The military controlled Diamond Head until 1955. It was then handed over to the Territory of Hawaiʻi just a few years before Hawaii became a state in 1959.

More Recent History

In 1962, Diamond Head was declared a state monument and parts of the crater were protected as a historic site by 1965, and in 1975, it was officially managed by the State Parks Division to focus on public access and preservation.

Many Indigenous Hawaiians see the government’s management of Diamond Head as a continuation of colonization. Recently, there have been efforts to shift control of Diamond Head and other cultural sites to Indigenous Hawaiian organizations.

Here’s a cool bit of history: in the late ‘60s and ‘70s, when you needed a special permit to visit, the crater hosted Woodstock-style concerts with artists like Carlos Santana and Buddy Miles. The series ended in the late ‘70s but made a short comeback in 2006 and 2007 and featured artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, and Linda Ronstadt.

Final Thoughts About Hiking Diamond Head

Hiking Diamond Head is such a beautiful experience — from the hike itself to its deep historical and spiritual meaning to the island, there’s a lot to appreciate about this crater.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or looking for a fun and memorable activity while visiting Oʻahu, this iconic trail is a must-do. Jacob and I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to tackle it again the next time we’re on the island. It’s a well-loved hike and for good reason!

With its breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean, I definitely think this hike is worth the effort. Just remember to plan ahead—make your reservations, bring plenty of water, and wear comfortable shoes.

And remember that Diamond Head is more than just a hike–it’s a chance to connect with Hawaii’s rich culture, so please treat it with utmost respect.