For hiking near Honolulu, Diamond Head State Monument offers a 0.8-mile climb each way to a summit above the crater floor. The Oʻahu monument’s Summit Trail has steep, uneven sections, stairs and a tunnel, so plan for the terrain as well as the reservation and entry rules.
- Location: Oʻahu; managed by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks.
- Trail: 0.8 mile (1.3 km) each way, climbing to 560 feet (171 m) above the crater floor.
- Typical hike: 60–90 minutes; allow 1.5–2 hours for a leisurely round trip.
- Nonresidents need online reservations for entry and, if driving, parking.
How do you get from Waikīkī to Diamond Head?
Route 2 of TheBus serves the Waikīkī–Diamond Head–Kapiʻolani Community College corridor. If you’re planning the hike from Waikīkī, check the operator’s route page for current timetable information.
Diamond Head is a distinct outing from beach time in Waikīkī, so leave room in your day for the hike and the entry process. The monument’s gates close at 6:00 p.m., and visitors must enter by 4:30 p.m. If you’re planning time at the shore as well, Waikīkī Beach access points are another part of the day to consider.
Reservations, fees, and entry
Nonresidents must reserve and pay online for entry, and must reserve parking if driving; visitors without reservations are turned away. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.
Nonresident entry costs $5 per person, while children 3 years old and younger enter free. The state page specifies credit card payment. Nonresident parking for a non-commercial vehicle costs $10 per vehicle; commercial vehicle fees vary by passenger capacity: $25 for 1–7 passengers, $50 for 8–25, and $90 for 26 or more.
Hawaiʻi residents with a valid Hawaiʻi ID or driver’s license are exempt from entry and reservation fees, though the state cannot guarantee residents a parking space. Arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation period: late arrivals may be denied entry or parking. If you reserve parking, you must leave by the end of your reserved period.
The monument is normally open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closes on Christmas and New Year’s Day. The last reservation is for 4:00 p.m. Because operating details and fees can change, check the official site before you go.
For your Waikīkī stay, rooms at this Waikīkī hotel are available to browse as you plan your trip.
If you’re adding another outing, a Hanauma Bay day trip also calls for planning reservations and transport.
What is the Diamond Head summit trail like?
The Summit Trail runs 0.8 mile (1.3 km) one way and climbs to 560 feet (171 m) above the crater floor. The route includes uneven, steep terrain, stairways and semi-dark tunnels; its final 0.1 mile is especially steep and consists of stairs.
Plan on 60–90 minutes for a typical hike, or 1.5–2 hours for a safe, leisurely round trip. The route passes through a 225-foot lighted tunnel and reaches the Fire Control Station, completed in 1911. Bunkers and a navigational lighthouse built in 1917 are also at the summit.
The summit trail is not ADA accessible. The state describes facilities on the crater floor as fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Nearby Kapiʻolani Regional Park is another possible addition to a Waikīkī itinerary; its paths and picnic areas are covered in this park guide.
What should you bring, and what are the visitor rules?
Bring at least 1 liter of water, sunscreen and a hat. The state advises hikers to prepare for heat inside the crater. There is no water or restroom available on the trail, so plan accordingly before starting.
The trail is for hiking only; it is not designed for bicycles or strollers. Pets are not allowed, except service animals. Take care on the steep stairs and in the semi-dark tunnel, particularly on the final climb to the summit.
FAQs
How long does the Diamond Head hike take?
A typical hike takes 60–90 minutes. Allow 1.5–2 hours for a safe, leisurely round trip.
Do you need a reservation for Diamond Head?
Nonresidents need an online reservation for entry and, if driving, parking. Visitors without reservations are turned away.
Is the Diamond Head summit trail accessible?
No. The summit trail is not ADA accessible, though the state describes the facilities on the crater floor as fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Are there restrooms or water on the trail?
No. The trail has no restrooms or water available, so bring water before you begin.